Summary
Fuengirola is an intriguing combination of a typical Spanish coastal town, even while it is positioned centrally within the Costa del Sol. The town is bustling with tourists and a significant number of expatriates, yet it retains its authentic Spanish atmosphere.
This municipality boasts inviting plazas, promenades, parks, and a variety of restaurants offering local delicacies such as grilled sardines. There are also notable attractions like Bioparc Fuengirola, a humane zoo that is sure to delight younger visitors. With three Blue Flag beaches, Fuengirola offers everything necessary for a relaxing holiday by the sea.
Let us explore the top attractions in Fuengirola:
1. Bioparc Fuengirola
Visitors can appreciate the well-being of animals at this premier family attraction.
Here, both animals and guests are engaged through pathways that navigate reconstructed tropical environments featuring genuine vegetation and aquatic elements, including waterfalls.
For various wild species such as crocodiles, gibbons, pygmy hippos, lowland gorillas, Malayan tapirs, and Borneo Orangutans, this facility offers ethical habitats free of cages.
In the summertime, guests can opt for a “moonlight visit” to witness nocturnal creatures generally hidden or at rest during the day.
Tickets are accessible online: Bioparc Fuengirola General Admission Day Ticket
2. Beaches
Many resorts would consider one Blue Flag beach a significant achievement, but Fuengirola boasts three, affirming its high standards of cleanliness and amenities.
The foremost beach, Playa de Fuengirola, stretches along the marina, featuring soft sand and gentle waters complemented by beach bars serving delectable tapas.
Boliches-Gaviotas, located in a quieter region of Fuengirola, offers a wider and slightly curving shore.
In the summer, joggers, cyclists, and roller-skaters frequent the Paseo Marítimo.
Lastly, Torreblanca provides a tranquil escape while still offering essential facilities, such as water sports centers and food kiosks.
3. Plaza de la Constitución
In Fuengirola, most residents reside in apartments, and when they wish to relax in the sun or socialize, they often head to public spaces like Plaza de la Constitución.
One can observe many senior citizens enjoying conversations on benches nestled under pergolas adorned with lush vines providing shade.
This square features the Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario, a whitewashed structure that occasionally hosts concerts.
Visitors can explore its interior or partake in shopping along the adjacent streets.
During the evening, this location becomes a common choice for tapas or dinner.
4. Water Sports
The presence of a marina in Fuengirola presents various opportunities for aquatic recreation in the Mediterranean.
Activity options are virtually limitless, with companies operating from the marina offering exhilarating experiences such as parasailing, tubing, wakeboarding, and water-skiing.
For those preferring quieter pursuits, cruises into the serene open sea allow for dolphin spotting, or visitors can opt to charter a yacht for an extended experience.
5. Golf
For avid golfers, it is essential to experience at least one round while visiting the Costa del Sol.
Mijas Costa, nearby, features nine courses, most of which are private clubs welcoming paying golfers.
Many of these courses include extensive practice facilities and driving ranges to sharpen skills.
For those with lower handicaps, Miraflores is recommended, featuring an island green on the 15th hole.
La Siesta caters to novices and less active golfers with its manageable par-27, nine-hole layout. Additionally, Fuengirola is home to an adventure golf course comprising 18 creatively designed holes suitable for families.
6. Miramar Shopping Centre
Fuengirola is home to one of the largest shopping complexes in the Costa del Sol.
During the peak summer season, finding refuge from the sun in an air-conditioned environment is often desirable.
This shopping center offers a diverse selection of shops and dining options, including brands such as Superdry, Primark, Mango, and H&M, as well as popular Spanish retailers like Oysho, Bershka, and Pull & Bear.
For parents seeking respite, Isla Miramar is available, providing supervised activities for children throughout the day.
7. Sohail Castle
This imposing coastal fortification was constructed by the Córdoba Caliph, Abd -ar-Rahman III in the 10th century as a citadel featuring a watchtower.
During the Peninsular War in the early 19th century, the castle served as a stronghold for Napoleon’s French Army, thwarting a siege and assisting in the defeat of a British corps at the Battle of Fuengirola in 1810. Adventurous visitors can conquer the steep walk to enter the castle and ascend to the gun placements to admire panoramic views of the resort.
The bailey area is vacant and used as a grand venue for concerts during selected summer evenings.
8. Costa Water Park
For families with energetic children looking for entertainment beyond Fuengirola Beach, one-hour passes are available for this inflatable playground located a short distance from the shore.
Children are provided with life jackets and supervision while they engage in climbing, running, and sliding through the inflatables.
The Water Park is completely safe, as it operates under strict guidelines, closing when red or yellow flags indicate unsafe conditions.
After a vigorous hour of activity, children are likely to be more relaxed for the remainder of the day!
9. Food and Drink
The province of Málaga is renowned for its culinary offerings, featuring many dishes that are quintessentially Spanish.
This includes a variety of deep-fried fish and seafood tapas, with popular options such as pescaíto frito, calamares, and chipirones (fried baby squid) typically found at coastal bars (chiringuitos). Also local are espetos, where sardines are skewered and grilled over wooden fires often constructed directly on the beach.
Another regional favorite is gazpacho, which has Moorish origins. This chilled vegetable soup is prepared with tomato, garlic, and cucumber.
10. Sould Park
Nestled between the marina and Paseo Marítimo, Sould Park caters to the youngest visitors of Fuengirola.
This miniature amusement area features games and rides tailored for children up to approximately eight or nine years of age.
Attractions with jungle and desert island themes include carousels, bumper boats, a small Ferris wheel, alongside large bouncy castles, trampolines, and inflatable slides.
For older children, a “Play Zone” offers air hockey and skeeball, while parents can momentarily unwind at the café-bar featuring outdoor seating.
11. Finca del Secretario
Although it requires some effort to locate, this Roman archaeological site dating back to the 1st century lies hidden amidst recent developments near Los Boliches station.
Originally discovered in 1987, excavations have been ongoing since 1991, with the remnants of the baths being particularly noteworthy for casual visitors.
The viewing platform allows for detailed observation of the ancient underground heating system.
Additionally, the trendy “El Jazzy Bar” forms part of the complex, where one can enjoy a drink while marveling at the site from the window or terrace.
12. Castillo de Colomares
Positioned in the hills between Fuengirola and Benalmádena, this castle resembles the striking fortifications and palaces characteristic of the Castilian Renaissance.
Built as a tribute to Christopher Columbus’s discovery of America, the structure’s construction occurred during the 1980s and 90s.
This unique endeavor involves the collaboration of a local entrepreneur and only two bricklayers, reflecting Spain’s diverse architectural heritage, incorporating Byzantine, Romanesque, Moorish, and Gothic styles.
A prominent feature is the grand portal, adorned with twin pointed arches and intricate carvings of the Catholic monarchs and their coat of arms, making it a prime location for photographs.
13. Benalmádena
Adjacent to Fuengirola, the extensive resort of Benalmádena can be reached within minutes by car or a 20-minute ride on the C1 train.
Within this vibrant area, numerous tourist attractions await discovery, as well as a picturesque old village located slightly inland.
Families may enjoy taking the cable car to Mount Calamorro, where a 15-minute ascent surpasses 700 meters, revealing breathtaking views spanning the Costa del Sol.
At the summit, guests can dine at a restaurant, enjoy falconry exhibitions, and explore trails meandering through the mountainous landscape.
14. La Carihuela
Connecting the beachfront of the neighboring resorts of Torremolinos and Benalmádena, a lengthy promenade paved with a geometric mosaic presents a worthy excursion.
It is worthwhile to venture a short distance up the coast to experience it firsthand.
Whether visitors choose to relax on the beach during the day or enjoy dinner at night, La Carihuela contributes significantly to the overall experience.
This bustling esplanade attracts both locals and tourists alike, fostering a vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
The area boasts an impressive array of dining establishments offering diverse culinary options, alongside typical Spanish chiringuitos renowned for their pescaíto frito (fried whitebait). If one is in search of the ideal beach spot, this walkway provides the opportunity to explore available choices.
15. Mijas Pueblo
Located a mere ten minutes inland yet over 400 meters above sea level is the charming town of Mijas.
This picturesque locale showcases a sea of whitewashed dwellings, offering a glimpse into the Costa del Sol’s historical identity.
The optimal viewpoint to appreciate this stunning townscape is from the terrace of the Plaza de Toros (bullring), where, on a sunny day, the bright walls of the houses contrast beautifully against the dark browns and greens of the towering mountains in the background.
Visitors can easily spend a couple of hours wandering through the narrow streets where traditional ceramics continue to be crafted and painted by hand in an authentic Andalusian style.
