Fuengirola: Our review on this popular beach resort on Spain’s Costa del Sol

Need a break and looking for a place to enjoy the sun, the sea and the sand in Spain? Do you want to experience the culture, cuisine and nightlife of a lively coastal town? Then you should visit Fuengirola, on the Costa del Sol one of the most popular destinations on the Costa del Sol.

Fuengirola is a large town and municipality on the southern Mediterranean coastline, only 25 km from Malaga International Airport. It has a long history that dates back to ancient times, when it was known as Suel and then Suhayl. It was conquered by the Moors in the 8th century, and later by the Christians in the 15th century. Today, it is a modern and cosmopolitan town that attracts millions of tourists every year.

Fuengirola has something for everyone: from its 8 km of golden sand beaches, to its impressive Moorish castle, to its vibrant shopping and entertainment areas. In this blog post, we will highlight some of the best things to do and see in Fuengirola, as well as some tips and recommendations on how to make the most of your stay.

Relax on the Beaches At Fuengirola Costa del Sol

One of the main attractions of Fuengirola is its beautiful beaches, which stretch along the coast for 8 km. There are seven main beaches, each with its own character and facilities. They are all awarded with the Blue Flag for their cleanliness and quality.

The most central and popular beach is Playa de Fuengirola, also known as Playa del Castillo, because it is located next to the Sohail Castle. It is a wide and sandy beach, with plenty of sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets and lifeguards. It also has a promenade with bars, restaurants and shops.

Another popular beach is Playa de Los Boliches, which is located in the former fishing district of Fuengirola. It is a family-friendly beach, with calm waters, playgrounds, sports facilities and water sports. It also has a nice promenade with cafes, ice cream parlors and souvenir shops.

If you are looking for a quieter and more natural beach, you can visit Playa de Carvajal, which is located at the eastern end of Fuengirola. It is a long and narrow beach, surrounded by green hills and pine trees. It has fewer facilities than the other beaches, but it is ideal for relaxing and enjoying the scenery.

Visit the Sohail Castle

The Sohail Castle is one of the most emblematic landmarks of Fuengirola. An impressive medieval fortress that was built by the Moors in 956 AD on a hill overlooking the sea. It formed part of a defensive system that protected the coast from pirate attacks. It was also used as a prison, a barracks and even a lighthouse.

Sohail castle was restored in the 1990s and opened to the public as a cultural and historical site. You can visit its walls, towers, courtyards and dungeons, and enjoy panoramic views of Fuengirola and the sea. You can also attend concerts, festivals and events that are held in its open-air auditorium.

The castle is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00. The entrance fee is 3 euros for adults and 2 euros for children. You can also take a tourist train that runs from Fuengirola’s center to the castle every hour.

Explore the Fuengirola Bioparc

If you love animals and nature, you should not miss the Bioparc in Fuengirola. It is an innovative zoo that recreates different habitats from Africa, Asia and Madagascar, where you can see more than 200 species of animals living in semi-freedom.

The Bioparc has four main areas: The Island of Madagascar, where you can see lemurs, fossas and tortoises; Equatorial Africa, where you can see gorillas, chimpanzees and crocodiles; Southeast Asia, where you can see tigers, gibbons and komodo dragons; and Indo-Pacific Islands.

The Bioparc is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00 in winter and from 10:00 to 23:00 in summer. The entrance fee is 20.50 euros for adults and 15.50 euros for children. You can also buy a combined ticket with the Fuengirola City Tour bus for 24 euros.

The Bioparc is not only a zoo, but also a conservation and education center that supports various projects to protect endangered animals and habitats. You can learn more about their work and how to get involved at their website.

Go Shopping In Fuengirola

The resort of Fuengirola has many shops throughout the town. In the main town center you will find a selection of popular brand shops. This area is great to wander around some shops and maybe stop for a coffee. Fuengirola also has a rather large shopping center called Miramar. The shopping center is filled with the top name stores and also features restaurants and a cinema. On the very top floor is a go-kart track and rides and attractions for children. Miramar shopping center is just 5 minutes drive from Fuengirola town center. The shopping center has ample free parking.

Enjoy the Costa del Sol Nightlife In Fuengirola

Fuengirola is also a great place to have fun when the sun goes down. The town has a lively nightlife scene, with bars, pubs, clubs and discos for all tastes and ages.

One of the most popular areas for nightlife is the Plaza de los Chinorros, which is located in the center of Fuengirola. It is a square surrounded by bars and restaurants, where you can enjoy tapas, drinks and live music. It is especially busy on weekends and during festivals.

Another popular area for nightlife is the Paseo Maritimo, which is the promenade that runs along the beach. It has many bars and clubs that offer different styles of music, from rock to salsa to techno. Some of the most famous clubs are London Underground, Heaven and Disco Kiu.

If you are looking for a more cultural and relaxed nightlife, you can visit the Salon Varietes Theatre, which is the oldest English-speaking theatre in Spain. It offers a variety of shows, from musicals to comedies to dramas. You can also check out the Marenostrum Fuengirola, which is a series of outdoor concerts that take place at the Sohail Castle during the summer.

Discover More of The Costa del Sol

Fuengirola makes a great base to explore other attractions on the Costa del Sol. You can easily reach other towns and cities by road, rail or bus, and enjoy their history, culture and nature.

Some of the places you can visit from Fuengirola are:

• Malaga: The capital of Costa del Sol and the birthplace of Picasso. It has a rich cultural heritage, with monuments such as the Alcazaba, the Cathedral and the Picasso Museum. It also has a vibrant gastronomic scene, with markets, tapas bars and restaurants.
• Marbella: The most glamorous and luxurious town on Costa del Sol. It has a charming old town, with whitewashed houses and narrow streets. It also has a famous marina, Puerto Banus, where you can see yachts, celebrities and designer shops.
• Benalmadena: A family-friendly town that offers many attractions for children and adults. It has a cable car that takes you to the top of Mount Calamorro, where you can enjoy views and hiking trails. It also has a theme park, Tivoli World, an aquarium, Sea Life, and a butterfly park.
• Nerja: A picturesque town that boasts some of the best beaches on Costa del Sol. It has a spectacular natural attraction, the Caves of Nerja, where you can see stalactites, stalagmites and prehistoric paintings. It also has a famous viewpoint, the Balcony of Europe, where you can admire the sea and the mountains.

Plan Your Trip to Fuengirola Costa del Sol

If you are ready to visit Fuengirola and enjoy all it has to offer, here are some tips and recommendations on how to plan your trip:

• The best time to visit Fuengirola is from April to October, when the weather is warm and sunny, and there are many events and festivals. However, Fuengirola is also a good destination in winter, as it has a mild climate and fewer crowds.
• The best way to get to Fuengirola is by flying to Malaga International Airport, which has flights from many European cities. From there, you can take a train, a bus or a taxi to Fuengirola in about 30 minutes.
• The best way to get around Fuengirola is by walking or cycling, as it is a compact town with good pedestrian paths and bike lanes. You can also use public transport, such as buses or trains, or rent a car if you want to explore other places on Costa del Sol.
• The best place to stay in Fuengirola depends on your budget and preferences. You can find hotels, hostels, apartments and villas for all tastes and pockets. Some of the best areas to stay are Los Boliches, Carvajal or Playa de Fuengirola.

So, this is our review of Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol. The resort has everything you need, from beaches to nightlife. More importantly, it makes a great base to explore the rest of the Costa del Sol. We highly recommend hiring a car to explore other areas, both on the coast and inland. The historic city of Malaga is just 15 minutes away by car.