Fuengirola Holidays

This coastal city in southern Spain is so much more than just golden sands and shimmering seas. A wealth of sights and fun-filled activities are sure to keep you on your toes.

• Visit Sohail Castle: The remains of Sohail Castle provide a glimpse of Fuengirola’s Moorish past. Built in 965 AD, it’s now an important part of the city’s heritage. Explore the castle grounds or visit the Interpretation Centre to learn more about the castle’s long history.
• Stroll down Paseo Marítimo de Fuengirola: At 7km long, this palm tree-lined promenade is the longest in the Costa del Sol. Enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea to one side, while bars and restaurants hum with hungry and thirsty customers on the other. Sould Park, a small amusement park for little ones, can also be found along this boardwalk.
• Go on a shopping spree: Spend some time at Miramar Shopping Centre browsing 140 retailers, from big-name brands like Zara and H&M to designer names and local boutiques. Grab lunch at one of the restaurants or make a day of it and check out the cinema or karting track. Alternatively, check out the weekly street markets – selling everything from clothes and books to vegetables and furniture – in Fuengirola’s town centre.
• Soak up the atmosphere: The Plaza de la Constitución is a central meeting point wrapped around a beautiful church, where locals enjoy coffee or a meal at one of the cafés or restaurants lining the pedestrianised streets that surround the square. It’s old-school Spain at its finest, so enjoy the buzz and watch the world go by.
• Get back to nature: Through habitats designed to mimic the tropical forests of Africa and Asia, Bioparc Fuengirola offers you the chance to immerse yourself in the natural world. As well as flourishing flora, you’ll have the chance to spot a number of animals including komodo dragons, flamingoes and lemurs. Plus, when you buy a ticket, some of the cost goes directly into supporting biodiversity conservation in Madagascar.

If you’ve explored the main attractions in town, or just fancy visiting more places that make Fuengirola special, add these spots to your list:

• Mijas Pueblo: Find culture by the bucketload at the whitewashed village of Mijas Pueblo, perched on a hillside just 10 minutes outside of Fuengirola. It’s another area that retains its Spanish charm, making it increasingly popular with visitors.
• Finca del Secretario: These hidden archaeological ruins are a total gem – if you can find them! Tucked away in the centre of town, the preserved Roman bathhouse and surrounding park offer a glimpse into an ancient past. There’s also an on-site bar, meaning you can admire the views from a terrace with a cocktail in hand.
• Castillo de Colomares: If you’re a lover of architectural beauties, this one’s for you. Nestled in the hills near Benalmadena, this castle – dedicated to Christopher Columbus – tells the story of the discovery of the New World through Byzantine, Moorish and Gothic architectural styles and design.
• Day trips: Fuengirola is perfectly situated for day trips to nearby resort towns and cities. For example, the capital of the Costa del Sol, Malaga, is a 40-minute drive away, while the glitzy shores of Marbella is 30 minutes in the other direction, where exclusive clubs and a luxurious marina awaits.
• Maro-Cerro Gordo Caves: Also known as the Nerja Caves, this series of natural limestone caves near the town of Nerja are a sight to see. Explore an impressive network of underground chambers, admire ethereal stalactites and stalagmites and learn about their historical and archaeological significance on a unique guided tour.

If there’s one thing Fuengirola does well, it’s beaches. Here, you’ll find golden sand, crystal-clear waters and all the facilities you could wish for.

• Torreblanca Beach: Treat yourself to 1km of sheer, sandy perfection at Torreblanca Beach. Nestled between Fuengirola and neighbouring Benalmadena, it tends to be a little quieter than some of the other local stretches. Boat hire and water sports are popular here.
• Los Boliches Beach: Awarded the prestigious Blue Flag on numerous occasions, Los Boliches Beach boasts dark sands, crystal-clear waters and a lively energy that draws sun-seeking crowds to its shores.
• San Francisco Beach: Found next to Fuengirola port in an inviting bay of golden sand, San Francisco Beach is a 300-metre-long stretch that fills up during the summer months, so make sure to score a sun lounger for the best views of the boats bobbing out at sea.
• Playa de las Gaviotas: Long late-afternoon walks along this sandy shoreline are perfect for admiring the deep-blue ocean before following your nose to some of the excellent seafood joints overlooking the sands.
• Playa del Castillo: Bask beneath the shadow of Sohail Castle on the justly named Playa del Castillo. Make a day of it and rent a boat-shaped barbecue to enjoy al fresco dinners while the sun goes down.

With safe, shallow waters and fun-filled promenades, Fuengirola’s sandy strips are perfect for family beach holidays.

• Carvajal Beach: Families flock to this Blue Flag beach on the border of Fuengirola and Benalmadena. A popular pick thanks to its wide array of tasty restaurants, water sports and colourful parasols, it’ll also win over the hearts of little ones looking to build sandcastles and splash about in the sea.
• Playa Fuengirola: This soft, grey-sand beach has all the amenities families can think of. The sparkling blue waters are great for swimming and, if you’re driving, you can park directly on the shore.
• Santa Amalia Beach: Hours of fun in the sun are in store at Santa Amalia Beach. Hire a pedalo, let off steam in the playgrounds or spot fish in the calm ocean shallows.
• Playa de la Carihuela: Lying up the coast towards Torremolinos, Playa de la Carihuela is the biggest and best-equipped beach in the area. Despite this, it still retains its Andalusian charm with a variety of child-friendly restaurants and bars right next to the sands.
• Fuengirola Marina: It may not be an actual beach, but Fuengirola’s marina is the place to be if you’re after an action-packed day on the water. You can take your pick of dolphin cruises, glass-bottomed boat rides and 7km worth of eateries and drinking joints with prime harbour views.

You’re spoiled for choice with places to eat and drink in this Costa del Sol gem. Originally a humble fishing village, Fuengirola has blossomed into a modern culinary hotspot offering a diverse array of international delights.

• Local flavours: For a taste of Basque-Andalusian cuisine, head to Bodega Charolais, whose tapas-style menu lists traditional dishes like pil pil prawns, duck confit meatballs and over 100 different bottles of wine.
• Sumptuous seafood: You can’t come to a fishing town and not try its seafood staples. Los Marinos Jose has been serving up fresh, delicious dishes for over 30 years and maintains their quality by heading out daily to catch their restaurant’s produce. Popular dishes include grilled small clams, tuna tartare and barbecued turbot.
• Michelin-starred delights: Indulge in award-winning cuisine at 1 Michelin-starred (and 1 Michelin Green-starred) Sollo, headed up by Chef Diego Gallegos. Alongside its open kitchen and unparalleled views over the coast, this upmarket restaurant is revered for its sustainable aquaponic production (the practice of rearing fish and growing vegetables in the same environment). The delectable tasting menu features modern, creative and delicately presented dishes with a South American touch.
• Moreish meats: Known for its grilled meats like Galician beef, as well as some of the best cured Iberian ham in the area, Restaurante Tipi Tapa also hosts flamenco performances throughout the week, adding an authentic Spanish touch to your dining experience.
• Weekend munching: Enjoy tasty food with a side of sea views at cafés and eateries that line the waterfront. Café Nomad serves up a delicious selection of breakfast and brunch favourites catered to a variety of dietary requirements, while Simmy’s Beach Café and Bar is popular for its freak shakes, epic smash burgers, colourful cocktails and ice-cold pints of beer.

Spain is world-renowned for its iconic food and drink. From tapas to sangria, no visit is complete without sampling these favourite dishes.

• Espetos: The ultimate beach snack is, undoubtedly, espetos, which you can find in most Spanish fishing towns. Named after their cooking technique, these juicy sardines are skewered, cooked over an open fire and eaten with your hands.
• Tapas: One of the many joys of tapas is its variety – even the pickiest of eaters are sure to find something they love. Tuck into crispy cheese croquettes, melt-in-the-mouth Iberico ham and spicy patatas bravas.
• Casual eats: Try a range of local specialities at stylish La Galeria food court. Home to independent eateries, you can order a selection of foods from grilled meats to calamari and even Colombian Yuca Fritas.
• Huevos a lo Bestia: Switch your typical Full English for Huevos a lo Bestia instead. Chorizo sausage, Spanish black pudding and crispy fried eggs are the ultimate way to start your day.
• Pestiño: If you’re lucky enough to spot a pestiño on your travels around Fuengirola, try one! These honey-soaked, deep-fried dough strips are usually popular around Easter, but can pop up on food stalls throughout the year.

After a mellow day at the beach and exploring the town, put on your glad rags and head out to experience Fuengirola’s buzzing, inclusive nightlife scene.

• Go bar-hopping: Kick off the night by going bar to bar along Calle Capitan. Filled with drinking dens, music bars and open-air cafés, this narrow street gets particularly lively after dark.
• Live music: Cover bands and live gigs get big billing in bars around town. Dance the night away with fun-loving crowds at hangouts like Pogs The Old Irish Pub, where live music rocks and the good times roll.
• Laid-back entertainment: If late-night antics aren’t your cup of tea, why not catch a flamenco show at Restaurante Tipa Tapa? Hosted several times a week, you can enjoy a glass of wine or 2 while admiring dancing, singing and instrument playing.
• Eclectic cocktails: Sweet, sour or floral – a number of bars in Fuengirola serve up delicious cocktails and an even better ambience. Lola’s bar is a great spot for complex, tasty tipples with views of the square that also hosts a selection of live music.
• Luxury nightspots: After a more exclusive experience? Why not spend your evening at one of Marbella’s popular beach clubs? Nikki Beach is a world-renowned name located on a sandy, white beach complete with elevated sun loungers, flowing drinks and exceptional DJs that keep the party going late into the night.

Holidays in Fuengirola aren’t complete without dabbling in some exciting aqua activities.

• Scuba diving: Abysub is Fuengirola’s top scuba-diving school that offers courses with qualified instructors. If you’re a seasoned diver, you can choose from their selection of outings around Andalucia, which even include shipwreck dives.
• Parasailing: Get a one-of-a-kind view of Fuengirola and the Costa del Sol by flying high above the land and sea on a parasailing experience. Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker or simply love the idea of gliding almost 200m above ground, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
• Jet skiing: Power across the Mediterranean Sea and indulge your need for speed on a jet ski. There’s plenty of places along the shores that offer jet ski hire and tours, allowing you to get out and about along the coastline or to experience a stunning sunset out on the water.
• Flyboarding: Take your adventurous side to another level by clipping into a flyboard. This water-powered board can propel you up to 12m above the water and, with a little practise, it won’t be long before you’ll be zipping around and doing backflips!
• Fishing: If you prefer something a bit more chilled out, then a fishing trip is the perfect way to spend the day. Sail out to sea to discover the different types of fish that call the Mediterranean their home, including Bonito and Tuna. There’s also the option to go reef fishing, where you’ll come across more exotic marine residents.