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Fuengirola – a modern resort retaining Spanish charm and character
Fuengirola is now best known as a holiday destination, but the area has a long and rich history. You can find the ruins of a Roman spring in neighbouring Torreblanca, and you won’t want to miss the landmark Sohail Castle which was built in 926 AD during the Moorish occupation of south-western Spain. Fuengirola is a busy town, which offers plenty to see and do, and is popular with Spanish holidaymakers and international tourists alike.
Lovely long sandy beach
Fuengirola is known for its beautiful long sandy beach starting at the Sohail Castle and ending five miles away in Torreblanca. The beach is well kept with great facilities, including lifeguard stations, showers, places to hire pedal boats and children’s play areas. During the summer months, beach beds and sunshades are available to rent. The promenade along the seafront is very popular with joggers and cyclists, especially on a morning and evening, as well as with those just enjoying a stroll by the sea. Along the promenade there are many beachside restaurants which specialise in fresh fish and seafood. Very popular are the espeto, which are fresh sardines cooked outside on the beach over charcoal on long metal skewers. If you prefer to do your own barbecue, you can reserve one of the barbecue boats at the western end of the beach close to Sohail Castle. Along the promenade opposite the beach you will find beach front hotels, and a large choice of cafes, bars, restaurants and mini-markets for all your beach supplies.
Delicious tapas and more
As a busy holiday resort, Fuengirola offers all types of cuisine with a large choice of places to eat. The street known as ‘Fish Alley’ in the town centre, Calle Moncayyo, is popular with tourists for its choice of international cuisine as well as lots of pubs and bars. But if you are looking for a more authentic Spanish experience you will not be disappointed as Fuengirola has retained a tradition for delicious tapas. Many of the most popular bars are located in the centre of town, around Plaza Chinorros. These bars are very busy, so go before the Spanish locals and tourists like to eat at 9 or 10 pm if you do not want to queue. Ice cream is a favourite at any time of day with many parlours offering their own homemade ice-creams in a huge choice of flavours. Try the local Malaga, similar in flavour to rum and raisin, and turron, which is flavoured with nougat. If you really can’t do without your full English breakfast you will find lots of British-run cafes along the promenade, or your hotel may also offer this option.
All the fun of the fair
Fuengirola hosts many events throughout the year. In April, the main fairground between Fuengirola and Los Boliches train stations holds a week-long ‘International Fair’. Here you will find stalls representing 50 countries from around the world, all of which serve food or drink associated with that particular country. There is also entertainment too, whether it is line dancing from the USA or traditional dancing from Russia. On the 24th of June people across Spain, Fuengirola included, celebrate the birth of John the Baptist with an event called San Juan. On this day, parties with bonfires and barbecues are held on the beach throughout the day and into the night. During July and August, Sohail Castle holds open air Spanish music and dance concerts, tapas fairs, and a Medieval Market with food, drink and demonstrations in costume. Fuengirola holds an annual feria, or fair, in October where the town comes together to spend a week celebrating the things that give Fuengirola and its people their identity. In the daytime and early evening, families visit the fairground for rides, stalls, and food. At night, through to the morning, small bars called casetas offer drinks and dancing. If you book your hotel around one of the many events, you are sure to have a great time, but be aware many hotels do get booked up early for the summer.
Shopping Galore!
Avenida Condes de San Isidro is Fuengirola’s principal shopping street, and has a good mix of local shops and Spanish high street favourites. Just remember that some shops here will close for an afternoon siesta at 2 pm, reopening at 4 or 5pm before staying open late, while many high street shops will close at 2pm on a Saturday. If you prefer to hunt for a bargain, the Tuesday market and the Saturday market held at the main fairground are the town’s largest markets. Here you will find everything from fruit and vegetables through to clothing, leather goods and clothing, and second hand items. There is also a small Sunday market held close to the Sohail Castle which sells clothing, handbags and pottery. If wandering around the shops or market in the heat gets too much, head to the large, air-conditioned indoor shopping centre. There you will find Spanish and international high street shops, a large supermarket, cinema and good choice of places to eat. You will find the shopping centre really convenient if you are staying in one of the hotels located on either side.