Where is Fuengirola?
Situated just 25 kilometres west of Malaga on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol, Fuengirola is easily reached by car, bus or train. In fact, the railway which runs from Malaga Airport operates an excellent service, with trains that run on time and are spotlessly clean.
What kind of place is Fuengirola?
Formerly nothing more than a tiny fishing village, Fuengirola has grown to become one of the most popular holiday destinations on the Costa del Sol. With a resident population of around 63,000, this now bustling town offers a wealth of attractions and activities. Along with the glorious weather, superb beaches and laid-back lifestyle, this presumably accounts for the fact that 25 per cent of its registered inhabitants are immigrants, the majority of whom have relocated from the United Kingdom and the Scandinavian countries.
What is there to do and see in Fuengirola?
As a well developed resort, and having a long tradition in tourism, Fuengirola offers a huge range of amenities. There are hotels to suit every taste and pocket, bars, restaurants and discoteques galore. In addition, however, the town does also boast a number of historical sites such as the Roman Baths and the Arab Castle of Suhayl.
The main promenade in Fuengirola runs along practically its entire coastline – perfect for those evening strolls alongside the long sandy beach, although you may not want to take in all 12 kilometres! You will, however, undoubtedly want to take a tour around the harbour, which is not only home to the fine array of yachts which are moored there, but also to some of the town’s most popular bars and restaurants. From here, you can take a fishing trip or a leisurely boat trip, and if you are very lucky you might even spot some dolphins.
If you are looking for a shopping experience, then you will certainly have come to the right place. Not only does Fuengirola offer a number of large stores and a purpose built shopping centre, but of course a vast array of individual boutiques selling just about everything you can think of. The town holds two markets every week. Tuesdays see one of the largest on the whole of the Costa del Sol and Saturdays, the Spanish version of a grand scale car boot sale.
One of the most popular attractions in the town is Fuengirola’s zoo which specialises in, amongst other things, captive breeding for endangered species. The zoo has a very ‘open’ feel to it, with the more dangerous species being viewed from behind bulletproof glass so that you can get very ‘up close and personal’ with them.
What is there to do and see in the area generally?
If you do actually find time to make it around all of the attractions of Fuengirola and still have time to spare, perhaps you might enjoy a peaceful round of golf at one of the region’s many superb courses, or simply drive around and explore the magnificent scenery inland.