Situated just 20 minutes’ drive from Malaga-Costa del Sol airport, Fuengirola is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Costa del Sol, dating back to the Phoenicians.
The municipality stretches along a narrow coastal strip for about 8 km, is almost entirely urbanised and has a very high population density. Of this population it is noteworthy that almost 30% are foreigners.
A fact that has led to the creation of one of the most popular celebrations in the province, the International People´s Fair, which we will introduce you to below.
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Table of Contents
Beaches of Fuengirola
As mentioned before, Fuengirola is noted for its high level of urbanisation. This also has an impact on its beaches, whose original width has been reduced by the unstoppable construction.
The seafront promenade runs along the entire coast of Fuengirola. It belongs to the urban routes of the Coastal Path from Nerja to Manilva.
The beaches are all urban with a high level of infrastructure and services, including 4 access points for people with reduced mobility.
As a curious fact, along the 8 km long promenade there are almost 30 Beach bars. That is, every 250 metres you will find a bar to quench your thirst and enjoy Mediterranean cuisine.
However, if you are looking for some peace and quiet in a more natural environment, the beaches of Fuengirola will not be your place of choice.
What to see
Sohail fortress
Among the historical heritage of the city, the old Moorish fortress Sohail, which stands on a hill next to the river and just a few metres from the beach, is particularly noteworthy.
During the summer months a series of concerts, known as Marenostrum, is held here. We tell you more about one of the best open-air concert venues below.
Roman archaeological site – Finca del Secretario
This archaeological complex dates back to the 1st and 6th centuries A.D. Admission is free.
Opening hours: October to April from Monday to Sunday from 10 am – 10 pm. May to September from Monday to Sunday from 10 am – midnight.
Roman Site – Thermal Baths of Torreblanca
Another Roman site is located in Torreblanca and dates back to the 2nd-6th century AD.
Admission is free. Opening hours from Friday to Sunday from 9 am – 12 noon.
Marina and fishing port
This small port is located next to the promenade, just a few metres from the city centre.
There are several companies offering boat trips and excursions for dolphin watching, water sports, diving and deep-sea fishing. There are also several bars and restaurants with terraces where you can have a drink.
Marenostrum Fuengirola
In our exclusive article Marenostrum Fuengirola you will find every year the season’s line-up with concerts and festivals in one of the most spectacular open-air music venues on the Costa del Sol.
Featured Fairs
International People´s Fair
As we mentioned before, almost 30% of the inhabitants of Fuengirola come from other countries and there are more than 140 different nationalities.
With this multicultural background, the International People´s Fair was born in 1994, with the aim of spreading the customs, folklore, gastronomy and cultural attractions of its inhabitants.
Today this colourful and lively fair attracts more than one million visitors every year.
It is held every year around the 1st of May and lasts 4 or 5 days from 1 pm to 2 am. Particularly beautiful is the parade of all participating nations from the city centre to the fairgrounds at the beginning of the fair.
Rosario Fair
The city’s great classic fair is the Feria del Rosario in honour of its patron saint. It takes place every year from the 6th to the 12th of October and its main protagonists are horses and carriages and of course lots of singing and dancing, food and drink.
The festival takes place both in the streets of the centre and at the fairgrounds. In fact, many locals take holidays during these dates to fully enjoy these folkloric festivities.
Virgen del Carmen
Around the 15th or 16th of July, the deeply moving maritime processions in honour of the patron saint of fishermen take place in many coastal towns.
The statue is carried through the city streets and then embarked, accompanied by hundreds of devotees on the beach and in small boats.
Activities
Fuengirola, as a mature tourist destination, has a wide range of leisure and activities for all ages.
You can also find in Fuengirola Nautical Excursions, Escape Room, Billiard Club, Paintball, Multiplex cinemas with VOSE films or a Variety Theatre.
- More information on activities at the official Fuengirola Tourism website.
Bioparc
This small but very nice zoo is located in the city centre under the concept of zoo-immersion, with animals from Equatorial Africa, Southeast Asia, Madagascar and the Indo-Pacific.
There are guided tours and parallel activities.
Karting
On the roof of the Miramar shopping centre there is a Karting with two circuits for adults and children.
Complete information about Karting Experience Fuengirola in our article about the Best Kartings in Malaga.
Skate Plaza & River Park
Next to the Miramar shopping centre and the river and just a few metres from the sea there are several open-air sports areas. One of them is the fabulous Skate Plaza to practice acrobatics.
The river Fuengirola is navigable and you can rent small boats. It is a green area for a pleasant stroll, there are also basketball courts, ping pong tables and a children’s playground.
There is also a mini-golf course next to the site.
Excursion to Mijas
When you are in Fuengirola, you certainly shouldn’t miss a trip to Mijas.
It is a beautiful white village and a natural viewpoint over the nearby coast, just 7 km from Fuengirola.
Spas
Here we will also mention the two best Spas you can find in Fuengirola. They are open for external guests who wish to book a spa circuit or treatment.
Both Spas are located in hotels, the IPV Palace & Spa 4-star superior and the 5-star Higuerón Spa.
Street markets in Fuengirola
If you like street markets, you can’t miss the ones that take place at the Fuengirola fairgrounds, which are among the biggest in Andalusia.
On Tuesdays from 9 am to 2 pm the general market takes place with more than 470 stalls and a colourful variety of products, such as textiles, footwear, flowers and plants, fruit and vegetables or handicrafts.
On Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm you can enjoy a large flea market with handicrafts, antiques, costume jewellery, second-hand goods and other curiosities.
Finally, there is also a small flea market on Sundays in Calle Méndez Nuñez behind the Mosque of Fuengirola from 9 am to 2 pm. There you can find mainly cheap textiles, costume jewellery and accessories.
Did you know that…?
There is a Mosque in Fuengirola
The Fuengirola Mosque, financed by Saudi Arabian capital, is located a short walk from the beach and very close to the Fuengirola River and Sohail fortress.
It has a beautiful exterior, but is reserved for Islamic worship and is not open to visitors.
Fuengirola is the Finnish capital of Spain
The largest Finnish colony in the country is located in the popular neighbourhood of Los Boliches.
There you can find a bakery, laundry, blacksmith, restaurant, church, café, dental clinic, hairdresser and even a Finnish school.
They even have their own media, such as Fuengirola.fi or Radio Finlandesa.
Getting to Fuengirola
Fuengirola is connected to the neighbouring coastal towns via the Mediterranean Motorway (A-7 and AP-7), which connect the city with Malaga and the airport in one direction, and with Marbella and Algeciras in the other.
With your hire car at Malaga airport you can reach the city in about 20 minutes.
You can also get there easily from Malaga airport with the C-1 commuter train.
It has stops in Malaga city centre, María Zambrano train station, Airport, Plaza Mayor, Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola.
- Consult C-1 commuter train timetable
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