Must-See Attractions and Activities in Fuengirola

Must-See Attractions and Activities in Fuengirola, which is located in the province of Málaga, contain remnants from the Roman period. In subsequent years, the Barbarians invaded and then deserted the town. It was not until the arrival of the Moors that Fuengirola began to be reconstructed. Today, you can explore several sites from that era.

Castillo de Sohail

Perched on a hilltop at the mouth of the Fuengirola River, which was once navigable, Sohail Castle rises 38 meters above sea level. a Moorish castle situated next to Fuengirola’s river on a small isolated hill. The castle was built in AD 956. However, the castle has gone through important restorations since then.Today, it has transformed into a prominent cultural venue hosting various events, including the renowned Marenostrum Fuengirola festival.

From its elevated position, Castillo de Sohail provides breathtaking panoramic views of the town.

Puente de la Armada

This bridge was built in 2006 and was given the name “Puente de la Armada” because Fuengirola wanted to recognise the work that the men and women of the Spanish army did.

Nowadays, it’s a popular spot for photographers who try to take the perfect picture from different angles.

Plaza de la Constitución

The Plaza de la Constitución is another picturesque location in Fuengirola, dominated by the magnificent Baroque-style Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario. This church features a beautiful bell tower, and inside, there is a revered image of Our Lady of the Rosary, the town's patron saint. The flamenco mass celebrated every 7th of October is highly popular and draws hundreds of devotees. The square is pedestrianised, providing easy access to the seaside promenade, the most popular gathering spot for locals.

Paseo de los Murales

Do you love street art? I strongly suggest visiting Paseo de los Murales in the El Boquetillo neighborhood, just a 10-minute walk from the Fuengirola train station.

This walking path features twenty stunning and vibrant murals created by both national and international artists.

Some murals depict local culture, like the one showing children fishing. Make sure to visit the Fuengirola tourism website, which lists all the murals so you don’t miss any.

My recommendation is to be respectful and considerate when taking photos. Remember, you’ll be in a residential area where people live, with paintings right next to their windows and balconies.

Fuengirola’s seaside promenade

Not many towns can boast a seaside promenade as remarkable as Fuengirola’s, which stretches almost eight kilometres along the coastline. In the early hours, it's a popular spot for exercise enthusiasts. In the evening, it transforms into an ideal location to enjoy the breathtaking sunset hues while having a soft drink at one of the numerous beachfront bars. For an even more delightful experience, try the town’s specialty: espeto de sardinas (sardines on a skewer).

Fuengirola’s beaches

The promenade leads you past seven beaches along Fuengirola's coast, each with its unique charm, yet all share two common features: fine sand and clear water. These beaches are named Carvajal, Torreblanca, Las Gaviotas, San Francisco, El Ejido, Amalia, and Los Boliches, with the latter having received the blue flag multiple times for its excellent conditions. On these beaches, you can surf, rent a pedalo to explore the sea, fly a kite, enjoy a family day in the sun, or dine at one of the many beach bars. It's the perfect destination, attracting thousands of tourists annually.

Fuengirola’s beaches offer a wide range of activities for children, including sand playgrounds and volleyball courts that become popular with groups of friends at sunset when the temperature is cooler. For those interested in water-related fun, there are numerous options tailored to the age and interests of your children. The Fuengirola Nautical School, situated in the marina, provides introductory sailing courses for all ages, and you can also rent jet skis for a ride, accompanied by an adult.

Discover the street markets

There are two days when the market is open – every Tuesday and every Saturday.

On Tuesday, you can buy fresh produce and clothing, and on Saturday morning, you can visit the traditional flea market.

The markets on both days are canceled if an event is held in the local ‘feria’ area. These are usually at the beginning of May, for Festival of the Nations, and then for the local Feria de Fuengirola at the beginning of October. Both last for a week.

Bioparc

The Bioparc, a park dedicated to animals that live in tropical forests. Bioparc is a must see attraction and activity in Fuengirola. If you visit it, you’ll discover some of the most unique exotic species. The park is divided into different habitats. On a walk through it, you’ll learn about how animals live in the climate of Equatorial Africa and meet the lemurs of Madagascar. You can also contemplate the beauty of the leopards of Sri Lanka and meet the orangutans of Borneo, to name just a few. This is the perfect activity to do with children.

The park is very close to Fuengirola town centre and has several car parks to make visiting more convenient.

The Leisure Marina.

Located right next to Fuengirola’s Seafront Promenade, the resort’s Leisure Marina stretches for seven kilometers and is adjacent to the Fishing Port and the Oceanographic Institute. In the vicinity, you’ll find charming terraces, bars, hotels, nightclubs, beach bars, and restaurants, as well as a delightful children’s playground and plenty of parking spaces. This scenic marina is the starting point for boat trips to spot dolphins, engage in water sports, dive,such as parasailing, or enjoy recreational deep-sea fishing. Additionally, there is a Sailing Club with numerous instructors. 

The history of Fuengirola’s Marina is linked to the expansion of vine growing in this area of Málaga in the mid-nineteenth century. At that time, the fields of Mijas and Fuengirola were covered in grapevines because the trade in raisins was at its peak. Soon, people realised that a port was needed to export the fruits. That is why the port was built, and it became a very important point for trade in the region.

Conclusion

Fuengirola stands out as a vibrant Costa del Sol destination, offering a unique blend of lively beaches, multicultural atmosphere, and easy connections to surrounding Spanish gems. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on its 7 km stretch of sandy coast, wandering the promenade at sunset, or exploring local markets and historic sites like Sohail Castle, there’s something here for every traveler

The town’s excellent location also makes it a great base for discovering nearby spots like the picturesque village of Mijas Pueblo or the bustling city of Malaga

Its accessibility, variety, and reliable sunny weather make it an inviting seaside retreat, especially for those seeking relaxation and convenience. Whether you visit in the busy summer or the quieter winter months, Fuengirola’s energy and easy-going charm are sure to leave you with lasting memories of Spain’s sunny southern coast.