Tucked onto the Costa del Sol, about halfway between Málaga and Marbella, Fuengirola is one of those classic Spanish seaside towns that has grown from a small fishing village into a proper holiday hub. It's got miles of sandy beaches and a lively seafront promenade, but it holds onto its history with a Moorish castle overlooking the coast and a traditional old town centre. Whatever time of the year, there are heaps of things to do in Fuengirola for the whole family.
- Top historical attractions in Fuengirola
- Best things to do in Fuengirola for families and kids
- Enjoy the beaches and Paseo Marítimo
- Fuengirola's markets and shopping scene
- Things to do in Fuengirola at night
- Free things to do in Fuengirola
- Best day trips from Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol
- Moving to Fuengirola?
Top historical attractions in Fuengirola
Beyond the beachfront buzz, Fuengirola has a bit of history tucked away. It’s easy to miss if you only stick to the coast, but a couple of spots really give you an insight into its past. And if you happen to catch a rainy day, it's the perfect excuse to dive into the covered tapas bars of the old town or visit the small city museum to get a better sense of local history.
Explore Sohail Castle
Castillo de Sohail is the big Moorish fortress on a hill just at the end of the promenade, overlooking the river. It’s mostly a restored ruin these days, but it’s a great spot for a wander and the views are brilliant. In the summer, it comes alive as they host concerts and festivals inside the walls.
Wander through Fuengirola Old Town
Away from the main strip, the old town, or casco antiguo, is where you'll find a more traditional Spanish atmosphere. The main hub is the pretty Plaza de la Constitución, which is lovely for a coffee. From there, you can just get lost in the narrow, winding streets packed with little tapas bars, family-run shops and whitewashed buildings. It offers a nice contrast to the modern buzz of the seafront and feels a bit more authentic. It’s a particularly good area for couples looking for a romantic evening, with countless little restaurants perfect for a dinner for two."
Best things to do in Fuengirola for families and kids
Fuengirola has a solid reputation as a family-friendly spot, and a couple of big attractions are the main reason why. They are easy to get to and offer a full day out if you're looking to keep everyone entertained.
Discover wildlife at Bioparc Fuengirola
This isn't your average zoo. They call it 'zoo-immersion', as the enclosures are designed to look like the animals' natural habitats, with rivers and trees instead of obvious cages. You can see everything from tigers to gorillas, and the section that recreates the island of Madagascar is particularly well done. It’s right in the town centre, so you don't need to travel far.
Cool off at Aquamijas waterpark
Aquamijas is the local water park, located just on the edge of town. It’s not the biggest park on the coast, but it has a decent selection of slides, a wave pool, and calmer areas for younger children. It's a straightforward way to cool down and have some fun. Just remember it’s a seasonal place, usually open from late spring through to September.
Enjoy the beaches and Paseo Marítimo
Fuengirola is best known for its long, continuous stretch of coastline. A wide, palm-lined promenade, the Paseo Marítimo Rey de España, runs the entire length of the town. The 8km of sand are a central point for walking, cycling, or enjoying a romantic stroll at sunset before stopping for a drink.
The beaches themselves are well-maintained, and many of them have Blue Flag status, which speaks to their cleanliness and facilities. You'll find plenty of chiringuitos (beach bars) grilling sardines, as well as places to rent sun loungers and try out some water sports.
While it's essentially one long beach, it's broken up into different sections, each with a slightly different feel. Some of the main ones include Playa de Fuengirola right in the centre, the family-friendly beach Playa de los Boliches, and the quieter Playa del Castillo right beneath the Sohail castle.
Fuengirola's markets and shopping scene
Getting stuck into the local market scene is a real part of the weekly routine in Fuengirola. Beyond the usual high street shops, the town is well-known for its sprawling outdoor markets, which draw in people from all along the coast for a good rummage.
While the main street market is an outdoor affair, a great rainy-day alternative is the Mercado Central. This covered food market is a fantastic place to wander through the stalls of fresh produce and seafood.
The Tuesday and Saturday Markets
The main event is the massive street market held every Tuesday morning at the fairground, or Recinto Ferial. It’s one of the largest on the Costa del Sol, and you can find pretty much anything here, from local produce and spices to clothes, pottery, and sunglasses. Then, on Saturdays, the same spot hosts a popular rastro, which is more of a flea market. It's the place to go if you fancy sifting through second-hand bits and bobs, antiques, and all sorts of hidden treasures.
Things to do in Fuengirola at night
Fuengirola definitely has a lively after-dark scene, though it’s not the kind of wild, superclub destination you might find elsewhere in Spain. When people ask if there’s a “strip”, the answer is not really in the classic sense. Instead of one long road, the nightlife is concentrated in a few key areas.
You’ll find lots of bars, pubs and late-night spots around the marina (puerto deportivo) and in the tangle of streets behind the main church square. The vibe ranges from relaxed beachfront bars to buzzy pubs and discos that stay open until the early hours.
Free things to do in Fuengirola
Fuengirola is a proper holiday town on the sunny Costa del Sol, so it's easy to assume everything comes with a price tag. But if you're happy to look beyond the boat trips and waterparks, there are some fantastic things to do that won't cost you a single euro. The great weather year-round means that most of the best freebies are outdoors.
- Walk the entire Paseo Marítimo: the promenade stretches for a full 8km along the coast. You can start at the castle and walk all the way to Carvajal.
- Discover the open-air art museum: tucked away in the quiet residential area of Pueblo López is a fantastic collection of murals painted on the sides of buildings. It's like an open-air gallery, with famous artists like Picasso and Miró represented.
- Hike up to the castle: while there might be a small fee to go inside the fortress itself, depending on the day or event, the walk up the hill and around the exterior is completely free. The views you get over the town, the river, and the Mediterranean are worth the short climb.
- Explore the Finca del Secretario: just a short walk from the Los Boliches train station, you'll find this small archaeological site. It has the remains of a Roman salting factory and thermal baths.
Best day trips from Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol
One of the great things about Fuengirola is its position right in the middle of the action on the Costa del Sol. The local train line is cheap and efficient for heading towards Málaga, and the bus network can take you pretty much anywhere else you’d want to go along the coast.
Explore nearby Benalmádena and Marbella
Just a few stops up the train line is Benalmádena, a town with three distinct personalities and plenty of things to do. You have the lively coastal area with its impressive marina, the busy town centre of Arroyo de la Miel, and, best of all, the original whitewashed village, Benalmádena Pueblo.
In the other direction, a short bus ride will get you to Marbella. While it's known for its glitzy side around Puerto Banús and the Golden Mile, there are lots of things to do in Marbella that don't cost an arm and a leg. The old town is a wonderful maze of narrow, cobbled streets and flower-filled squares that feels a world away from the superyachts.
Moving to Fuengirola?
After a week's holiday, you can easily find yourself wondering what it might be like living in Fuengirola. It has a large and well-established international community, so it's a relatively easy place for newcomers to settle in. You'll find that it has all the practical amenities you need for year-round life, not just for a summer break, and the brilliant train connection to Málaga city and the airport is a massive plus. And if that gets you properly curious, you might even find yourself thinking of relocating to Fuengirola.
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