Fuengirola, a vibrant municipality located on the charming Costa del Sol in the province of Malaga, is a very popular tourist destination.
With its extensive coastline, its impressive port and a wide variety of restaurants, Fuengirola offers the whole family the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable experience. Here you can savour a delicious meal while you delight in the warm and sunny climate that characterises the region.
The old town of Fuengirola, which extends around the Plaza de la Constitución, is a place full of history and charm. A short distance away, you will find the old fishing district, known today as Los Boliches. Fuengirola is strategically located between Benalmadena and Mijas Costa, just 30 kilometres from the centre of Malaga, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the region.
The charm of Fuengirola lies in its rich history, which is reflected in its name. After the conquest of the Catholic Monarchs, it was given the name 'Font-Jirola', a variant of its current name. During the Arab period, Fuengirola was known as 'Sohail', a name that still preserves its majestic castle. This name was a phonetic adaptation of 'Suel', the previous Roman name, which in turn came from the Phoenician name Syalis.
Great writers of antiquity such as Ptolemy, Mela, Hecateo and Pliny located Syalis between Malaca and Salduba (currently Malaga and Marbella). From the 3rd century BC, Syalis and all the settlements in the south of Hispania came under Roman rule.
In Fuengirola numerous archaeological sites have been found with Roman remains. Among these remains stand out the baths and the fish salting factories, as well as the statue of the goddess Venus, which attest to the rich Roman history of the city.
Around the 5th century, Fuengirola was occupied by the Vandals, and later by the Byzantines, who finally abandoned the city for unknown reasons. This dark period of Fuengirola ended with the arrival of the Arabs from North Africa, who left their mark on the written history and named the place and the fortress they built Sohail.
The Christian conquest arrived on August 7, 1485, and the castle of Sohail was finally conquered. After the conquest, an attempt was made to repopulate the area, but it was not possible due to constant pirate raids, so the place was again abandoned and used only as a coastal watch point.
With the passage of time and the decrease in the threat of invasion, the population began to settle, although not in the same place where the Phoenicians, Romans or Arabs had previously done, but on the other side of the river, where the population was gradually growing.
The railway arrived in Fuengirola in 1916 and cars four years later. From 1930, the construction of hotels began, marking the beginning of the tourism industry that has not stopped growing since then.
Fuengirola offers a wealth of tourist attractions, from its 8 kilometres of beautiful beaches to a variety of historical and cultural sites. Here are some of the attractions you might consider visiting:
The Sohail Castle, an Arab fortress built in the year 956, stands proudly on an ancient Roman fortification. Located at the mouth of the Fuengirola river, this castle is a living testament to the rich history of the region. Its strategic location offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
The castle is not just a historical monument, but also a vibrant cultural centre. Its interior has been transformed into a space for all kinds of events, from music concerts to medieval fairs. These events attract visitors from all over, who come to enjoy the culture and history in a truly unique setting.
In addition, the Sohail Castle houses a small museum that narrates the fascinating history of the fortress and of Fuengirola. Visitors can explore the various exhibitions and learn about the different historical periods of the city, from the Roman era to the Arab era.
For more information on how to get to Sohail Castle, we invite you to consult the map.
The Finca del Secretario is an archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the past of Fuengirola. Located in the area known as 'Los Pacos', this place houses remains that date back to the 1st to 5th centuries. Here you can find an ancient fish salting factory and thermal baths, which are testament to the rich Roman history of the area.
In addition to its historical importance, the Finca del Secretario is a place of great natural beauty. Its location, next to the mouth of the river, offers panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. It is an ideal place to enjoy a picnic day, a hike or simply to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the environment.
If you are interested in visiting the Finca del Secretario and immersing yourself in the history of Fuengirola, we invite you to consult the map to get more information on how to get there.
The Fuengirola Zoo is a destination that will delight the whole family. This modern zoo houses a wide variety of animal species from all over the world, from the majestic African lions to the colourful tropical parrots. Each habitat is designed to mimic the natural environment of the animals, providing visitors with a unique insight into how these creatures live in the wild.
In addition to being a place of entertainment, the Fuengirola Zoo also has a strong commitment to education and conservation. It offers a series of educational programmes and special events throughout the year to teach visitors about the importance of wildlife conservation.
If you are interested in visiting the Fuengirola Zoo, you can consult the map to get more information on how to get there.
The History Museum of Fuengirola is a treasure for history lovers. This museum houses an impressive collection of archaeological remains that narrate the rich history of Fuengirola, from the time of the Phoenicians to the Arab era.
As you tour its rooms, you will come across ancient artefacts, tools and utensils that offer a fascinating insight into how ancient civilizations lived. Each exhibition takes you on a journey through time, allowing you to explore the different stages of Fuengirola's history.
In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum also organises temporary exhibitions and educational events to enrich the experience of visitors.
If you are interested in visiting the History Museum of Fuengirola, you can consult the map to get more information on how to get there. Don't forget to check the opening hours before planning your visit.
Fuengirola is a vibrant city that hosts a series of cultural events throughout the year, standing out for its diversity and appeal. Here are some of the most important ones:
The Marenostrum Fuengirola music festival is one of the city's most outstanding events. Born in 2016, this festival has managed to attract the most prestigious groups at a national and international level, achieving great international projection. Every year, around 200,000 people attend this festival, enjoying the music on a unique stage with views of the sea.
The International Fair of the Peoples is a multicultural event that is celebrated at the end of April or beginning of May. In this event, more than 30 countries showcase their culture, gastronomy, crafts and folklore. It is a great opportunity to experience the cultural diversity of Fuengirola.
The Night of San Juan is celebrated on the night of June 23 to 24. During this night, the population moves to the beaches to celebrate the arrival of summer. The celebration culminates with numerous bonfires on the beach, people dancing and bathing at midnight.
The Fiesta del Carmen is celebrated from July 13 to 17 in honour of the Virgin del Carmen, patron saint of the Los Boliches neighbourhood. During these days, a procession is held where the Virgin del Carmen is taken from the Santa Fe de Los Boliches Parish to the beach, where fireworks are launched.
The Feria del Rosario, also known as the Fuengirola Fair, is one of the most important in Andalusia. It is celebrated in October and is known for its festive atmosphere, with carriages and fairgoers decked out in their best traditional costumes.
Fuengirola has an efficient and well-connected public transport network that facilitates travel for both residents and visitors. This network includes buses and a commuter train that connects the municipality with the Malaga train station, with stops in Carvajal, Torreblanca, Los Boliches and Fuengirola. Fuengirola is the last stop on the train line, although there are plans to extend it in the future to Marbella and the eastern part of the Costa del Sol to Nerja.
The intercity bus lines connect Fuengirola with other cities and towns in the region, facilitating access to a wide range of destinations. Some of the main bus lines are:
The urban bus lines of Fuengirola offer a convenient way to get around the city. These lines cover various routes within the city, facilitating access to the main points of interest. The urban bus lines include:
In addition, Fuengirola has a beautiful port that offers a ferry line that connects Fuengirola with Puerto Marina in Benalmadena. This service is active every day during the high season and twice a week during the low season, providing a picturesque and relaxing way to travel between these two coastal cities.
Whether you prefer to travel by bus, train or ferry, Fuengirola offers a variety of public transport options to help you explore the city and its surroundings with ease.
Fuengirola, a jewel of the Costa del Sol, is easily accessible from various points of interest. The city is only 25 kilometres from the Malaga airport, which facilitates access for international visitors. The route from the airport to Fuengirola is well signposted, making the journey straightforward and direct.
If you do not have a vehicle, you have the option to rent a car in Malaga at a competitive price. With a car, you can reach Fuengirola in about 20 minutes via the Autovía del Mediterráneo. This route offers panoramic views of the coast, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
In addition to the option of renting a car, Fuengirola is also well connected by public transport. There are regular train and bus services from Malaga, providing a convenient alternative for those who prefer not to drive.
Last but not least, for those who prefer sailing, Fuengirola has a well-equipped marina. From here, you can take a ferry to various destinations along the Costa del Sol.
Town Hall: Plaza de España, 1 - 29640.
Phone: 952 58 93 00.
Official Website: Fuengirola Town Hall
Credit cards accepted
