Located just 25 km from Málaga airport and halfway between Málaga and Marbella, Fuengirola has grown from a quaint fishing village into one of the Costa del Sol’s most popular resorts. Families looking for things to do in Fuengirola will find a long stretch of golden beaches with pristine sand, clear waters, and plenty of water sports around its central marina. Beyond the beach, Fuengirola charms with a diverse dining scene featuring everything from traditional Spanish seafood dishes to international cuisine. A stroll along the scenic Paseo Marítimo promenade, lined with cafés and bars, reveals the town’s coastal charm.
Another popular attraction is the Tuesday street market, whilst a visit to Sohail Castle is recommended for stunning views and a peek into the region’s Moorish past. With additional attractions such as waterparks, golf courses and unforgettable day excursions, Fuengirola offers holidaymakers a fine mix of leisure and cultural activities. As such it’s no surprise that the resort remains one of Spain’s most popular summer holiday destinations year after year.
Getting There: The C1 Renfe Cercanías train offers the most straightforward route from Málaga Airport to Fuengirola, taking about 35 minutes. Trains depart every 20 minutes and are direct, with no need to transfer. Alternatively, taxis and private transfers provide a 25-30 minute journey to Fuengirola along the AP-7 or A-7 motorway.
Things to Do in Fuengirola
Explore Fuengirola’s Beaches
Fuengirola boasts an impressive 7km stretch of beaches, each offering a unique atmosphere and array of amenities. Some of the most popular beaches include Los Boliches, known for its lively vibe and water sports and Playa del Castillo, which offers a more secluded setting. Most beaches have chiringuitos (beach bars) where you can enjoy locally caught seafood, including the famous grilled sardines (espetos), a Costa del Sol specialty. A walk along the Paseo Marítimo, Fuengirola’s seafront promenade, connects the beaches and provides stunning views of the Mediterranean, along with plenty of options for dining, shopping and people-watching.
Visit Sohail Castle
Dating back to the 10th century, this former Moorish fortress is one of Fuengirola’s most iconic landmarks. Perched atop a hill overlooking the town and sea, the castle offers panoramic views and insight into the town’s historical roots. Whilst Sohail Castle once served as a coastal defense, today the castle hosts cultural events including the popular medieval fair, live music concerts and outdoor cinema nights during summer.
Bioparc Fuengirola
Bioparc Fuengirola is a unique, environmentally-conscious zoo which focuses on naturalistic habitats, allowing animals to live in environments closely resembling their native homes. The park is particularly well-known for its tropical landscapes and multi-species enclosures. Highlights include the Madagascar area with lemurs, the Sumatran tiger habitat and the crocodile lagoon. Guided tours and educational programs provide insights into conservation efforts and the biodiversity of each species, making it an educational and family-friendly attraction which goes beyond traditional zoos.
Historic Centre and Plaza de la Constitución
The historic centre of Fuengirola is home to narrow streets lined with traditional whitewashed buildings, artisan shops and charming cafes. Plaza de la Constitución, the town’s main square, is at the heart of this area and a hub of social life in Fuengirola. The square features the town’s main church, Nuestra Señora del Rosario and is a great place to relax with a coffee or tapas and observe local life. Wandering through the historic centre, visitors can experience a more authentic side of Fuengirola, away from the busier resort areas.
Fuengirola Museum
For history enthusiasts, the Fuengirola Museum (Museo de la Ciudad) offers fascinating insights into the town’s past, from the Roman and Phoenician eras to the present day. Artefacts include ancient pottery, tools and relics discovered in the region. The museum also has exhibits dedicated to the Moorish period and the history of Sohail Castle. Entry is free, making it an accessible way to gain a deeper understanding of the town’s somewhat surprising historical significance.
Discover Los Boliches: Fuengirola’s Fishing District
Los Boliches is one of Fuengirola’s most cherished neighbourhoods, known for its strong fishing heritage. This area has retained much of its traditional character, with small houses, local markets and family-run tapas bars. Walking through Los Boliches offers an authentic glimpse into Fuengirola’s past and there are several popular seafood restaurants here where visitors can sample local dishes. The Los Boliches Market, held weekly, is another highlight, offering fresh produce, local crafts and souvenirs.
Mijas Aquatic Park
Just a short distance from the centre, Aquamijas is a family-friendly water park which offers a fun day out, especially during the hot summer months. The park has water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool and designated areas for young children. With numerous on-site dining options and shaded picnic areas, Mijas Aquatic Park provides everything for a fun and relaxing family outing, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.
Experience Local Cuisine
Fuengirola is a haven for food lovers, with an array of restaurants and tapas bars offering both traditional Andalucían dishes and international cuisine. Try classic dishes such as gazpacho, fried fish (pescaíto frito) and local Málaga wines. Mercado La Galería, a food market located near the town centre, offers a selection of gourmet stalls, serving everything from Spanish cheeses and cured meats to tapas and fresh seafood. For a more upscale dining experience, Fuengirola is home to a number of top-notch restaurants.
Fuengirola Street Market (Mercadillo de Fuengirola)
Fuengirola’s street market, held every Tuesday, is one of the largest markets on the Costa del Sol and draws visitors from all over the region. The market features a wide range of items, including fresh produce, clothing, accessories and unique handicrafts. Whether you’re interested in picking up a local souvenir or simply browsing, the market is an enjoyable way to experience local life and take home a piece of Fuengirola.
Parque del Sol
For those looking for a quiet place to relax, Parque del Sol is a green oasis in the heart of Fuengirola. The park is ideal for picnics and leisurely walks, with shaded pathways and plenty of benches. It also features a small pond with ducks and geese and a children’s playground, making it a family-friendly spot. Adjacent to the park is Bioparc Fuengirola, so visitors can easily combine both attractions in one trip.
Participate in Fuengirola’s Festivals
Fuengirola celebrates several festivals throughout the year, each highlighting a different aspect of local culture. The Feria del Rosario in October is the town’s biggest festival, featuring traditional music, dancing, parades and flamenco performances. The Feast of San Juan in June is another significant event, marked by bonfires and beach parties which go well into the night. During Easter, Holy Week processions take place, offering a deeply traditional and moving experience for both locals and visitors. Attending these events is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Fuengirola’s rich cultural heritage.
Play Golf Near Fuengirola
Fuengirola and the surrounding Mijas area are home to excellent golfing spots along the Costa del Sol. Just minutes away, Mijas offers a wide variety of courses catering to all skill levels. Alhaurín Golf, designed by Severiano Ballesteros, provides an 18-hole course with stunning mountain views, as well as a 9-hole par-3 and a children’s course, perfect for families and mixed-skill groups.
La Cala Resort in Mijas Costa is a top destination with three 18-hole courses – North, South, and Campo Europa – each offering unique layouts, memorable fairways, and breathtaking scenery. Mijas Golf Club features two popular courses: Los Lagos, with wide fairways and six lakes, and Los Olivos, which offers a more technical, compact design.
Miraflores Golf, set in the valleys and hills near Mijas, combines engaging challenges with rewarding Mediterranean views, whilst Santana Golf, located in Mijas Golf Valley, delivers a challenging experience across gently sloping terrain and wide fairways. For a shorter game, La Noria’s 9-hole beachside course and La Siesta Golf Club in Calahonda both offer more leisurely options with lovely sea views and accessible play.
Best Day Trips from Fuengirola
You can take half day excursions from Fuengirola to Marbella, Mijas, the Caves of Nerja and Malaga city. Full day tour destinations include Granada to visit the Alhambra Palace, Seville, Cordoba and Ronda. Other novel tours are a Gibraltar shopping trip and a full day excursion to Morocco. Take a look at our Costa del Sol excursions page for more information.
Casares
A little over an hour from Fuengirola, Casares is one of Andalucía’s famous pueblos blancos (white villages). The town is perched on a hillside, offering spectacular views, a medieval castle and charming narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses.
Mijas Pueblo
Just a 20-minute drive from Fuengirola takes you to the charming whitewashed village of Mijas Pueblo, nestled in the Sierra de Mijas mountains. This traditional Andalucían ‘pueblo blanco’ offers stunning views over the Costa del Sol and Mediterranean Sea. Wander its narrow cobbled streets, visit the Chapel of the Virgin of the Rock (Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña), the bullring and the contemporary art museum.
You can also take a short tour of the town on one of the famous donkey-taxis and explore the small craft shops. The village is particularly pleasant in the morning or late afternoon when you can enjoy a drink in one of the plaza cafes and soak up the authentic Spanish atmosphere. With its close proximity to Fuengirola, Mijas Pueblo makes for an easy and rewarding half-day trip.
Ronda
A day trip to Ronda from Fuengirola offers a stunning escape into Andalucía’s mountainous interior. Just a 90-minute drive through scenic countryside brings you to one of Spain’s most photographed towns, standing dramatically on a cliff edge. The journey is worth it to see the spectacular Puente Nuevo bridge spanning the 100-metre deep El Tajo gorge, and to explore the oldest bullring in Spain. Start early to make the most of your day, as you’ll want time to wander the cobbled streets of the old town, enjoy a traditional lunch in one of the Ronda’s traditional restaurants and take in the breathtaking views across the surrounding mountains.
