FUENGIROLA
Fuengirola is a well established town on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain, 25 km from Malaga international Airport.
Previously a small fishing village, Fuengirola became one of the leading tourist centres for the Costa del Sol following Its continued popularity which began in the 60´s. Over the years it has been subject to considerable urban development, expansion and redesign. Today Fuengirola has become a vibrant cosmopolitan town offering a perfect balance for tourists, expats and Spanish residents alike.
Situated along the Mediterranean Coast the major tourist resort has more than 7km of sandy beaches with a wide promenade running the full length. With a typical tourist atmosphere the seafront is filled with international and fast food restaurants plus souvenir shops aplenty. However the beach side retains its charm with the more traditional Spanish Beach Bars (chiringuitos) specialising in fresh fish and seafood. A medieval Moorish Castle (Castillo Sohail) towers over the coastline, and hosts concerts, festivals and a medieval market during summer months.
It’s well established port offers moorings for luxury boats plus an assortment of water sports however, it continues to also serve the local fisherman.
Fuengirola town is largely urban in character with many high rise buildings, however you still come across the occasional original fishing house amongst the back streets. The town centre is easily accessible and just steps away from the seafront. The narrow character streets are a passage of discovery for many visitors. Brimming with boutiques they lead into various bustling Andalusian plazas and hidden corners adorned with cafes, tapas bars and traditional restaurants. Providing the perfect lazy environment to relax, people watch and let the day go by.
Fuengirola is a diverse town and provides a home for many nationalities. Apart from the general attractions of a tourist centre, you will find a friendly Spanish working town. Offering all the amenities and comforts you could possibly need, a huge assortment of shops, banks, schools, gyms’s, municipal centres, medical services etc, Plus there is a large retail centre (Myramar commercial centre) on the outskirts of the town, housing a host of shops and entertainments for the whole family.
Evening entertainment in Fuengirola is varied and offers plenty of choice with something for everyone no matter your age or taste. Live music venues, bars, night clubs, bingo and Irish Bars are in an abundance throughout the town. With various centralised areas depending on the atmosphere you desire.
Traditional Spanish fiestas are celebrated and are certainly worth a visit. Ranging from Easter Processions (Semana Santa) to San Juan (a large beach party with bonfires and fireworks) to the Virgen del Carmen (a sea procession). Just to mention a few.
In October Fuengirola celebrates its Feria and it is the perfect place to enjoy the Spanish culture, flamenco dancing, food, processions accompanied by fairground rides. It is one of the most important and vibrant fiesta on the Andalusian calendar. During which time the whole town is on holiday enjoying the celebrations.
Fuengirola also has a second Feria. Feria de los Pueblos where visitors can enjoy traditions, cultural dances, processions and food and from around the World.
With a number of historical sites and open parks Fuengirola offers a wide choice of leisure activities and cultural points of interest for all to enjoy throughout the year.
A definite must see in Fuengirola is the Bioparc. This hidden gem is situated in the town centre and visitors will be amazed at what is contained within their walls. This beautiful zoo is championed as a new animal park based on respect for nature and the preservation of the species. The architectural design immerses visitors into the environment of the animal with extraordinary recreations of their ecosystems, where animals live in harmony their natural habitat.