19 Best Things to do in Fuengirola in 2024

Inside: With its stunning central location on the Costa del Sol and its abundance of things to do, Fuengirola is perfect for anyone wanting to experience all that Spain has to offer. 

Fuengirola is a coastal town located south of Malaga on the Costa del Sol in Southern Spain.

There are so many things to do in Fuengirola, that you don’t even need to leave this wonderful town to have a fabulous time.

(You probably should though, to make the most of your time!).

We spent some time living in Fuengirola with our toddler and found the area was perfect for a summer holiday or living the ex-pat life.

We’ve compiled this list of the best things to do in Fuengirola for fellow holidaymakers and travelers.

19 Things to Do in Fuengirola and Surrounds

Below are some of the most popular attractions in Fuengirola for visitors of all ages.

1. Hit the beach

Fuengirola’s sandy beaches are one of the main attractions that drew us to the area.

8km of beaches all joined by an amazing paseo (promenade) make the beaches of Fuengirola an easy place to be for sunseekers, exercisers, walkers, and kids zooming around on bikes and scooters. There’s something for everyone.

Fuengirola has four blue flag beaches including Castillo beach, Fuengirola beach, Los Boliches-Gaviotas and Carvajal. The dark sand beach of Santa Amalia is another must-visit.

If you’re looking for a fantastic day out in the sun, look no further than the beaches of Fuengirola.

From long stretches of golden sand to crystal-clear calm waters suitable for children, this area has everything you need to kick back, relax, and soak up some rays.

2. Visit a Castle

Sohail Castle is Fuengirola’s castle.

Sohail Castle is a castle located in Fuengirola, on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain.

It was built in the 9th century by the Moorish rulers of al-Andalus, and later served as a fortress for the Christian kings of Castile.

Today, the castle is one of Fuengirola’s most popular tourist attractions, with visitors coming to see its well-preserved defenses and enjoying the stunning views from its hilltop location.

Whether you’re interested in history or just looking for something fun to do, Sohail Castle is worth a visit.

There is no cost to enter the castle. Be prepared for a steep walk – but the views are worth it.

3. Explore ancient ruins

The ruins at the site of the Finca del Secretario are located between Fuengirola and Mijas Pueblo.

The ruins are part of a former Roman villa that was used for over 700 years, from the 2nd to 9th centuries AD.

Today, visitors can still see the remains of houses, baths, aqueducts, and more as well as learn about the fascinating history of this site.

The roman ruins at Finca del Secretario are a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the rich history and culture of Spain.

These Roman ruins in Fuengirola were discovered when the site was being excavated for roadworks back in the 1950s.

They have since been excavated and can now be visited by tourists looking to see a piece of Spain’s ancient history first-hand.

The ruins are set on a hillside, offering visitors not only a beautiful backdrop but also some sweeping views over the surrounding landscape.

And have a coffee or drink at El jazzy bar – one of our top places to eat in the local area.

4. Go to the shopping center

The Centro Comercial Miramar is a great place to get some respite from the heat in the summer months (and has excellent shopping).

Home to major brands like Carrefour, Primark, Zara, Vans, H&M, Guess, C&A, JD Sports, and loads more plus an excellent food range.

There is also a cinema, indoor karting, and a play area for younger kids.

5. Visit the local parques

Fuengirola is home to loads of parks and playgrounds.

I challenge you to find a street that doesn’t have a small play area behind multi-colored fence posts.

Some of the best include Parque Fluvial de Fuengirola (Fuengirola River Park – just along from Miramar shopping centre), Mari Carmen Diez Park, Parque del Sol and Naranjos Park.

For a trip further afield, head to Benalmadena’s Parque de La Paloma – it’s our favorite park on the Costa del Sol.

6. Discover Fuengirola Old town

Spend some time ambling down narrow streets while you explore Fuengirola Old Town – a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, the old town is a peaceful oasis where you can easily spend a few hours exploring.

The narrow streets are lined with shops and restaurants, good for a stroll on a lazy afternoon.

7. Attend the feria

Spain is well-known for its vibrant festivals, and the feria in Fuengirola is a perfect example.

Held annually in April, this week-long celebration features traditional Spanish food, music, and dance.

Visitors can also enjoy rides, games, and other attractions that celebrate the vibrant cultural mix of the surrounding area.

During the day, celebrations are quieter and more suited to families and children, with the entertainment and party atmosphere ramping up after dark.

The feria is open to everyone and provides a great opportunity to experience Spanish culture firsthand.

8. Hop on the train

Fuengirola station is the end of the line running from Malaga.

This makes it an easy option when getting from Fuengirola to Malaga airport – plus it gives you easy access to Malaga city and all the stops along the way.

You can resort hop to Benalmadena or Torremolinos, go shopping at Plaza Mayor, connect to regional trains at Maria Zambrano for day trips further afield, or just have a day enjoying beautiful Malaga city.

The Renfe train system is very efficient and affordable. It’s a viable alternative if you don’t want to hire a rental car.

9. Stroll Around Fuengirola Port

Fuengirola’s port is a great place to spend an afternoon.

The port is home to a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a beautiful promenade that runs along the waterfront.

It’s the perfect place to take a walk, relax with a drink or enjoy the catch of the day, and take in the stunning views of the sea.

You can book a boat trip or fishing charter here too.

10. Bioparc Fuengirola

Bioparc Fuengirola is one of the best family attractions in Fuengirola and a super fun place to spend the day.

Easily walkable from the centre of town, this compact city zoo packs a lot in.

Formerly known as Fuengirola Zoo, Bioparc Fuengirola was opened in 2010 in response to the partnership with Bioparc Valencia.

Bioparc is unique in that it recreates the native environments that many of its animals hail from. This is possible due to the amiable climate on the Costa del Sol.

The recreated environments which include native vegetation include Equatorial Africa, Madagascar, Southeast Asia and Indo-Pacific.

There is a shady playground on site as well as ample room to enjoy a picnic lunch.

Check out the Bioparc Fuengirola website for more details.

11. Sould Park

Opened in 2015, Sould Park is a theme park on the beachfront, and part of the same entertainment group as the larger Festilandia-Sould Park in Benidorm.

We were lucky enough to attend the opening night in 2015 and our 2-year-old had a great time.

Entry is free with payment required for each ride. You buy a swipe card which can be topped up at the kiosks.

This is targeted at smaller children, although we saw children up to about 10 or 11 having fun.

Open evenings from 5pm to 9pm on the Paseo Marítimo del Rey.

12. Walk the Paseo Marítimo

The Paseo Marítimo or seafront promenade is one of the longest in Europe at 8 kilometers.

Starting from Fuengirola port, the promenade weaves its way along the entire coastline of Fuengirola, past all the beaches and the monument dedicated to the Peseta.

The promenade is perfect for an evening stroll, a morning jog or cycle, or just to watch the world go by with an ice cream in hand.

13. Visit the Plaza de la Constitución

The beautiful Plaza de la constitución is located in the centre of Fuengirola.

Framed by shaded gardens and outdoor seating it is a lovely spot to sit and watch the world go by.

It is surrounded by independent shops as well as several local cafés and restaurants.

Take a moment at the Nuestra Señora Del Rosario church where you can sit and pray or reflect in silence.

14. Fuengirola market days

Fuengirola has two main market days – Tuesday and Saturday.

Held in a street market style (just in case you were expecting a Mercado central).

The Tuesday market is a typical market day with gifts and souvenirs on sale, as well as trinkets, local artisans, fresh produce, and a good spattering of used items.

Saturday’s market is more of a car boot sale (flea market) with lots of second-hand goods that might be suitable for a home etc so head along on Tuesday if you are looking for more of a tourist-friendly activity.

Both markets are held at the Feria grounds.

If you like a stroll through central markets, the small Mercado Municipal Virgen Del Carmen in Los Boliches is nice.

15. Enjoy a drink and tapas at the beach bars

Spain is well-known for its delicious tapas, and what better way to enjoy them than with a refreshing drink by the beach?

The beach bars in Fuengirola offer a perfect spot to relax and take in the stunning views, whether you’re sipping on a glass of chilled white wine or savoring a cold beer.

And of course, no visit to a beach bar would be complete without sampling some of the delicious tapas on offer  (which often come free with your drink purchase).

From fresh seafood dishes to traditional Spanish tortillas, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste.

16. Plaza de Toros

The Plaza de Toros in Fuengirola was built in 1962 and now stands proudly in the heart of the old town.

It hosts bullfights and equestrian events with seating over 4,000 people.

Whether you’re a fan of bullfights or not, a visit to the Plaza de Toros is an unforgettable experience.

To find out more visit the website here

17. Hit the Water Parks

Fuengirola is lucky to have two water parks close by – Costa Water Park and Aquamijas.

The Costa Water Park

The Costa Water Park is a seasonal water park containing an inflatable playground with massive slides, balance bridges, and surfboards.

It is usually set up in the shallow waters near Los Boliches.

CostaWaterPark is open from the middle of June to the middle of September from  11:00am to 08:00 pm. Depending on the weather, the CostaWaterParks will be built up in the first or second week of June.

Aquamijas

Aquamijas is a permanent water park that opens for the season from early April until late September.

Home of the Wild River and Kamikaze rides plus the famous Crazy Loop, Aquamijas is one of the most fun things to do in Fuengirola.

The park has sunbeds available for hire or bring a towel so you can lie on the grass for free. You are also allowed to bring your own food in.

That said there are plenty of food options for the usual suspects – burgers, chips etc.

Make sure you book your ticket online before you visit, this saves 15% off the price at the window.

18. Visit Mijas Pueblo

With its whitewashed buildings and winding streets, Mijas Pueblo is a charming Andalusian village that offers visitors a taste of traditional Spanish life.

Located just a short drive from Fuengirola, Mijas Pueblo is the perfect place to escape the heat and enjoy some of Spain’s best food and wine.

The village is also home to several small shops and galleries, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs or find unique gifts for friends and family back home.

19. Explore the wider Costa del Sol

Fuengirola is a great base for exploring the wider Costa del Sol.

While the town itself has plenty to offer in terms of beaches, restaurants, and shops, there are also many great attractions to be found further afield.

A popular option is to take a day trip to one of the nearby towns or villages.

This might include visiting the fishing village of Nerja, exploring the Roman ruins at Acinipo, or checking out the view from Gibralfaro Castle in Malaga.

You can even take a day trip to Morocco – although it is a very long day.

Plenty of vendors arrange day trips with pickup from your accommodation included.

Check out some of the day trips from Fuengirola below:

 

Tips for Visiting Fuengirola – Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better Benalmadena or Fuengirola?

If you’re looking for a seaside resort town in southern Spain, you may be wondering whether to choose Benalmadena or Fuengirola for your next holiday.

Both are popular choices, and each has its unique charm.

Fuengirola is a bustling city with a lively atmosphere, while Benalmadena is more relaxed and laid-back.

Fuengirola has more to offer in terms of shopping, nightlife, and restaurants, while Benalmadena is a great choice if you’re looking for a quieter time.

Both towns have beautiful beaches and plentiful outdoor activities, so it comes down to what you’re looking for in a vacation.

If you want to party the night away, Fuengirola is the place for you.

But if you’re after a more chilled-out vibe, then Benalmadena is the perfect spot.

Editors note: Our personal preference is Fuengirola – we found it really was the perfect blend of city amenities and resort, all located nearby.

Benalmadena requires a very steep walk between the Coast and the Pueblo which is not something we enjoyed doing with a toddler in the heat.

We found there were more things to do in Fuengirola that suited our family.

Is Fuengirola Lively?

It’s no Magaluf (thank goodness!) but Fuengirola is a lively town with plenty to see and do.

The town centre is full of shops, restaurants, and bars, and there’s always something going on.

The beaches are also great – there are eight to choose from, all with different atmospheres.

Playa de Fuengirola is the busiest beach, with plenty of activities on offer, while Los Boliches is a little quieter and more relaxed.

There’s also a lively nightlife scene in Fuengirola, with bars and clubs open until the early hours.

Can you walk from Fuengirola to Benalmadena?

The answer to this question is yes, you can walk from Fuengirola to Benalmadena.

The two towns are located nearly 7 miles (or 11km) apart, and there is a direct walking route that connects them.

The walk takes around 2.5 hours to complete, and it is relatively easy, with only a few gentle hills.

However, there are a few things to bear in mind. Firstly, the weather in Fuengirola can be quite hot, so make sure to wear sunscreen and a hat and take plenty of water with you.

Secondly, the route can be quite busy at times, so it is advisable to walk during the cooler hours of the day.

Finally, there are a few sections where the pavement can be narrow or uneven, so take care when walking.

With these things in mind, you should have no problem walking from Fuengirola to Benalmadena.

If it gets too hard just find the nearest bus stop along the route. The M120 bus travels from Torremolinos to Fuengirola via Benalmadena every half an hour.

Things to do in Fuengirola – Final Thoughts

Fuengirola is the perfect base for exploring the Costa del Sol. With plenty of beaches, restaurants, and shops in town, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

But that’s not all – Fuengirola is also a great starting point for day trips to some of the nearby towns and villages.

From fishing villages like Nerja to Malaga city, Ronda and beyond, there’s plenty to see and do in the area.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of fun activities you can take part in when you visit Fuengirola.

We love exploring Fuengirola and will add to this list if we find something new. Is there anything we’ve missed?