13/12/2021
Fuengirola is a small coastal town at the foot of the mountains located between Malaga and Marbella that belongs to the Costa del Sol.
It is considered one of the most touristic places, since in summer it is capable of hosting up to 250,000 inhabitants.
The origin of its name seems to come from the toponym of the Castilian, which referred to the existence of some sources that supplied water to the sailors who came.
Currently its economy is governed by the tourism sector, especially in the summer months.
It is a place where you can enjoy the sun practically all year round, having about 3000 hours of sunshine a year, as it has a southern climate in both winter and summer. It has a subtropical Mediterranean climate with an average temperature of 18º in winter, leaving generally mild temperatures and hot summers that reach 30º.
Brief history of Fuengirola
It is said to have been founded by the Phoenicians, who called Fuengirola Syalis. After the 2nd Punic War, it became a Roman domain like the rest of the settlements in the south of Hispania.
During the Roman settlement it became known as Suel. It was considered a federated city until it was invaded by the Vandals and later by the Byzantines. Making its population fled to the mountains. Fuengirola was abandoned for a long time due to the reappearance of piracy and Visigoth hordes. Several Roman remains have been found such as the fish salters on the banks of the hill of the Sohail Castle or the baths and the villa of the Finca del Secretario.
After a long period of abandonment it ended up being conquered by the Arabs coming from North Africa. The name Sohail was given to both the territory and its castle, it was said that because the star of Sohail (the brightest star in the southern hemisphere and guide of the desert nomads) could only be seen from the Sohail Castle.
On August 7, 1485 the Christian troops took Sohail Castle. After their attempt to repopulate Fuengirola they ended up failing due to the different threats they suffered at that time, leaving it reduced to a defensive fortress and coastal surveillance.
In the modern age Fuengirola depended on Mijas until little by little the threats on the coast began to reduce and soon it began to be populated again. But this time its settlement settled on the other side of the river, where in the early eighteenth century an inn was built near the beach that served as accommodation for fishermen, nomads and passers-by, causing a small village to form next to this inn.
During the Spanish War of Independence, the Sohail castle was in the hands of the French, where the battle of Fuengirola took place in which a Polish garrison led by France faced a Spanish-British army. Both sides fled for different reasons, leaving part of the castle destroyed and abandoned.
Battle of Fuengirola, oil painting by Jan Suchodolski.
Thus forcing Fuengirola to return to belong to Mijas because most of the inhabitants fled looking for a safer place thus reducing its population after the numerous invasions and expropriating part of its territory because they did not have enough economic strength or population to be an independent municipality. At that time Mijas had about 1000 inhabitants as opposed to 400 in Fuengirola. Therefore, the provincial council of Malaga did not allow the creation of a town hall in Fuengirola until 1841. Fuengirola was affected by the reduced territory it received and tried to expand it at different times.
From the 1930s the first hotels began to be built on the first line of the beach. This made its tourist activity grow since 1960 and has not stopped growing since then, making it one of the major points of interest for travelers looking for a good climate.
Today Fuengirola has an extension of 10.37 km with 8 km of coastline divided into 7 beaches and it's divided into different areas.
Different areas to live in Fuengirola
Castillo Sohail
One of the areas with more historical wealth of the city and that takes us our roots, preserving the most important monument of the city, Sohail Castle in which different colonies settled and hosted numerous war stories. Now it is a place of tourist leisure where numerous activities take place especially in the summer months organizing one of the most famous festivals of the city the Marenostrum , in which they set up stages, bars and food places becoming the most successful summer leisure of the city, hosting a multitude of artists from all over getting an unbeatable atmosphere. In the winter months you can enjoy its beautiful and spacious gardens to stroll, sunbathe or do some outdoor activity.
Una de las zonas con más riqueza histórica de la ciudad y que nos lleva nuestras raices, conservando el monumento más importante de la ciudad, El Castillo Sohail en el que se asentaron diferentes colonias y albergaron numerosas historias bélicas. Ahora es un sitio de ocio turístico donde se realizan numerosas actividades sobretodo en los meses de verano organizándose uno de los más famosos festivales de la ciudad el Marenostrum, en el que montan escenarios, bares y sitios de comida llegando a convertirse en el ocio de verano con más exito de la ciudad, acogiendo a multitud de artistas de todas partes consiguiendo un ambiente inmejorable. En los meses de invierno puedes disfrutar de sus hermosos y amplios jardines para pasear, tomar el sol o hacer alguna actividad al aire libre.
It is a central area, well located and close to all needs, preserving a quiet and relaxed atmosphere especially in the off-season months. It is a privileged area to spend the summer, very demanded by the tourism due to its proximity to the beach and its tranquility, it is located in the western part of Fuengirola next to the Alaminos river, along this river you can find the river park and the green areas of its surroundings until you reach the beach. Right next to the river is the Miramar Shopping Center, where you can find numerous establishments. The properties in this area are often used as tourist investments or as second homes for summer vacation. It also has a beach for dogs and specific parks for our canines.
Es una zona céntrica, bien ubicada y cerca de todas las necesidades, conservando un ambiente tranquilo y relajado sobretodo en los meses de baja temporada. Es una zona privilegiada para veranear, muy demandado por el turismo debido a su cercanía con la playa y su tranquilidad, se encuentra ubicado en la parte oeste de Fuengirola junto al río Alaminos, a lo largo de este río podrá encontrar el parque fluvial y las zonas verdes de sus alrededores hasta llegar a la playa. Justo al lado del río se encuentra el Centro Comercial Miramar, en el que podrás encontrar numerosos establecimientos. Las propiedades de esta zona suelen usarse como inversión turística o como 2º residencias para veranear. También cuenta con una playa para perros y parques específicos para nuestros caninos.
Ideal for a nice walk by the sea in the morning!
Fuengirola (Center)
Area connected to everything, busy and connected to everything. Perfect for not having to depend on transportation. It is where the activity of the city is. In the coastal area of the center is the nightlife of the area, where you can find everything from concerts, karaokes to clubs or discos. Fuengirola stands out for its coastline extensions making you can even in the center disconnect on the beach sunbathing or enjoying a water activity in the port.
It is usually more affluent in summer, where locals and tourists go out to take advantage of the summer nights to enjoy the sea breeze after a hot day. In this area is located the port of Fuengirola, where the fishing tradition of the town is still preserved and many water activities for leisure.
One of the most important beaches in the center is La cepa where the oldest beach bar of our city is located. Here you can taste local fish and typical dishes of the area.
In the center you will also find the train and bus stations that connect Fuengirola with the different areas and with other municipalities.
The properties in this area are usually a good investment to benefit regardless of the season, due to the tourist and labor demand, since the inhabitants tend to rent them for work throughout the year and tourists to be able to have ease of travel especially in the summer months.
Unwind and enjoy the summer nightlife!
El Boquetillo
This part of Fuengirola is the central residential area with more history, quite affluent and close to everything. It is located in the less coastal part of the center, perfect to live and to be able to follow the daily routine. It could be said that it is one of the areas where its cultural richness has been preserved, since it has its own market, emblematic establishments, even its own fair. It is also a place where the most autochthonous citizens of the area live.
The properties in this area are ideal for families or couples who want to live near the center of the city.
It is the most local area of our city!
Los Boliches
It is an old fishing village, the name comes from Santa Fe de los Boliches, which refers to the fishing gear that was used on these beaches, where the boats used to catch anchovies. It is currently part of Fuengirola, as it is an extension of the center. It is a central residential area where you can have everything within reach, ideal for families and people who want to live without depending on transportation, while retaining all the amenities you need for someone who lives here all year round. (There are train and bus stops that connect very well with other parts of the city) It is a less affluent area than the city center.
Here you can find everything you may need in your day to day life. Libraries, market, bakeries, churches and much more.
Los Boliches has larger and quieter beaches than downtown. Preserving the family and residential atmosphere of the area.
In this area you can also find the fairground where different festivals and events of our culture are organized such as the Fair of the villages Fuengirola. Every Tuesday morning there is a flea market where you can find locally grown fruit and vegetables, clothes and other goods.
Live as one of our city!
Los Pacos
In the center of the pacos are several establishments, schools and stores where you can cover your basic needs, it is advisable to have a vehicle if you want to move around the city easily. Although it has buses that facilitate the mobility of this area. It is located in the inner part of Fuengirola, so if you want sea you will have to move 1km to the coast.
It is one of the favorite areas for the colonies of foreigners who live here. And where you will be able to find different establishments directed to this foreign public that resides in
Fuengirola. One of the most popular colonies in our city is the Finnish colony that has settled and implemented its culture in the area, as they have churches, concert halls, supermarkets and even bookstores adapted to Finns especially in Los Boliches and Los Pacos. It is also very demanded by Swedes, English and Danes. It is one of the favorite destinations for northern countries as a coastal city in the south with good weather but that keeps that quiet residential charm.
Disconnect from the city with nature and tranquility!
Torreblanca
Una zona turística, tranquila para desconectar de la rutina y el estrés de la ciudad. Esta parte une la naturaleza del campo con la costa y sus playas. Creando un ambiente natural y pacífico, es el sitio preferido para los extranjeros jubilados que residen aquí. Ya que se respira tranquilidad en cualquiera de sus zonas. Los locales y establecimientos se encuentran casi todos ubicados junto al paseo marítimo y alrededores. La parte más interna es más una zona residencial con zonas verdes y parques. Si estás pensando en vivir aquí es buena idea tener vehículo propio para poder moverte libremente, ya que aunque es una zona bien comunicada no hay transporte público para todos los puntos de torreblanca y las cuestas puede dificultarlo más. Dispone de parada de tren a Málaga y a Fuengirola, además de autobuses en sus puntos más importantes.
A tourist area, quiet to disconnect from the routine and stress of the city. This part unites the nature of the countryside with the coast and its beaches. Creating a natural and peaceful environment, it is the favorite place for retired foreigners who reside here. It breathes tranquility in any of its areas. The premises and establishments are almost all located along the promenade and surroundings. The inner part is more of a residential area with green areas and parks. If you are thinking of living here it is a good idea to have your own vehicle to move freely, because although it is a well connected area there is no public transport to all parts of Torreblanca and the slopes can make it more difficult. It has a train stop to Malaga and Fuengirola, as well as buses in its most important points.
Experience the natural essence of Fuengirola!
Carvajal
It is located on the border with Benalmadena and is one of the key points for summer, as it is located in an area less exploited than Fuengirola, it breathes summer and its beautiful walk along the coastal path overlooking Fuengirola and part of Benalmadena will not leave you indifferent. It is a little crowded area on the outskirts and lives mainly from tourism. It is well connected by bus and train to the points of interest, although it is advisable to have a vehicle if you want to live in the area further away from the coast. One of its most important points is the Caliphate beach, where many inhabitants of Fuengirola prefer to go to enjoy its more natural and quiet beaches. It is a special beach for dogs, where families usually come to spend the day and enjoy different activities. It is also perfect for a drink while watching the sunset in summer enjoying good company, as it has several bars on the beach with stunning views.
In the part closer to the mountain is the residential part, a quieter area perfect to disconnect and enjoy stunning views of the coast or the mountains of Mijas.
Perfect to enjoy a good mojito with an incredible sunset!
Public transport
Fuengirola is very well connected thanks to its public transport network being the star transport the bus. Although it also has a train station that communicates with Malaga center and the different municipalities in the area.
Bus
There are two types of buses depending on the type of displacement:
-There are buses to go to other municipalities or cities that have to be taken from the Portillo bus station located in the center of the city.
-And a network of buses that run through the city according to the type of line, distributed throughout the city to facilitate access to different areas.
The bus network has 6 lines covering the 10km2 of Fuengirola distributed in:
L1 and L5 connect Los Pacos with the Miramar shopping center area.
L2 and L3 connect the best known areas of the municipality, the Boquetillo area (less coastal part of the center) with Carvajal.
L4 runs from one end of Fuengirola to the other, connecting Miramar with Carvajal.
And L6 facilitates mobility between Los Pacos and Torreblanca.
If you want to know more information about the transport networks consult this graphic or visit this link
Trains
The train line has 18 stops that connects Malaga with Fuengirola and the different municipalities included in this strip. Trains depart every 30 min. and connects with 4 of the areas of Fuengirola (The center, Los Boliches, Torreblanca and Carvajal). It is one of the fastest options if you want to move from one area to another without passing through the middle of the city.
To see the train stops click here
If you need to know the timetables for your destination point in Renfe click here
Fuengirola points of interest
Regarding its beaches, it is important to highlight the most popular ones: the beaches of Castillo, Santa Amalia and Boliches, without forgetting the beaches of Torreblanca, Las Gaviotas or Carvajal. It is also worth mentioning its local gastronomy, with outstanding dishes such as sardine skewers, cold pescaíto, ajoblanco and gazpacho.
In addition to its desirable beaches, especially sought after in the summer months, Fuengirola has other places of interest that are worth visiting, starting with the Sohail Castle, which houses one of our greatest historical wealth, continuing with the Torreblanca Thermal Baths or its well-known zoo the Bioparc Fuengirola.
Another point of interest is the Obsborne Bull located in Torreblanca and from where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of Fuengirola and its coastline.
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