Fuengirola holidays

How to reach Fuengirola

• Flight time: From London and other main UK airports, flights to Fuengirola usually take around 2 hours 45 minutes, arriving at the nearby Malaga Airport. Don't miss our best deals on cheap flights to Malaga.

• Transfer time: The most practical way to get to Fuengirola from Malaga Airport is by rail, which takes 20 minutes to get to the town centre. Trains leave around every 20 minutes.

• Price: The train fare costs between €2 and €3 for one-way travel. Alternatively, a taxi from the airport to Fuengirola will cost you approximately €40.

Best time to visit Fuengirola

Although Fuengirola is a year-round destination, the best time to take your holiday will largely depend on your tolerance for heat and crowds as well as how much you have budgeted for.

• April to June marks the beginning of the tourist season, with comfortable temperatures averaging around 20°C to 25°C. The town is less busy, making it an ideal time to enjoy sightseeing without competing with too many people.

• July to August often exceeds 30°C. Being the hottest months, when the town buzzes with activity, it's an ideal time for those who love hanging out on the beach and energised nightlife.

• September to November temperatures remain warm but become more bearable, ranging from 25°C down to 18°C as November approaches. As visitors decrease, this is a good time if you would prefer a more sedate trip.

• December to March is still mild with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 18°C. Seasonal festivities and less crowded beaches make this period idyllic for a relaxing break away from harsh British winters.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken due to the town's popularity with international tourists.

• Local habits and customs: To really enjoy your Fuengirola holidays, adopt the easy-going pace of life. Some businesses shut for afternoon siestas and dining out in the evening often starts as late as 9 pm onwards.

• Currency: The Euro is the currency used in Spain. ATMs are very easy to locate and credit cards are widely accepted.

• Getting around: Public transport in Fuengirola is very efficient. Most major attractions and nearby towns can be reached by bus or train services. A regular bus fare inside the city costs around €1.50.

• Electricity and plug types: In Spain 220 volts is standard, with continental-style two-pin sockets. UK travellers will need an adaptor for their electronic devices.

• Time zone: Fuengirola operates on Central European Time, which is 1 hour ahead of GMT.

Local dishes in Fuengirola

Sampling local dishes is one of the highlights of any holiday to Spain. In Fuengirola, the culinary scene is a mix of traditional Spanish flavours and international influences that will satisfy all tastes.

Some typical dishes

• Gazpachuelo Malagueño: This traditional, creamy fish soup is lighter than the typical gazpacho but equally refreshing.

• Ajoblanco: Perfect for the Costa del Sol’s warm climate, this cold soup is made from almonds, garlic, bread and olive oil – and often served with grapes or melon.

Tapas dishes

• Boquerones en Vinagre: Also enjoyed as a starter, this local favourite consists of fresh anchovies marinated in vinegar with garlic and parsley.

• Ensaladilla Rusa: A popular tapas item, this Spanish potato salad is mixed with mayonnaise, tuna and vegetables.

Meat dishes

• Pinchitos Morunos: These Moorish-inspired skewers of marinated pork or chicken are a testament to the region's historical influences.

• Lomo en Manteca: Reflecting the local love for pork-based dishes, pork loin is cooked and preserved in lard, and flavoured with spices and herbs.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Espeto de Sardinas: Typically found at beachside chiringuitos (refreshment stands), these sardines are skewered and grilled over an open fire.

• Calamares Fritos: Fried squid rings are a common and beloved dish in coastal Spain.

Sweets and desserts

• Tarta de Almendra: A favourite in local cafés, this rich moist cake is made with almonds.

• Leche Frita: This creamy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert is simply fried milk dusted with cinnamon sugar.

Local drinks

• Sangría: A classic Spanish drink, consisting of red wine, a splash of brandy, soda water and fresh fruit, sangria is perfect for cooling down on balmy summer days.

• Horchata de Chufa: Though not originally from Costa del Sol, this refreshing drink made from tiger nuts is popular in the hot months.

Best things to do in Fuengirola

Fuengirola is a frantic town with miles of sandy coastline, which packs a punch in terms of things to do and see, family-friendly attractions and places to eat. But a stroll through the historic centre reveals another aspect to this former fishing port.

The best districts

• City centre: The hub of Fuengirola, the city centre teems with shops, cafés and restaurants – the place to come to get a feel of the local way of life.

• Los Boliches: Ideal for exploring on foot, Los Boliches, the former fishing quarter of Fuengirola, retains charming narrow streets and authentic eateries.

Parks and gardens

• Sohail River Park: This river park with lush paths and picnic spots alongside the Fuengirola River provides a serene escape from the bustling resort.

Historical monuments

• Sohail Castle: Perched on a hill, this Moorish fortress holds centuries of history, and often hosts concerts and festivals in its grounds. It’s also worth visiting for the panoramic views, which are particularly beautiful at sunset.

• Roman Archaeological Park: Discover Fuengirola’s ancient past through preserved Roman ruins, including a thermal baths complex and mosaic floors.

Day trips in the area

• Mijas Pueblo: Just a short drive away, this charming white village offers a taste of old Spain, renowned for stunning mountain views, artisan shops and its donkey taxis. Check our cheap holiday to Mijas packages.

• Malaga: Picasso was born in Malaga, a city boasting some fine museums, ancient sites and a busy urban culture, all just a short travel distance away. Discover the best deals on holidays in Malaga.

• Ronda: This mountaintop city is famed for its dramatic views, deep El Tajo gorge, cobbled streets and the historic Puente Nuevo bridge. Enjoy a stay in this beautiful town with our cheap holidays to Ronda.

Activities for families in Fuengirola

Holidays to Fuengirola have an abundance of activities to keep the whole family entertained. A variety of attractions from water parks to interactive museums and vast outdoor spaces ensure that kids of all ages – from toddlers to teenagers – will never get bored.

• Zoos and aquariums: Bioparc Fuengirola is primarily a zoo with a tropical forest and immersive animal encounters. Just along the coast in Benalmádena, the Sea Life Aquarium offers educational talks and feeding demonstrations.

• Water parks: Just a short drive from Fuengirola, AquaMijas water park offers thrilling slides, various pools and attractions for tots. There is also another water park nearby in Torremolinos – Aqualand.

• Playgrounds and recreational areas: Sohail River Park provides a great space for children to play and explore, with play areas and picnic spots. Parque del Sol is known for its large green spaces, playgrounds and sports facilities, a favourite among families. Fuengirola's beaches are ideal for families, with soft sand and shallow waters perfect for young swimmers, and many beaches offer playgrounds and volleyball nets.

• Interactive museums: The Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum) offers interactive exhibits that engage children with the local history and culture.

Free things to do in Fuengirola

There are many free activities to do in Fuengirola, from scenic walks to cultural excursions, so you can enjoy your holiday without impacting your budget too much.

• Explore free public spaces: There are lots of pleasant public spaces in Fuengirola that are enjoyable to explore. The Paseo Maritimo is a great spot to walk or jog while taking in the beautiful scenery. Close by, Sohail River Park is a great space for family picnics, casual strolls or cycling along the river.

• Free events: Fuengirola hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the Medieval Market and International Fair, where you can enjoy performances, parades and cultural displays for free. The central hub, Plaza de la Constitución, is surrounded by historical buildings and is often the site of free events and performances.

• Free historic sites: The Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario is a site of architectural beauty, open to visitors who want to explore its architecture and art at no cost. While there is a fee for some events and festivals at Sohail Castle, the grounds are open to the public for free.

Wellness in Fuengirola

• Beach yoga: Accompanied by the soothing sounds of the sea, beach yoga is a popular activity in Fuengirola.

• Fitness and health clubs: If you want to keep up with your fitness routine while on holiday, Fuengirola has numerous gyms and health clubs that offer day passes.

Nature and outdoor activities in Fuengirola

• Water sports: Fuengirola's long stretch of sandy beach is perfect for water sports. Activities like jet skiing, parasailing and paddleboarding are readily available along the beachfront. Kayaking or canoeing are tranquil ways to see the coastline from a different perspective, often including access to secluded coves.

• Hiking and biking: The nearby hills and coastal paths around Fuengirola provide excellent hiking and cycle routes. A popular hiking destination is the Mirador de la Senda Litoral, a coastal path with stunning sea views and a moderate hike.

• Birdwatching: The mouth of the Fuengirola River is a natural haven for birdwatchers, where various bird species can be observed in their natural habitat.

• Horse riding: Several stables around Fuengirola offer horse-riding excursions through the countryside.

• Golf: Fuengirola boasts several acclaimed golf courses nearby that offer a peaceful setting amidst beautiful scenery.