What to do in Fuengirola

Fuengirola is a large Spanish town located in the Costa del Sol area of Malaga. There has been a settlement at Fuengirola for thousands of years and the town boasts a long and interesting history that has even included a number of name changes. Now, however, the town`s 8 kilometres of beaches and subtropical Mediterranean climate have ensured that Fuengirola has become a popular tourist resort on Spain`s much loved Costa del Sol.

As have many of the Costa del Sol`s towns in recent years, Fuengirola has undergone much development to make sure it can offer everything holiday makers need and want from a holiday in the sunshine. Having said that town still exudes a traditional charm and sense of history that is lacking in bigger and more commercial resorts on the Costa del Sol. Fuengirola was originally an Arab settlement and then went on to be captured by the Romans, becoming a typical Roman town. In the early Middle Ages a fire meant all the town`s inhabitants had no choice but to flee and Fuengirola then did not become a largely inhabited town for a couple of hundred years.

Now Fuengirola has been restored to its former glory, offering visitors lots of things to see and do during their stay. If you like whiling away the hours on the beach then you will certainly be able to do this on the sandy beaches of Fuengirola and there are lots of water-front bars, cafés and restaurants in which to enjoy a mid-afternoon snack. As well as these beach-side eateries there are many other eating opportunities in the town, so whether you would like to try local cuisine or are looking for something a little more familiar, you will be sure to find it. Fuengirola is also a great place for shopping, as there is a lovely mixture of boutiques, gift shops, shopping malls and stylish leather shops that will no doubt keep keen shoppers busy for hours.

Those who like to get active will love the selection of water sports available on the beach, including kitesurfing, parasailing and banana boat rides. For animal lovers there is lots of exciting wildlife on display at the famous Fuengirola zoo, whereas culture vultures will probably want to explore the town`s history a little further as it boasts a large number of historical sites and open parks. On the top of anyone`s list should be a visit to the Arab castle, which as of 2000 is completely refurbished and now hosts festivals and concerts throughout the summer months.

The best way to get to Fuengirola is by flying in to Malaga airport as there are regular of flights to Malaga from airports all across the UK. Malaga airport is located just 20 minutes away from Fuengirola and so there are no lengthy transfers once you arrive. Most people either take a taxi to their hotel which will cost around €40, however if you are looking to have an especially cheap holiday in Fuengirola you could always catch a train into the centre of the town which costs around €2. There are lots of excellent places to stay in Fuengirola and lovely accommodation near to the sea is available regardless of your budget.