fuengirola things to do

Fuengirola things to do around the Old Town and other fun attractions

Surprisingly, Fuengirola has a lot things to do, see and experience from the Old town, the beach and promenade walks, public markets, riverfront walks to even a historic castle on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean ocean. This more understated city along the trendy Costa del Sol still maintains it’s Spanish character without losing to the tourist dollar and the locals take back their city when the day trippers leave the each and tourist zones.

Fuengirola is fun and lively despite being at the end of the regional train service coming from Malaga along the Costa del Sol. There’s lots to see and do and we share all of our favorite things to do around town below.

Getting to Fuengirola

The main hub to the Costa del Sol is at Malaga and there are many routes to get to Fuengirola in which the most convenient and inexpensive is the local regional train service.

Getting to Fuengirola from Málaga is simple and there are several transport options to choose from:

Train (Cercanías C1 Line)
– The easiest and most popular option is to take the Cercanías (commuter train) from Málaga to Fuengirola.

Departures

Trains run every 20-30 minutes from Málaga-Centro Alameda or Málaga María Zambrano stations.
Duration – The trip takes around **45 minutes**.
Cost – Approximately €3-€ one way.
Stations in Fuengirola – The final stop is Fuengirola station, located in the center of town.

Bus
Buses also run between Málaga and Fuengirola, though less frequently than the train.
You can catch a bus at the Málaga bus station located next to the María Zambrano train station.
Duration – Depending on traffic, it takes around 45-60 minutes
Cost – Around €4-€7. You can purchase tickets with the kiosks machines or the ticket office
Tip – the bus services are less convenient but a good option if the train is not available.

Rental Car or private hire
If you prefer more flexibility, driving is an option. The AP-7 or A-7 highways connect Málaga to Fuengirola.
Duration , It takes around 30-40 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Tolls- The AP-7 is a toll road, while the A-7 is free.
Parking in Fuengirola can be tricky, especially in the summer months. You should park close to your destination and walk most of the time around the city.

Taxi or Rideshare

Taxis are available from Málaga airport or city center to Fuengirola.
Cost – Taxi fare is around 40-€60, depending on the time of day and traffic.
Tip – You can also use rideshare services like Uber or Bolt, but the prices are similar to taxis.

Top attractions

You can easily do a day trip to Fuengirola along the Costa del Sol from Malaga. I would recommend staying longer using the city as a base to explore more of the region or do a fun weekend getaway. It’s so much better to have more time to explore the area, attractions and places that suit your interest.

Old Town of Fuengirola

Fuengirola’s Old Town is a small part of the city, surrounded by newer developments, the beach, and the promenade. The downtown area is easy to explore on foot. While the center is relatively quiet during the day, it comes to life in the late afternoon and evening, as both locals and visitors head out to gather in the main squares, bars, and restaurants in and around the old town.

In the historic district, will find places such as the baroque Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Monumento a las Tres Generaciones.

Check out my post to visiting the Old Town here for images and more information.

Castillo de Sohail

Castillo de Sohail, one of Fuengirola’s oldest landmarks, stands impressively atop a hill, dating back to the 10th century. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city, harbor, and Mediterranean Sea. Entry to the castle is free, and during the summer, it often hosts concerts and festivals, with announcements posted throughout the city.

When I visited the castle in the late afternoon lighting was fantastic and the views were amazing from the castle to the areas below and a perfect spot to visit and capture some photographs.

Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Closed: Mondays, December 25th, January 1st, and January 6th
- Special Hours:
  - December 24th and 31st: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  - Note: The castle may close during summer for events. It’s advisable to check the Marenostrum Fuengirola agenda for updates.
Admission
- Entry: Free for all visitors .
- Address: C/ Tartesos, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga, Spain
- Contact: +34 663 99 67 27

Plaza de la Constitucion

Plaza de la Constitución is the main square where locals gather and spend time. It’s the ideal spot to soak in the atmosphere of Fuengirola and experience the local vibe. Around the square, you’ll find a variety of shops, historic buildings, as well as numerous bars, restaurants, and outdoor terraces. It’s a great place for people-watching, especially in the late afternoon and evening.

Finca del Secretario – Roman Archaeological site

Finca del Secretario Roman Archaeological Site offers a glimpse into the ruins of an ancient Roman villa. While much of it is in ruins, you can still get a sense of the scale and purpose of the rooms once used by the Romans who lived and worked there. Guided tours are available to provide insights into the history and significance of the site. Among the remains, you’ll find columns, mosaics, and other important artifacts discovered on the grounds.

Opening Hours

Park Hours:

October to April: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
May to September: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (midnight)
December 24th and 31st: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Interpretation Centre Hours:

September 16th to June 14th:
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
- Closed on Mondays, December 25th, January 1st, and January 6th
June 15th to September 15th:
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Note: The park and Interpretation Centre may close during adverse weather conditions.

Admission

Entry: Free for all visitors
Address: Av. Nuestro Padre Jesús Cautivo, 71, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga, Spain

The Fuengirola Mosque

The Fuengirola Mosque is a modern and impressive structure, best appreciated through a guided tour that highlights its architecture, design, and cultural significance. On weekends, the area around the mosque hosts a small outdoor market, offering a variety of knock-off merchandise, souvenirs, trinkets, along with dried fruits and local specialty foods. The market spans about two blocks surrounding the mosque.

When I visited Fuengirola Mosque on the weekend market day, it was a lot of fun to see what to sample, buy and view for sale at the various vendor booths from prepared foods, in season fruits and vegetables to inexpensive products and made things for a quick sale.

Opening Hours

The mosque is generally open during the five daily prayer times. For non-Muslim visitors interested in exploring the mosque, it’s advisable to visit outside of prayer times to avoid disrupting worshippers. Specific visiting hours for tourists aren’t officially listed, so contacting the mosque in advance is recommended.

Admission

Entry to the mosque is free. However, donations are appreciated to support the maintenance and activities of the mosque.

Address: Av. Santa Amalia, 10, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga, Spain

Explore Calle Moncayo

Calle Moncayo, also known as “Fish Alley,” is a narrow pedestrian street lined with a variety of restaurants and tapas bars. Once a quieter spot, it’s now a bustling area with terraced homes and buildings, perfect for hanging out and people-watching. The street comes to life as locals and visitors gather for casual dinners, browse street vendors, and explore souvenir stands, making it a lively evening destination.

Hang out at Plaza Chinorros

This popular square in the old town is packed with bars and restaurants. At night, it comes to life with locals and tourists mingling, strolling around, checking out menus, and people-watching. The square has a cozy, lively vibe with street performers, music, and venues bustling to serve drinks and tapas. As the night goes on, the glow of the streetlights adds a magical touch to the atmosphere.

Plaza Chinorros is surrounded by excellent restaurants and international dining options, making it a great spot to explore and soak in the local scene. I had many excellent meals here trying out the tapa bars, cafes and even some of the fine dining restaurants that were quite festive and attentive in service.

Beaches & Outdoor Activities

Walk the Beach Promenade called Paseo Maritimo

The bustling Paseo Marítimo de Fuengirola is lively year-round, with its vibrant boardwalk lined with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Seafood restaurants are especially popular here, often grilling sardines, local fish, and other seafood right on the promenade, tempting visitors to stop and enjoy a meal in the open air.

Check out the street art and public displays

Visit the striking hand sculpture on the beach, nestled among a small grove of palm trees—it’s especially spectacular at sunrise. As you stroll along the Paseo Marítimo de Fuengirola, you’ll come across various pieces of street art and public sculptures. One of the highlights is the “Monument to the Peseta” (Monumento a la Peseta), which honors Spain’s former currency. Another notable piece adds to the vibrant art scene along the promenade.

Enjoy a sunrise or sunset on the beach

Early morning for sunrise or end of day at sunset by the beach is where you want to be. Not so busy compared to the beach days, morning for sunrise gets the early risers that love to experience the beach, exercise and a gorgeous sunrise that happens regularly.

Sunset on the beach comes behind the town and the best place to check this out is at the T section of the pier walkway that juts out of the beach into a large T that you can walk out and enjoy the ocean views and shoreline views of the town.

Fuengirola Riverfront Area

Fuengirola’s riverfront area offers a mix of outdoor activities, cultural landmarks, and scenic spots. The Parque Fluvial along the Fuengirola River features walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it ideal for families and those seeking a leisurely stroll. For adventure seekers, there’s a zip line that crosses the river, providing a unique view of the surroundings . Nearby, the Sohail Castle, a 10th-century fortress perched on a hill, hosts various cultural events and offers panoramic views of the coastline . The Paseo Marítimo, one of Spain’s longest seafront promenades, stretches for 8 kilometers and is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops, perfect for a relaxing walk with sea views . At the river’s mouth, the Espigón de la T pier extends into the sea, providing a tranquil spot to watch the sunset and enjoy the coastal scenery.

It’s quiet and the busiest things you’ll see on the river are kayakers, SUP paddlers and even the occasional canoe paddlers exercising.

Day Trips from Fuengirola

Visit the White Village of Mijas

You can easily catch the regular buses that leave from the central bus station in town to the town of Mijas which is a very popular white village on the hills above town with spectacular views. Exploring the many attractions, plazas, shopping and eating venues makes it an easy day trip to do from Fuengirola.

Check out my post on visiting Mijas village here for more inspiration and details.

Day trip to Marbella

You can take public transportation, rental car or take a tour along the Costa Del Sol to Marbella, one of the most hip and trendy cities on the ocean. With an uptown vibe and Old Town Center that oozes with charm, shopping arcades and walking promenades, Marbella conjures the rich and famous to this famous Spanish coastal city drawing people from around the world to explore, shop or dine in many of the beautiful and chic restaurants, cafes and bars.

Check out my post on taking a day trip to Marbella from Fuengirola here for more information and details.

Practical information on your visit

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Summer (June–August): Hot and busy, great for beachgoers.
Spring & Autumn (April–May, September–October): Pleasant weather, fewer crowds.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Mild, good for off-season travel and walking tours.

Beach Rules

Opening Hours: Most beaches accessible 24/7, but services like sunbeds available during daylight.
Smoking: Prohibited on many beaches.
Dogs: Only allowed on designated dog beaches (e.g., Playa del Castillo).

Safety

Generally Safe: Petty theft can happen—watch your belongings on beaches and public transport.
Emergency Number: 112

Shopping and Markets

Markets:
- Tuesday – Weekly street market at Recinto Ferial
- Saturday – Flea market at same location
Shops: Mix of local boutiques and chain stores, plus Miramar Shopping Centre

Dining Hours

Lunch: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Dinner: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Tapas Bars: Open earlier and more flexible

Local Events

Feria de Fuengirola (October): Local fair with food, music, and horses
Festival Marenostrum: Summer concert series near Sohail Castle