The Resort (24 km from Málaga), has grown into a large tourist centre and attracts many Spanish visitors as well as European tourists. The five miles of sandy beach and the buzzing marina are flanked by a wide promenade lined with palm trees and the old town with its narrow, pedestrianised streets, centred around the picturesque Plaza de la Constitucíon, is the hub of this popular Costa del Sol resort.
Location:
A municipality of the Costa del Sol, this seaside town is 30 kilometres from Malaga, 28 kms, from Marbella, adjoins the municipalities of Mijas to the North and Benalmadena to the east.
Where to go:
A few kilometres north of Fuengirola is the charming white village of Mijas. Of Muslim origin, Mijas is a pretty place with narrow streets and whitewashed houses covered in bougainvillaea and jasmine. The panoramic views of Fuengirola Bay and the coast are simply stunning and Mijas also boasts Spain’s smallest bullring. Although packed with tourists in summer, Mijas is a pleasure to visit and many ex-pats have made the surrounding countryside their home. At present the so-called Villa Blanca (white town) offers all the facilities of a major tourist centre - hotels, restaurants, bars, discotheques, sports clubs etc. Broad beaches flank the city east and west (Carvajal, Gaviotas, Boliches, San Francisco, Santa Amalia, Castillo) with newly built "chiringuitos" - simple beach side sheds housing restaurants - offer typical dishes such as cold vegetable soup, skewered sardines etc.
Attractions:
Apart from the general attractions of a tourist centre, Fuengirola offers a number of interesting venues such as the Roman baths at Torreblanca, the Arab castle of Suhayl, the Outdoor Museum exhibiting paintings by a variety of artists, the yacht harbour, Yacht Club and a large shopping complex, the 7 kms. long Marine Parade dotted with various monuments and sculptures.
Facilities:
Fuengirola, city of services and shopping centre of the Western Costa del Sol, is visited every Tuesday by thousands of people who go to the "mercadillo" -street market - which is held there every week.
Events:
Numerous events of all types, with the performance of well known artists, celebrated through the whole year, and especially during the summer season. "Feria del Rosario", which takes place during the second week of October and it is considered as one of the most important fairs in Andalucia. The fair ground, is endowed with permanent constructions where the famous "Peñas" have their headquarters, and where friendship is bonded among both locals and foreigners. Their "casetas" are perfectly fitted and equipped for the celebration of all kind of events. The carnivals are also becoming very popular and they are promoted year after year.. A typical fishing district of Fuengirola, offers the opportunity to enjoy the traditional way, fishermen an sailors celebrate their feasts.
Gastronomy:
As a typical fishermen's town, Fuengirola offers the most ample variety of the well known "pescaitos", exquisite fish and shellfish delicacies capable of delighting the most demanding gastronomes. The "fritura malagueña" a mix of fried small fish, squid and shrimps, and the "espetos", sardines baked on the open fire in a very special and characteristic way.
Of course the gastronomic offer does not finish here. Its meat grills are becoming very famous in the coast, but its authentic specialities are; "gazpachuelo" (eggs soup), chicken soup, stew potatoes with fish, red mullets at the fishermen style, and the famous "chanquetes".
Comments:
The hospitality of its people , the fantastic beaches, Fuengirola boast more than seven kms. of beautiful and well kept beaches, with white sand and provided with all the necessary services. For many years they have flown the European Blue Flag. The maritime promenade runs along the length of almost all the extension of its beaches.
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