DISCOVERING COSTA DEL SOL: FUENGIROLA

Following our series of posts describing the best areas of Costa del Sol, this week we take on to Fuengirola…enjoy!!

FUENGIROLA

Only 25km from Málaga International Airport is the town of Fuengirola – one of the most popular destinations on the Costa del Sol. Easily accessible by road, rail or bus, it is not difficult to see why this buzzing cosmopolitan town on the Mediterranean is the number one choice for so many different kinds of people.

Previously a tiny fishing village, Fuengirola has become a vibrant metropolis with character. With its fabulous beaches, the advent of many up-market tapas bars and good restaurants, interspersed with chic boutiques and other shops of interest, makes it the perfect holiday destination. The main square, Plaza de la Constitución, has been re-designed but still retains its unique enchantment. It looks especially pretty at Christmas, when it is decorated with very attractive lights and ornaments. It is also attractive during the Fuengirola summer festival (“feria”), when the whole town takes part in the annual street celebrations. A walk down the narrow, pedestrian streets leading off the main square is a voyage of discovery for the many visitors, who come across some of the hidden secrets and delightful corners of this friendly, Andalucian town.

One of the Fuengirola’s main attractions is, of course, its wonderful seven kilometres (five miles) of sandy beaches, stretching from the Sohail Castle to the west and Torreblanca to the east.

Fuengirola has all the amenities and comforts you need but in a beautiful Mediterranean setting. Whether you love shopping or are looking for a good hairdresser, everything is close at hand and usually within walking distance or just a short bus or train ride away.

Whether you are on vacation or looking to settle down in Fuengirola, you can always find a good gym. As well as privately-run gyms, there are also municipal centres.

Andalucia is famous for its beautiful horses. Whether expert or beginner, the Rancho El Rengo offers horse-riding. As well as riding lessons, there are organised treks around the local countryside and along the dry riverbeds. The stables also have a bar/restaurant – perfect for the times you have worked up an appetite after a ride.

Fuengirola is ideal for the keen golfer, since it is right in the heart of the golfing territory of the Costa del Golf, with Mijas Golf just a few kilometres from Fuengirola centre and many more courses within a very close radius.

Of course, water sports are strongly featured and where better to get to grips with speed boats, jet skis or fishing gear than at the cool marina.

The choice of accommodation is vast, from 5 star luxury hotels, penthouse apartments or villas with private pool, to studio flats with sea views or fishermen’s cottages on the beach. With an average of around 320 days of sunshine a year, the only decision is when to make the move.

If you are planning to re-visit Fuengirola after a gap of 10 years or more, prepare yourself for some changes. If you are considering a first time visit, you will be impressed by the atmosphere, amenities and wide choice of accommodation and property for sale (in case, like most people, you want to stay a little longer!). In recent years, the town has made enormous investments in improving the infrastructure in Fuengirola, not only to maintain a healthy and happy tourist trade, but also to make this a wonderful place to live. The results speak for themselves and have brought Fuengirola into the 21st century, while never losing sight of the rich historic past and traditional Andalucian roots.

Since the 1960’s, foreigners have been discovering the joys of living in Fuengirola. At the beginning of the 1960’s, there were around 8,500 people living in this small village. By 1980, there were some 30,000 and now there are over 63,000 official residents. In the summer season, this number swells enormously with tourists.

Have a great week! Vamos!!

My best wishes and regards from sunny Marbella, southern Spain!!

JC Lazo