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The
coastal
holiday
resort
of
Fuengirola
on the
Costa
del
Sol,
has
enjoyed
a
tourist
boom
since
the
60's.
Every
year
hundreds
of
thousands
of
holiday
makers
head
for
Fuengirola
which
is now
the
most
densely
populated
area
within
the
Malaga
province.
High-rise
hotels
and
apartments
have
now
swamped
the
traditional
Spanish
buildings
and
tourism
has
replaced
the
fishing
industry,
once
popular
here.
its
long,
sandy
beaches
sport
numerous
bars
and
restaurants
and
one of
the
longest
sea-front
walks
along
the
coast.
The
large
holiday
companies
have
long
since
had a
firm
hold
within
Fuengirola
but it
is
possible,
with
research
to
find
small,
friendly
accommodation.
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In the
summer
months
the
whole
place
is
alive
with
entertainment
yet
out of
season
it is
possible
to
find
peace
and
tranquillity.
Roman
history
is
quite
evident
if you
look
for
it.
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The
thermal
baths
in
Torreblanca
and
the
Roman
columns
in
Los
Boliches
are
worth
searching
for.
The
sports
marina
is an
attraction
in
itself
with a
mix of
fishing
boats
and
large
yachts.
There
are
markets
on a
Tuesday,
which
is the
largest
on the
coast,
Saturday
is a
giant
car
boot
sale
and a
craft
and
tourist
market
on
Sunday
in the
port.
Look
for
the
Castle
of
Sohail
on the
way
into
Fuengirola.
Fuengirola
offers
entertainment
for
all
tastes
and
ages
from a
ride
on the
tourist
train
or
horse
and
carriage
around
the
town
to a
visit
to the
local
zoo.
Enjoy
a day
at the
water
park
or
spend
time
in the
Sohail
River
Park. |
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At
night,
Fuengirola
truly
comes
alive
with
every
kind
of
bar,
restaurant
and
club
you
can
imagine.
Here
you
will
also
find
cinemas
with a
wide
range
of
films,
theatres
with a
full
programme
and in
the
summer,
regular
festivals
and
concerts
at the
castle.
See
local
fiestas.
There
is
usually
something
going
on at
the
feria
ground. |
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Fuengirola
is an
international
resort,
with
tourists
and
residents
of
every
nationality
and
this
is
evident,
everywhere
you
look.
There
are
very
few
home
comforts
you
can't
find
here
and
the
local
residents
will
always
offer
you a
warm
welcome.
The
English
speaking
community
is
vast
and
has
developed
a full
programme
of
activities
and
local
groups.
Fuengirola
also
offers
a wide
range
of
sports,
including
water
sports
at the
marina.
The
Tuesday
market
is of
massive
proportions
and is
very
busy.
It is
located
on the
Recinto
Ferial
site.
Catch
a
carriage
ride
at the
entrance.
Crime
is low
here
but be
careful
in the
market
and
watch
your
bags. |
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Fuengirola
may
appear
to be
over-developed
but,
if you
look
hard
enough,
you
will
find
several
sunny
parks
in
which
to
sit.
One
such
park
is the
Parque
del
Sol
(above).
It is
close
to the
zoo. |
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Walk
along
the
Paseo
Maritimo
towards
Los
Boliches
and
Torreblanca
to see
the
Roman
columns,
the
statue
to
Virgen
Carmen
(patron
saint
of
fishermen)
and
the
Plaza
San
Rafael
with
its
tall
statue.
A new
underground
car
park
has
been
built
under
this
square.
The
zoo
can be
found
at the
west
of the
town,
next
to the
bullring
and
makes
for a
great
day
out.
Don't
be
fooled
by the
small
exterior
of the
zoo.
It
covers
a
remarkable
area.
Heading
along
the
N340
in the
direction
of
Marbella,
you
will
find
the
local
racecourse.
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The
Hipodromo
del
Costa
del
Sol
makes
an
entertaining
day
out.
The
course
is
open
every
day
and
entrance
and
parking
are
free.
When
it
comes
to
history,
much
of the
town
centre
has
been
built
over.
There
are
several
churches
that
remain
though
and
the
council
have
allowed
for
several
large
squares
and
parks. |
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One of
the
central
squares,
the
Plaza
Constitucion,
has
just
been
totally
re-built,
with a
large
underground
car
park
beneath
- a
real
engineering
feat.
There
are
the
remains
of a
Roman
villa
worthy
of a
visit.
These
can be
found
in
Los
Boliches
which
is a
small
community
tagged
onto
the
end of
Fuengirola.
Los
Boliches
itself
has
its
own
beaches,
shopping
centres
and
much
more.
It is
a
little
quieter
than
Fuengirola
centre.
Fuengirola
is
host
to
many
events
and
celebrations
during
the
year
one
such
event
is the
International
Fair.
This
takes
place
in
March
or
April
each
year.
The
Carmen
celebrations
are
also
something
to
behold.
Pictured
above
is the
statue
of the
Virgen
del
Carmen
who is
the
patron
saint
of
fishermen.
The
statue
stands
on the
seafront
in
Fuengirola.
There
are
also
many
other
bronze
statues
along
the
Paseo
Maritimo.
Look
for
the
unique
monument
erected
in
memory
of the
Peseta. |
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Fuengirola's
port
consists
of two
parts;
The
original
fishing
port
which
still
works
to
this
day,
bringing
in a
daily
catch
for
the
local
markets. |
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The
traditional
Andalucian
boats
can be
seen
early
morning
and
late
afternoon.
At
night
you
may
see
them
with
their
floodlights,
night
fishing.
The
sports
marina
has
berths
for
pleasure
craft
of all
sizes.
There
are
also
several
companies
that
offer
boat
charters,
pleasure
trips,
dolphin
spotting
trips
and
fishing
trips.
There
is
also a
boat
that
goes
to
Benalmadena
and
back.
The
port
is
currently
a hot
topic
in
Fuengirola
and
there
are
plans
to
improve
the
port,
making
it the
largest
in
Europe.
Other
local
plans
include
the
building
of a
new
hospital.
All in
all,
Fuengirola
is an
international
resort
that
is
well
established.
If you
are
visiting
Spain,
Fuengirola
is a
good
place
to
make
base
from
which
to
explore
Andalucia
and
the
Costa
del
Sol.
There
is
also a
large
community
of
foreign
residents.
The
local
authorities
are
spending
a
great
deal
of
money
on the
town
at the
moment
with
vast
improvements
to
roads
and
facilities.
Fuengirola
also
has
its
own
television
station,
broadcast
on
satellite. |
