Fuengirola
Fuengirola is one of the smallest municipalities in the Malaga province, but this has not prevented it from being one of the most important tourist resorts on the Costa del Sol, with only 7 meters of coastline, its popularity stands together with some of its neighbours, Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Marbella and Estepona in travel agencies all over the world.
Fuengirola is situated on the coast of an open bay, the Ensenada de Fuengirola at either end of the bay is the Punta de Ancal which is to the east and Punta de Calburras to the west, at the end of
this point which in fact is Mijas stands the Calaburras lighthouse.
Fuengirola borders to both the north and west with Mijas, and to the east with Benalmadena, the coast line runs from northeast to southwest, so that the sunrise over the sea can be seen here all year long. Along the 7 metres of coastline in Fuengirola you will find some of the cleanest well equipped beaches with all the very best in safety and leisure facilities, some of the more important beaches are Carvajal, Torreblanca de Sol, Los Boliches, Los Gaviotas , Santa Amalia and El Castillo.
The Coast has the mouths of two streams and a large river, Fuengirola which meets the sea near Sohail castle, the river is fed by the waters from the southern slopes of the Sierra de Alpujara, the peaks of the Sierra de Mijas rise 1000 meters and only a short distance from the coast.
Fuengirola enjoys dry but not excessively hot summers, ideal weather for attracting holidaymakers in their droves, during the popular high season months of July and August. Mild winters with an average temperature of 12 degrees centigrade, make it an ideal winter break destination for those living a less temperate climate, ideal for the older holidaymaker, who may be looking for a longer winter break away from the rainfall, snow.icy winds and expensive fuel bills of their native country.
Santa Fe de los Boliches was originally a fishing village which thanks to tourism has grown at an alarming rate , origins start back in the 14th and 15th century as it was at this time ruled by the Kingdom of Granada and Genoan merchants were allowed to set up business for the purpose of exporting salt fish.
Fuengirola sea front extends all the way to this former fishing port which has now become wholly integrated into the tourist industry. The main monument in Santa Fe de los Boliches separate from those on the sea front is the Parish Church of the Virgen del Carmen which is a more recent construction.
An orginal idea which Fuengirola has undertaken is the “Museo Abierto” this is an open air museum as all the pictures done by important artist such as Brinkman, Peinado or Barbadillo can be admired in the street, these pieces of art have been carefully painted on to the outside of buildings in the centre of Fuengirola adding to its special charm, and also adds a touch of colour to urban heart of the town.
Another great attraction offered by Fuengirola is its leisure port, construction started in 1973 next to the fishing port, the fishing port continues today to contribute to the local economy of the region, as it one of the largest local supplies of fresh fish for domestic consumption, and it also supplies the restaurants for the western area of the Costa del Sol. The fishing port was built in the mid 20th century.
The pleasure p
ort has some 226 mooring points approximately half of these are privately owned, so the occupation level can be high even in the winter season , the facilities available at the port are Fuengirola Yacht club, the centre of oceanographic Research and diving and sailing schools. Various scheduled boat trips and excursions leave the port including dolphin watching, and during the summer season there are night sailing trips in a glass bottom boat. A selection of bars and restaurants offer good value for money and all offer varied and menus, parking is also available but spaces can soon be taken quickly in the summer weeks.
Fuenigola also has many attractions with the tourist in mind, the Zoo which is located by the Bullring, this is the only Zoo in Malaga province, and is home to a wide selection of animals from all over the world, great care and attention is paid to the Zoo environment, which features decorative elements such as gardens and ponds, the Zoo opened in 1971 and was launched as a private but its running has since been taken over by the local authorities.
Just outside the boundaries of Fuengirola but not far away you will find a water theme park, along the Coin Road is an 18hole golf course, and also a horse riding centre.
In October starting around the 6th and finishing on the 12th is the Ferrier de Rosario during this 6 day period there is a fair, and local people in traditional dress on horseback and carriages travel the town, bars stay open and flamingo songs are sung late into the night, the best time to visit the fair is at night, closing time is normally around 6am in the morning, firework celebrations mark both the opening and closing of the Ferrier, and can be quiet spectacular.