Fuengirola is a stunning beach side city located on the Costa del Sol in Spain. This area in Spain has become a desired destination for tourists wanting cheerful and cheap holidays. Since its start as a settlement in the first century AD, Fuengirola has combined a cultured sense of the past with a bright enthusiasm for the future, and both are to be found in the modern Spanish city.

With Roman, Arab and Phoenician heritage, the city has a rich mix of their civilizations' backgrounds including a mediaeval Moorish fortress, Castilla Sohail. One can also enjoy the rustic parts of Fuengirola and at Los Boliches, towards Torreblanca, one can also visit Roman ruins. Prior to becoming a tourist destination, the town was grounded on the fishing industry, and one can still see the rustic old port which is still used by local fisherman.

Traces of the Spanish past are still present in Fuengirola, as the Plaza del Toros bull ring still stands, and the locals still celebrate Feria week in mid-October, with a week-long music, flamenco, food, dancing and drink festival.

Although the party spirit is very much part of the Costa del Sol past, it is also a massive part of its present as Fuengirola is known for its classy bars and open air dance clubs. It also offers all the required facilities and amenities that one would expect from an up and coming tourist centre: hotels, restaurants, bars, discothèques, a yacht harbour, and 8km of wide beaches. The city zoo is also very popular with both locals and tourists alike. Its modernisation in 2001 means that the enclosures are large and spacious and there are numerous endangered species being taken care of and studied at the zoo.

In addition to the night-time entertainment, eating and accommodation opportunities, there are lots of fun activities to do whilst on your holiday in Spain. A great local facility is the Mijas Aquapark, located in Las Lagunas, Mijas Costa. The aqua-park is massive with a variety of different rides and activities to suit all members of the family and is also conveniently only a five minute walk from the city centre.

The city centre itself is quite urban, with many high-rise complexes and narrow streets. In addition to being proud of its authentic Spanish feel, Fuengirola also celebrates the European community, with almost 25% of its inhabitants coming from countries such as Morocco, Sweden, Finland and the UK. In fact in the summer, the English community is considered large enough to support an exciting programme of activities, hobby meets and local groups. Commercial development is also underway inland and a large shopping centre and retail parks have been recently constructed. However, there are also large expanses of parks and play areas for children. Fuengirola is also easily negotiable by foot, and if you are planning to just visit the beach and the city, a rental car will not be necessary. However, if you are looking to visit a number of places along the Costa del Sol then rental cars can be hired at the airport and are fairly inexpensive, more so if booked from Britain or from Fuengirola centre once you reach the city. Parking spaces can be problematic to find in the centre, so it may be better to utilise the fantastic public transport facilities, particularly the cheap and punctual trains.

Along the Costa del Sol there are numerous sun spots and beautiful landscapes to get out and see. The Sierra Nevada Mountains are a stunning range and provide interesting terrain for walking, and tours of orange groves. There is also a massive theme park called Tivoli World. Boasting huge roller coasters, over 30 fun rides and attractions, Wild West shows, Flamenco shows and a wide array of eating outlets, Tivoli World makes a fantastic day out for families, singles and couples alike.

If it's not just a cheap holiday you want, but a change from the drab British weather, you won't be disappointed. Fuengirola boasts over 280 days of sun per year!

Further Fuengirola Information