Fuengirola

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why Choose Fuengirola for Your Costa del Sol Jollie?

Fuengirola is the perfect family-friendly resort that offers brilliant value without compromising on quality! This charming former fishing village has maintained its authentic Spanish character while providing all the modern amenities families need. With 8km of beautiful beaches, a fantastic zoo, and one of the largest street markets in southern Spain, it's got something for everyone.

What makes Fuengirola special is how it balances traditional Spanish culture with family-friendly attractions – you can explore the historic Sohail Castle, enjoy authentic tapas in local bars, then spend the afternoon at Bioparc zoo or relaxing on the beach.

🏰 What Makes Fuengirola Special

Family Paradise – Bioparc Fuengirola zoo with amazing animal habitats, plus safe, clean beaches perfect for children.

Authentic Spanish Vibe – Less touristy than some resorts, with genuine local bars, restaurants, and the massive Tuesday market.

Great Value – More affordable accommodation and dining options while still offering excellent beaches and facilities.

Perfect Location – Easy train connections to Málaga and other coastal towns, plus close to charming mountain villages like Mijas.

Stunning Beaches – 8km of golden sand beaches with calm waters, perfect for families and water sports enthusiasts.

🏨 Top Hotels in Fuengirola

Perfect for Families

Ilunion Fuengirola sits right on the beachfront with a kids' club, outdoor pool, and gorgeous Mediterranean restaurant serving buffet-style meals. The rooms are spacious with sea views, and you're literally steps from the sand – brilliant for families who want easy beach access without the faff.

Aparthotel Ilunion Miramar is perfect if you want self-catering flexibility with hotel perks. One and two-bedroom apartments come with kitchenettes, there's two outdoor pools (including one for kids), a playground, and the buffet restaurant does theme nights to keep things interesting.

Great for Couples & Adults

Hotel Angela - Adults Recommended is right in the centre, hop across the promenade and you're on the beach. Modern rooms with sea views, gorgeous Junior Suites with freestanding baths, poolside cocktail bar, and that proper relaxed vibe you want when there's no kids running about.

Yaramar Hotel - Adults Only in Los Boliches is just 10 metres from the beach with every room boasting sea views. Pool, jacuzzi, live entertainment, themed parties, and it's cycling-friendly if you fancy exploring Costa del Sol on two wheels.

Central & Convenient

Hotel El Puerto by Pierre & Vacances can't be beaten for location – right at the seafront in the heart of town with spectacular sea views. The rooftop pool and skybar have amazing coastal views, and you're walking distance to shops, restaurants, and the train station.

Leonardo Hotel Fuengirola sits beside the harbour overlooking the Med, close to the town centre. Heated pool in winter (proper handy!), spa with indoor pool and jet showers, plus it's rated sustainable if that matters to you.

🎭 Things to Do in Fuengirola

Families

🦁 Bioparc Fuengirola Zoo – This isn't your typical zoo! It's an immersive experience where 200+ species live in recreated natural habitats. Walk through dense jungle with gorillas, Komodo dragons, and Sri Lankan leopards separated by invisible barriers. Opens until midnight in July-August for nocturnal viewing! Around €20 entry.

🎪 Gnomo Park – Family-friendly theme park for kids aged 2-12 with mini-golf, zip lines, trampolines, water games, and a gnome village. Perfect for younger kids!

🏖️ 8km of Golden Beaches – Main Fuengirola Beach is buzzing with facilities, Los Boliches is more laid-back, Carvajal Beach is quieter. All clean, safe, with calm waters perfect for paddling.

🛍️ Tuesday Market – One of southern Spain's largest street markets with hundreds of stalls. Fresh produce, leather goods, clothes, toys – get there early for the best stuff!

Couples

🏰 Sohail Castle – 10th-century Moorish castle perched on a hill with a museum and brilliant coastal views. Hosts open-air concerts and festivals in July-August. €3 entry and proper romantic at sunset.

🏔️ Mijas Pueblo (15 mins) – Gorgeous whitewashed mountain village with donkey taxis, stunning views, and authentic Andalusian charm. Perfect for a romantic wander and lunch with views.

🕌 Old Town Wandering – Explore the historic streets, Plaza Constitución, and authentic tapas bars where locals actually eat. Grab a bottle of wine and watch the world go by.

🎨 Málaga (30 mins by train) – Easy train connections to Picasso Museum, Alcazaba fortress, fab shopping, rooftop bars, and brilliant food scene.

Groups & Beach Bums

🌊 Water Sports – Parasailing, diving, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and loads more available along the promenade. The calm Mediterranean waters are perfect for trying something new with your mates.

⛳ Golf Courses – 20+ world-class golf courses within easy reach. Costa del Sol is a golfer's paradise with year-round playing weather – perfect for a lads' golf trip.

🍹 Beach Bars & Chiringuitos – Spend the day hopping between beach clubs, sipping sangria, and soaking up the sun. Los Boliches has some brilliant spots right on the sand.

🚂 Costa del Sol Train Hopping – The C-1 line runs along the coast making it dead easy to explore Torremolinos, Benalmádena, and Marbella for bar crawls and beach hopping.

When to Visit Fuengirola 📅

Peak Season (June-September) ☀️🏖️

This is when Fuengirola's at its buzzing best – temperatures hitting 27-31°C, the Med warming to a gorgeous 23-24°C by August, and 11 hours of sunshine daily. July's the hottest (and sunniest with 14 hours of sunshine!), whilst August sees many Spanish families on their jollies so it can get lively. Bioparc Zoo opens until midnight in July-August with special nocturnal viewing, Sohail Castle hosts concerts, and beach life's absolutely brilliant. Book early as hotels fill up!

What's On:

• Sohail Castle concerts (July-August) – open-air music and dance performances

• International Fair "La Feria de los Pueblos" – 50 countries represented

• Bioparc nocturnal visits until midnight (July-August)

• All beach facilities and water sports in full swing

Shoulder Season (April-May & September-October) 🌸🍂

Proper lovely weather without the peak summer crowds – April-May sees temperatures climbing from 19-25°C, whilst September-October cools to a comfy 22-28°C in September, then 18-24°C by October. The sea's still warm enough for swimming in September (around 23°C), and you'll get way better hotel deals. May-September is statistically the best time to visit with ideal temperatures and low rainfall. Perfect for exploring without melting!

What's On:

• Lower hotel prices – especially brilliant value in October

• Tuesday market less rammed, easier to browse

• Golf season – 20+ courses nearby in perfect weather

• Hiking and exploring Mijas and mountain villages

Off-Season (November-March) 🌤️❄️

Winters are mild by UK standards – think 11-18°C with December-January being coolest (10-17°C). You'll still get 6-8 hours of sunshine daily, though November's the wettest month. Not beach weather, but brilliant for exploring Málaga, wandering Sohail Castle without crowds, and enjoying authentic local life. Hotels and flights are dead cheap, and it's surprisingly pleasant for a winter sun escape!

What's On:

• Lowest prices of the year on accommodation and flights

• Authentic local atmosphere without summer tourist rush

• Mild weather perfect for sightseeing and day trips

• Train connections to Málaga for culture and shopping

Top Tip: May-September gives you the best weather overall, but April-May and September-October offer that sweet spot of gorgeous temperatures, warm seas and fewer crowds!