Fuengirola: the multicultural hub of the Costa del Sol
Fuengirola has gained global recognition in recent times, becoming a home from home for many people who have chosen Spain to embark on their new life.
Its allure stems from its remarkable blend of diversity, warm hospitality and exceptional lifestyle. Standing out as the most culturally diverse town on the Costa del Sol, Fuengirola proudly presents the annual Feria Internacional de los Países (formerly known as the Feria de los Pueblos).
During this grand week-long festival, which normally takes place around the end of April or the start of May, each participating country – with its own caseta – showcases its unique gastronomy, music and customs, creating a vibrant and immersive experience for visitors.
The event offers a remarkable opportunity to explore and appreciate the rich heritage and traditions of various nations, all within the lively and festive atmosphere of the town’s fairground.
Seven kilometres of coastline
Boasting an impressive seven kilometres of coastline, Fuengirola attracts visitors thanks to its multiple beaches, several of which proudly display Blue Flags. These beaches offer a wide array of activities suitable for people of all ages.
At the western end of Fuengirola’s beach stands the town’s most iconic monument, Sohail Castle.
Originating from its construction in 956 AD, this historic citadel played a significant role in the formation of present-day Fuengirola. Today, during the summer months, the castle serves as a renowned venue for international concerts (such as Marenostrum Fuengirola) and themed festivals, attracting visitors from far and wide.
Bioparc Fuengirola
Another notable attraction in Fuengirola is the Bioparc, widely acclaimed as one of Europe’s finest zoos, primarily due to its commitment to environmental conservation.
Within Bioparc Fuengirola, over 200 distinct species thrive, many of which face endangered or high-risk statuses.
The zoo encompasses four main habitats, including the captivating island of Madagascar, home to the famous lemurs.
Equatorial Africa provides a glimpse of gorillas, chimpanzees, and meerkats, while the Southeast Asian habitat and the Indo-Pacific region feature captivating species like the renowned Komodo dragon and the Galapagos giant tortoise.
Getting to Fuengirola from Malaga
As the final stop on the Cercanías train line from Malaga, Fuengirola is conveniently reachable within approximately 50 minutes.
It’s even quicker to drive to Fuengirola, with the journey taking less than half an hour outside of peak travel time.
Daryl is the co-founder of Malaga Guru. He is a copywriter, editor and translator who moved to Malaga a decade ago having first fallen in love with the city on his Erasmus year. After working for many years at local expat newspaper SUR in English, Daryl gained expert knowledge in life from the perspective of foreign residents and decided to co-found this site in 2016.