Things to see and do on the Costa del Sol, Spain
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Geographical areas of the Costa del Sol, Spain
- Western Costa del Sol: Malaga, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Marbella, Puerto Banus, San Pedro, Estepona, Sotogrande.
- Eastern Costa del Sol: Torre del Mar, Torrox, Nerja, Frigiliana, Competa.
- Central Costa del Sol: (in land) Alhaurin el Grande, Coin, Alora.
- Northern Costa del Sol: (in land) Villanueva de la Conception, Antequera.
- North Western Costa del Sol: (in land) Rhonda, Montejaqu.
Current temperature for Malaga. Readings are taken from Malaga Airport
Fuengirola area is generally around 2�C warmer than displayed!
The Costa del Sol, situated on Spain's southern coast and stretches over 150 kilometres from Nerja in the east to Sotegrande in the west.
The Costa del Sol is a province of Malaga and is one of Spain's most popular tourist destinations. The mild climate is the main attraction that makes it possible to enjoy the beaches and a wide variety of outdoor activities all year round.
This region of Spain has paid host to a number of visitors throughout the ages and remnants of these ancient civilizations can still be found today.
The western Costa del Sol coastline, which stretches for 100km, begins at Malaga city heading west, bordering the province of Cadiz.
Malaga airport is just a 20 minute drive from Fuengirola along the main highway which is easily accessible.
Local trains start at Malaga central and terminate at Fuengirola. A regular shuttle service every 30 minutes which is modern, reliable and above all, cheap! See below for more details.
The beaches in Torreblanca and Fuengirola are maintained to a high standard. Free fresh water public showers are provided all along the beaches. There are also pedalos, sun loungers and sun shades widely available.
Whichever beach you're on there is always a bar or restaurant very close by!
There are miles of clubs, bars, cafes, restaurants and fine sandy beaches along the coast.
For the cultural visitor, the highlights are the beautiful cities of Seville, Cordoba and Granada where there are some of the highest mountains in Europe (including Europe's southernmost skiing resort, Sierra Nevada - snow permitting!)
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Fuengirola Marina with it's lovely cafe bars |
Just one of many fiestas throughout the year |
Local aqua parks - Mijas Costa and Torremolinos |
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 Fuengirola
- Miles of beautiful and well maintained sandy beaches. Free fresh water showers on beaches and plenty of other facilities and activities including shops, bars and restaurants near beaches throughout and most are open all year round.
- Newly built underground car parks and general improvements all over the town.
- Countless cafe and tapas bars, restaurants, multi-national food outlets, super markets and other kinds of shops you would expect in a busy town.
- Newly built town church square where many functions are held with well kept gardens and plenty of shops and cafe bars to choose from.
- Train station, which is located near the bus terminus, provides an efficient modern, but cheap service every 30 minutes to Torreblanca, Benalmadena (Arroyo de la Miel), Torremolinos, Malaga airport, Malaga central and other stations in-between.
- Bus and coach terminus to all local and remote destinations. Cheap and efficient services. Bus and train station are very near each other.
- Open markets are on Sundays and Tuesdays and there is a permanent indoor market near the train and bus station.
- Quaint little Marina lined with cafe bars. Book a fishing or dolphin trip also a regular ferry to Benalmadena Marina with lovely views of the coast.
- The innovative Fuengirola zoo. This pioneering cage-less zoo has restaurants, a large children's play area and an animal farm.
- Water sports hire facilities such as sailing, jet skiing, wind surfing, boating, diving and more, even has its own diving centre.
- With access to over 60 excellent golf courses. This part of Southern Spain is the perfect location for golfers too!
- Costa del Sol Hipodromo - Horse Racing at Mijas Costa. Located just outside Fuengirola.
A great family day out.
Fuengirola has undergone huge improvements over the past years. People who last visited this town 10 years ago would probably not recognize it. Palm trees planted in several areas, roads improved, pavements widened and improved, better beaches and beach facilities,
tourist information and facilities to name but a few. All this favors Fuengirola as one of the best resorts on the Costa del sol.
With easy access to Malaga airport and other popular destinations like Marbella and Puerto Banus also not to mention around 60 golf courses!
The Marina with it's beautiful setting is overlooked by a line of cafe bars. A perfect quiet spot to have a drink and watch the boats.
Various organized boat trips including dolphin and fishing trips. Also a regular ferry to Benalmadena, which is well worth a try.
Fuengirola is just a 5 minute taxi ride from the villa or a pleasant 20 minute stroll along the continuous promenade. The sandy beaches are suitable for children, offering such amusements as pedalos and many other activities
The Sunday market is near the Fuengirola castle which is about 1km from the Marina. Open 9am - 2pm in winter and 7pm - 2am in summer.
Pick up those bargains then relax outside a bar and watch the world go by!
The holiday towns of the Costa's (Malaga, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola) are all within easy reach by car, bus or local train.
Marbella, Puerto Banus and Mijas are also easily accessible by car or by bus.
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Torreblanca and Los Boliches
Torreblanca and Los Boliches both have their own train stations and are actually part of Fuengirola. This is why it is difficult to find Torreblanca or Los Boliches on a map, although less touristy.
There are many bars and restaurants along Torreblanca promenade to suit every taste and budget.
Torreblanca promenade/sandy beaches stretches 5km into Fuengirola! A leisurely walk along the promenade into Fuengirola takes about 20-25 minutes.
There are plenty of shops, bars, restaurants lining the route. Sun loungers and parasols can be hired cheaply all along the beaches for the day.
Los Boliches was once a small fishing village but is now a bustling area with many bars, cafes and restaurants. Every year in July the small town of Los Boliches celebrate the Fiesta of the Virgen del Carmen, Patron of the Sea. A procession along Los Boliches with
the Virgen del Carmen carried by local fishermen ends with the effigy being carried into the sea and then on a decorated vessel which is accompanied by a flotilla of local fishing boats. This colorful and traditional event is well worth seeing.
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Benalmadena and Arroyo de la Miel
Benalmadena is situated between Torremolinos and Fuengirola and is just a short distance by local train, car or bus. The train station is situated at Arroyo del la Miel, which is on Benalmaden's doorstep.
Benalmadena Marina (twice voted world's best Marina). See the beautiful boats and enjoy the beauty of the Marina. There are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants.
There is a Sea Life Centre at the Marina. Various organized boat trips including dolphin and fishing trips. Also a regular ferry to Benalmadena, which is well worth a try.
Tivoli World (family adventure park) is situated at Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena. The cable cars are also situated here. About a 15 minute slow ride to the near top of the mountain where you can get off and enjoy breath taking views.
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Torremolinos
Torremolinos is situated between Malaga and Benalmadena. Just a 20 minute taxi ride from Fuengirola or take a bus or local train. The train stops at the San Miguel square, where you will find plenty of shops, cafe bars, pubs, restaurants. A really lovely family type atmosphere with usually live music in the square.
The Aqua Park is well worth a visit. With plenty of things to keep all the family occupied all day!
Torremolinos has undergone some major improvements over the past years to encourage tourists. The Marina is located in the centre of the seafront promenade. A pleasant place for a stroll and to watch the boats. There are many bars and restaurants to relax in.
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Malaga
Malaga is situated very close to Torremolinos. Malaga airport is actually in Torremolinos, which is only 15 minutes from Fuengirola.
Malaga was founded in around the 8th century by the Phoenicians, who then called it Malaga. It was under the control of the Carthaginians, but it was the Romans who made Malaga into a city.
The Arabs captured it in 711 and following the conquest of the Catholic Monarchs, reforms were begun to adopt the Arab city to the new Christian dominance.
Today, Malaga is a bustling a modern city, with an important commercial port, an international airport with it's 3rd new terminal (terminal 3) recently opened and the university of Malaga.
Capital of the Costa del Sol, it is one of the main tourist regions in the Spanish peninsula and it enjoys an exceptional climate throughout the year.
The majestic Bullring or PLAZA DE TOROS, which is located close to Malagueta beach. Inaugurated in 1876 and designed by Joaqu�n Rucoba,
is an impressive 16-sided building that also houses the Antonio Ordo�ez Bullfighting Museum. The museum offers an interesting insight into the origins and history of one of Spain's greatest traditions.
- Larios Centre. Near main bus and Railway Station.
- Plaza Major. (Near Airport, at junction of Motorway and Parador de Golf) Easy to get by local train.
- Rincon Centro Commercial. Just off the motorway as you approach Rinc�n de la Victoria from Malaga. It is on your left.
- Rosaleda Centro Commercial. Take the Ciudad Jard�n exit from the A7 (direction Nerja) and follow the motorway until you see signs to La Rosaleda on the right.
- Pablo Picasso museum. An exhibition of Picasso paintings.
- Malaga's majestic Bullring or PLAZA DE TOROS.
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Marbella and Puerto Banus
Marbella is approximately 25 Km from Fuengirola either on the A-7 coast road or by the AP-7 toll road, which is quicker.
With its 24 kilometres of beach, Marbella is known all over the world as one of the classiest and most beautiful holiday destinations in Southern Europe. Cosmopolitan atmosphere and services, sandy beaches, mountains, the old town with its cobbled stoned roads, old world charm and a wonderful climate that we expect in Spain’s southern coast.
Marbella has a bullring which was opened in 1964. Located at the very top end of the old town and easily found from the A-7 highway. Also excellent golf courses, a lovely promenade lined with caf� bars, restaurants and shops.
Unfortunately there are no trains in these parts. Local trains terminate at Fuengirola. However, the bus services are cheap and efficient.
Puerto Banus was built in 1970 by Jos� Ban�s, a local property developer who had the idea of creating a luxury marina and shopping complex for the super rich and the jet-set. Some super rich boats, cars and designer shops are part of the attraction of Puerto Banus.
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Nightlife on the Costa del Sol
 Throughout the Costa del Sol there are a variety of venues to choose from for a lively night out. From night clubs that stay open to the early parts of the morning, to karaoke bars, casinos, clubs, beach seafood restaurants, English pubs, Spanish bars,
tapas bars, multi national restaurants, burger bars, discos, flamenco shows, shops and markets. Fuengirola, Benalmadena and Torremolinos have a thriving nightlife for tourists.
More up market (and obviously more expensive) are the classy venues in Marbella's Golden Mile, illuminated with a glittering tiara of star-studded restaurants, discos and night clubs.
Also close by is Puerto Bnaus.
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Shopping
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Miramar Shopping Centre Mijas Costa, Fuengirola
Located just off the A7 (N340) coast road on the outskirts of Fuengirola, near Sohail Castle, as you travel out of Fuengirola towards Marbella.
With the Miramar Parque shopping mall that has opened not so long ago near the castle, Fuengirola has added to it's already excellent town centre to have one of the best selection of shops along the whole of the Costa del Sol,
it also doesn't have some of the price premiums that you get in some of the more expensive resort towns like Marbella. Miramar also has Free Wi-Fi throughout the Mall.
Cinema - This 12 screen cinema is situated in the Eroski shopping complex and shows two English language movies per week.
Typical retail outlets include: Game, C&A;, Bookworld, Zara, Yves Rocher, Adolfo Dominguez, Mussimo Dutti, Berksha, Pull & Bear, Etams Lingerie.
Many other men's and women's clothing shops and a variety of men's and women's shoe shops. There are bank cash machines, Eroski hyper market, dry cleaners, home and curiosity shops to name but a few.
Eating: KFC, Burger King, pizzerias, Spanish tapas bars and restaurants, caf�s and more.
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La Canada Shopping Mall, Marbella
Off junction of Motorway and road to Ojen) Telephone: 952 866 134
Just outside Marbella, la Canada Shopping Centre is a 15-20 minute drive from Fuengirola. To get to this large shopping complex drive onto the A7 (N340) road heading towards Marbella.
After 15 minutes of driving look for the La Canada Centre on your right. It is clearly visible on the right side on the Autovia.
You can't miss it! La Canada is a typical shopping mall offering everything you would expect.
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Distance from Fuengirola to the following popular tourist
destinations:
1 km = 0.621371192237 Miles
- Nerja (80 km)
- Malaga Airport ( 24 km)
- Torremolinos (18 km)
- Benalmadena Costa (12km)
- Mijas Costa (2 km)
- Marbella (26 km)
- Puerto Banus (30km)
- Gibraltar (98 km)
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Local train service is excellent, efficient and cheap. With a shuttle service every 30 minutes from Malaga central to Fuengirola town centre, where there is a bus and coach terminal for destinations beyond.
Malaga central, San Andres, Guadalhorce, Malaga airport, San Julian, Plaza Mayor, Los Alamos, La Colina, Torremolinos, Montemar, El Pinillo, Benalmadena, Torremuelle, Carvajal, Torreblanca, Los Boliches, Fuengirola.
Renfe zone map also shows all stations.
The official RENFE website has full details of time tables and stations
For live information on flight arrivals and departures please visit our Malaga Airport page
The official Malaga Airport website
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More information is currently being added, so please check this page again soon
More than 50 excellent Golf Courses to choose from!
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