Fuengirola Area Guide

29th May 2025 · 11 min. read · by Manuel Dávila

Located in the very heart of the Costa del Sol, Fuengirola is a coastal city with a cosmopolitan spirit and a distinctly Andalusian character. Its open, vibrant and welcoming atmosphere can be felt at any time of day, in its streets, along its seafront promenade and throughout its lively urban life.

Although best known for its sunny climate and expansive beaches, Fuengirola offers much more than a typical sun-and-sea destination. It is one of the municipalities with the most diverse cultural and leisure offerings in the province of Málaga, with a dynamic social scene all year round.

• Table of contents
• Where is Fuengirola?
• Why choose Fuengirola as a place to live or invest?
• What type of properties can I find in Fuengirola?
• Does Fuengirola have sea views?
• What is the environment and landscape like in Fuengirola?
• What is the connectivity and accessibility like in Fuengirola?
• What services and amenities are in Fuengirola?
• Best restaurants in Fuengirola
• What international schools are near Fuengirola?
• What else can I do in Fuengirola and its surroundings?
• Is Fuengirola safe to live in?
• Our top reason to choose Fuengirola:

Fuengirola is located on the Western Costa del Sol, just 30 kilometres from Málaga city. It borders Mijas to the north and west, and Benalmádena to the east. The town is well connected via the AP-7 motorway and has a train station with direct links to the airport and Málaga city centre in under 45 minutes.

With just over eight kilometres of southeast-facing coastline and a compact urban layout, Fuengirola combines the convenience of a well-organised city with immediate access to the sea. It has a distinctly international population, with a strong presence of residents from Northern Europe, particularly Finns, Swedes and Danes, who have found in Fuengirola an ideal place to enjoy Mediterranean living.

1. Walkable city: Fuengirola is a compact, easy-to-navigate city that works exceptionally well for everyday life. Its seafront promenade can be walked in just over an hour, and crossing the city by car takes no more than twenty minutes.
2. Strategic location: Just 25 km from Málaga International Airport, 30 minutes from Marbella, and 12 km from the historic centre of Mijas. Its central position on the Costa del Sol ensures excellent connectivity to the region’s key destinations.
3. Varied residential offering: The town includes peaceful areas such as El Higuerón, ideal for those seeking privacy, as well as frontline apartments near the marina, perfect for enjoying both the sea and the urban atmosphere.
4. Kilometres of coastline: Fuengirola boasts eight kilometres of southeast-facing beaches, with wide stretches of sand, full services and a strong offering of beachfront restaurants and chiringuitos.
5. Year-round activity: Cultural events, festivals, concerts and outdoor activities fill the calendar throughout the year. The town also offers leisure facilities for all age groups.
6. Established retail offering: From modern shopping centres to traditional markets, local commerce is an integral part of daily life in Fuengirola.
7. Gastronomy beyond the promenade: While many venues are concentrated along the seafront, areas like Plaza de la Constitución offer a welcoming atmosphere and quality dining options.
8. Excellent value for money: Compared to other coastal towns, Fuengirola maintains more accessible property prices per square metre, without compromising on high-end options.
9. Privileged climate: With over 300 days of sunshine a year and mild winter temperatures, Fuengirola offers the perfect setting for enjoying life outdoors.
10. Integrated international community: Around 25% of residents are foreign nationals, with a particularly strong presence of Nordic and British citizens who are fully integrated into local life.

Fuengirola offers a wide variety of properties suited to different lifestyles, always with the sea as a backdrop and supported by excellent urban services.

On the beachfront, particularly in areas such as the Marina, Los Boliches or Playa del Castillo, apartments with open sea views, sunny terraces and direct access to the promenade are predominant. These properties are highly sought after by both full-time residents and those looking for a second home by the sea.

In areas such as Torreblanca, Carvajal and El Higuerón, higher-end homes can be found, including penthouses with private solariums, newly built properties with contemporary design and residential complexes featuring pools, spas and private security.

Inland neighbourhoods like Los Pacos have gained popularity among those seeking peace, local services and an established international community. These areas offer spacious and functional apartments, ideal for year-round living.

The city also features traditional central districts with renovated flats and period buildings close to commercial and cultural areas. Altogether, Fuengirola combines modern living options with character-filled homes, offering a diverse and continually growing property market.

Many properties in Fuengirola enjoy excellent sea views, particularly those located on the beachfront or in elevated areas such as Carvajal, Torreblanca and El Higuerón. Thanks to its southeast orientation and eight kilometres of coastline, it is common to find homes with balconies, terraces or large windows opening directly onto the Mediterranean.

Fuengirola features a distinctly urban landscape, open to the sea and defined by clean, orderly lines. Its eight kilometres of coastline are complemented by a wide seafront promenade lined with palm trees, gardens and amenities that encourage walking, sport and outdoor leisure.

The town is home to numerous well-maintained parks that bring green space into the urban setting. Highlights include the Parque Fluvial, Parque de Poniente and Parque de La Loma, all designed for family enjoyment and relaxation.

While it lacks large natural reserves like those found in inland areas, Fuengirola makes up for it with a well-balanced integration of city and sea. Open views of the Mediterranean, proximity to the Sierra de Mijas and the high standard of its public spaces define a functional, pleasant landscape tailored to an active and comfortable lifestyle.

Fuengirola enjoys a strategic location and is well connected by both road and public transport. The AP-7 motorway and the N-340 coastal road provide quick access to Málaga, Marbella and other towns along the Costa del Sol.

The town has a local Cercanías train station with direct connections to Málaga International Airport and the city centre in under 45 minutes. It also links to the high-speed AVE rail network via Málaga’s María Zambrano station.

Urban transport is well organised, with several bus routes serving different parts of the town, along with wide availability of taxis, ride-hailing services and public parking. This level of accessibility, combined with its compact layout, makes Fuengirola a convenient and well-connected place to live.

Supermarkets and gourmet food shops:

Fuengirola offers an excellent selection of supermarkets and quality food stores. In addition to major chains such as Mercadona, Carrefour and Lidl, the town features specialised outlets for organic products, delicatessen items and fine wines. The local municipal markets, stocked with fresh and locally sourced produce, round out an offering that caters to a demanding and health-conscious lifestyle.

Fashion and interior design:

The town centre hosts a carefully curated mix of independent fashion boutiques, accessory shops and interior design studios. Just minutes away, the Miramar Shopping Centre brings together a range of national and international brands, along with a cinema, dining options and major retailers. The area blends contemporary retail with the charm of traditional local commerce.

Healthcare and wellness:

Fuengirola is home to leading private clinics such as Vithas and Quirón Salud, offering advanced medical care and multilingual services. The town also provides access to specialised centres in aesthetics, preventive medicine, dentistry and physiotherapy. Pharmacies are well distributed throughout the municipality, and veterinary care and private health services meet high-quality standards.

Sports facilities:

The town offers a wide range of options for those who value an active lifestyle. Facilities include tennis and paddle clubs, equestrian centres, premium gyms and indoor swimming pools. The seafront promenade and Parque Fluvial are ideal for outdoor training, and the proximity to golf courses in Mijas and Benalmádena means first-class facilities are within easy reach in under 15 minutes.

Fuengirola offers a diverse and high-quality culinary scene, with options ranging from traditional Andalusian cuisine to contemporary fine dining.

Among the most notable restaurants is Sollo, awarded a Michelin star and led by chef Diego Gallegos, who specialises in sustainable aquaponic cuisine with innovative flavours and refined presentation.

Los Marinos José, located on the beachfront, is a benchmark for seafood in the region, renowned for the freshness of its produce and expert preparation of fish and shellfish. Charolais blends Basque and Andalusian cuisine in an elegant setting, offering two distinct spaces: a formal restaurant and a more casual gastrobar. Its carefully curated menu and excellent wine list are standout features.

For something more creative, La Puerta Verde offers original, well-executed dishes in an intimate space, highly rated by diners for both its quality and personal touch.

Fuengirola offers a strong selection of private educational options, particularly suited to international families living in the area.

Among the most prominent schools is the Svenska Skolan Costa del Sol, a Swedish school following the Scandinavian curriculum with bilingual teaching, and the Suomalainen Koulu, which serves the Finnish community. Both are well integrated into the educational landscape of the town.

For those seeking English-language education, Colegio Salliver provides a prestigious bilingual programme from early years through to sixth form, while Kiddie’s School specialises in early childhood education with tailored programmes and summer camps.

In addition, Fuengirola benefits from its proximity to the neighbouring municipality of Mijas, which is home to several highly regarded international schools, easily accessible from anywhere in the town.

Fuengirola offers a vibrant year-round calendar of events, culture and outdoor activities for all interests.

One of its most iconic landmarks is the Sohail Castle, a 10th-century fortress that hosts concerts, fairs and themed markets in a unique setting overlooking the sea. At its base lies the Parque Fluvial, a riverside park perfect for walking, exercising or renting pedal boats along its navigable canal.

For nature lovers, the town features over 40 urban parks and green spaces, along with a seafront promenade ideal for walking, cycling or training by the sea.

The Bioparc, a new-generation zoo located in the heart of the town, stands out for its commitment to conservation and the recreation of natural habitats. Visitors can also explore the Municipal Museum, admire urban art along the Paseo de los Murales, or attend performances at the Palacio de la Paz.

In addition, Fuengirola’s proximity to Mijas, Benalmádena and Marbella makes it easy to access golf courses, mountain trails, marinas and exclusive beach clubs within minutes.

Fuengirola is a safe and well-organised city, with a strong police presence and efficient public services. The atmosphere is calm, both in the city centre and in residential areas, with security measures in place in key locations such as the seafront promenade, transport stations, and public parks.

The international community is well integrated, and the relationship between residents is positive. In addition, the local council provides dedicated services for foreign citizens, reinforcing the overall sense of welcome and protection.

• A seaside city with a character of its own: Fuengirola blends urban energy, Andalusian tradition and an international spirit in a well-structured town, ideal for those who value everyday comfort, the sea and an active lifestyle by the beach.
• A strategic location on the Costa del Sol: Positioned between Málaga and Marbella, with direct access to the AP-7 motorway and local train services, Fuengirola is just 25 minutes from the airport and perfectly connected to the region’s key destinations.
• Year-round leisure, culture and sea: With eight kilometres of beaches, a lively seafront promenade, urban parks, a historic castle, zoo, international concerts and a vibrant cultural calendar, Fuengirola offers entertainment for all ages and seasons.
• A property market with excellent value for money: From seafront apartments to high-end homes in areas like El Higuerón, Torreblanca or Los Pacos, Fuengirola presents attractive options for both permanent residence and investment.
• A healthy Mediterranean lifestyle: With a mild climate, outdoor living, sport, Mediterranean cuisine and a vibrant social atmosphere, the city promotes a balanced, active and sustainable rhythm of life all year round.
• A multicultural and welcoming environment: With a well-integrated international community, particularly Nordic and British residents, Fuengirola stands out as one of the most open, safe and cosmopolitan destinations on the Costa del Sol.