With eight stunning beaches stretched across five miles of golden sand, the resort town of Fuengirola is a haven for sunseekers and lovers of watersports. Just a 30-minute drive from Málaga on Spain’s beautiful Costa del Sol, Fuengirola has three beaches with coveted Blue Flag status, awarded for quality and facilities available. The main beach is Playa de Fuengirola, with rows of sun loungers sprawled across soft sand and calm waters that are patrolled by lifeguards in summer, offering safe swimming conditions for all. You’ll also find chiringuitos — small beach bars — right on the sand offering drinks and tapas. There are more bars and restaurants along the Paseo Maritimo, the road that stretches along the beach, and for some retail therapy, Fuengirola is home to one of the largest shopping malls on the Costa del Sol.

Fuengirola is a watersports paradise where you can try several activities, including parasailing, tubing, wakeboarding, and water-skiing. Kids of all ages will love the giant inflatable floating playground in the shallow waters of the main beach, or you can charter a boat from the marina and spend a day on the beautiful calm waters of the Alboran Sea.

This area experiences a Mediterranean climate, with warm sunshine almost all year round, perfect for enjoying your stay in one of the many apartments in Fuengirola. June through August are the hottest months, so ensure you pack plenty of sunscreen and a hat. In June, the Night of San Juan is a popular event that takes place at sunset on the beach, with food and drinks, music, and dancing. The spring and autumn months are possibly the most pleasant times to visit, when you won’t get the really hot days you can get in summer, but you can still expect plenty of warm sunny weather for enjoying the beach. In April, La Feria de los Pueblos (International Fair) takes place at the town’s main fairground, showcasing food, drinks, and music from more than 30 countries around the world. Wintertime is much quieter in Fuengirola, and although it will be cooler, you can still expect sunshine and mild temperatures.

Paseo Maritimo

Walking or biking down Fuengirola’s beautiful beachfront promenade is quite possibly the best way to explore the town. One of the longest promenades in Spain, Paseo Maritimo is nearly 6.5 kilometres and stretches along almost all of the town’s beaches. The path is lined with shady palms and benches to stop and enjoy your surroundings, and you’ll pass many restaurants and bars along the way.

Sohail Castle

The remains of Sohail Castle sit high on the hill overlooking the town and can be reached by a series of steps on the edge of town. Built in the 10th century as a citadel with a watchtower to defend against pirates, and used as a base by Napoleon’s French army during the Peninsular War, today the castle offers magnificent views of the coastline and in summer, it is used for outdoor concerts and events.

Benalmadena & Mount Calamorro

Just 10 minutes down the road is the larger resort town of Benalmadena. Here, you can spend an afternoon exploring the beautiful old village with its narrow, cobbled streets, traditional plazas, and historic buildings. The cable car to Mount Calamorro takes you 700 metres up to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Costa del Sol.