Planning a day trip to Fuengirola is a great idea if you want to explore one of the Costa del Sol’s most popular destinations. It’s located just a 30 minute drive from the centre of Malaga and it’s very close to other coastal towns such as Torremolinos and Benalmadena. If you happen to be staying in Fuengirola there are some fantastic nearby day trips from Fuengirola to take advantage of too such as Gibraltar, Mijas Pueblo, Alhaurin de la Torre and Estepona.
Fuengirola’s rich history can be seen at almost every turn. Between the old town, Roman ruins, and medieval architecture, this coastal town is sure to impress any history enthusiast. Many people choose to visit Fuengirola for its nightlife or to relax along the long stretch of beaches, but this town has much more to offer. It’s very easy to immerse yourself in the Spanish culture and its history here.
If you’re looking for things to do during a day trip to Fuengirola, here are some places to add to your itinerary. I’ve also included my favourite places to eat in Fuengirola because there’s nothing worse than eating at a tourist trap or feeling underwhelmed with your food choices.
Top things to do in Fuengirola
Walk around the old town
Taking a walk around the old town is one of the top things to do during a day trip to Fuengirola. There are plenty of shops and places to eat here, as well as a number of key Fuengirola attractions. Plaza de la Constitucion is the heart of the old town and it’s a very traditional plaza where you’ll see locals mingling. At one end of the plaza you’ll find the main church in Fuengirola, Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, and at the other end you’ll see the beautiful Monumento a las Tres Generaciones.
Museo de la Ciudad
If you’re interested in learning more about the city of Fuengirola through its history and current traditions then Museo de la Ciudad should be on your itinerary. Visiting this museum is one of the best things to do in Fuengirola when it rains, and its central position means that it’s close to other main attractions too. A short walk from this museum is the popular Parque del Sol which is nice to walk around in the warmer months.
Central Mosque
A unique place to visit during a day trip to Fuengirola is the Central Mosque. It was completed in 1994 and is a beautiful piece of architecture to photograph. This isn’t necessarily a main tourist attraction in Fuengirola, but if you have some spare time it may interest you to walk to it. The mosque sits very close to Castillo Sohail and a few popular beaches.
Puente de la Armada
One of the most instantly recognizable landmarks in Fuengirola is Puente de la Armada, or the Spanish Navy Bridge. This modern bridge is fully pedestrianized and crosses the Fuengirola River. It’s also one of the most photographed locations in town. For the best angle of the bridge head up to Castillo Sohail where you can get an incredible view of the coastline in the background too. No day trip to Fuengirola is complete without visiting this area.
Castillo Sohail
A very popular castle in the Province of Malaga to visit is Castillo Sohail. Visiting it is also one of the best free things to do in Fuengirola. The castle is of Muslim origin and this site has been of great strategic importance since the time of the Romans due to its vantage point overlooking the coast. Today the castle is a shell of what it used to be, but you can still walk around the courtyard and the castle walls. Castillo Sohail also frequently hosts events inside the castle which is always a unique experience in Fuengirola.
From the top of the castle you can get an eagle-eyed view of the archaeological remains of the Ciudad Romana de Suel which was originally founded in the 7th century BC. Unfortunately it was covered for a concert when we arrived but maybe you’ll have better luck.
If you arrive early enough to Castillo Sohail then you should be able to find a free parking spot below the castle.
Espigon de la T
You can’t plan a day trip to Fuengirola without taking in the views from Espigon de la T. This unique t-shaped viewpoint stretches out into the sea and offers a beautiful view of Playa de los Boliches and the rest of the Fuengirola coastline. Some of the best places to eat in Fuengirola are located in this area so it’s worth walking around.
Paseo Maritimo
Hopefully you have nice weather when you plan your day trip to Fuengirola because strolling along the Paseo Maritimo needs to be on your itinerary. This promenade is the longest in all of the Costa del Sol, stretching for 7 km and beginning at Castillo Sohail. It’s a beautiful place to walk at sunset, and there are a number of interesting sculptures along the route such as the Monumento a la Peseta.
Yacimiento Arqueologico Romano
Before the conclusion of your day trip to Fuengirola, don’t forget to stop by Yacimiento Arqueologico Romano. This archaeological complex was discovered in 1987 and it’s made up of a salting factory, a thermal complex, and a pottery workshop which all would have stood surrounding a villa. The site is incredible to visit, but if it happens to be closed when you arrive you can still see a large majority of it through the fence.
Places to eat in Fuengirola
Beny XL
If you’re on the hunt for budget friendly places to eat in Fuengirola, look no further than Beny XL. This small restaurant offers a few seating options, but it’s also a popular takeaway spot as it’s open late into the night. Their menu is centred around delicious burgers and juicy tacos that are all prepared using fresh ingredients and made to order. For the amount of food you get you really can’t beat the prices here and I guarantee you won’t find better value for money anywhere else in the area.
Their burgers are extremely popular, so I would recommend trying either one of their smash burgers (they even have a Doritos one) or the crispy chicken burger which is phenomenal and fully seasoned by the chef. Alternatively, if you’re not in the mood for a burger, you can try one of their XL mixed tacos that are stuffed with chicken, burger meat, fries, and tasty seasoning. Pair your meal with a homemade sauce and a side of fries and you’ll be leaving one happy customer.
Zinc
Zinc is easily one of the best places to eat in Fuengirola during a day trip. This modern restaurant sits directly opposite the promenade with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating available. Whether you visit Zinc for breakfast, lunch, tapas, or for drinks, you’ll find that there are a lot of options on their menu.
Their handmade pizzas are always a great option, especially the pepperoni one. If you enjoy pasta then I would recommend ordering their carbonara with a side of garlic bread. The onion rings are a good option for sharing too and come in a generous portion. The menu at Zinc is based around flavourful dishes and they source their ingredients locally where possible, so you’re guaranteed to enjoy eating whatever you order.
Bienfrito
Bienfrito is a fantastic concept restaurant that uses extra virgin olive oil as the star of the show. On their menu you’ll find a large selection of international dishes that are the perfect size for sharing. Despite Bienfrito using EVOO as their main fat, everything is made as healthy as possible so you don’t need to worry if you overindulge a little. If you simply have no idea what to order, I’d highly recommend the delicious mac n’ cheese croquettes with chipotle sauce or the churros carbonara which are a unique twist on a classic Spanish snack.
You’ll find Bienfrito just a 20 minute walk from Playa Fuengirola. The restaurant is very popular with locals, so it’s a good idea to either book in advance or arrive when they first open to secure a spot. This is one restaurant in Fuengirola you won’t want to miss!
Bahia Azul
Wondering where to have breakfast in Fuengirola? You can’t go wrong with a visit to Bahia Azul. This tapas bar has a beautiful breakfast menu that’s centred around healthy eating. All of their ingredients are locally sourced and each dish is prepared fresh when ordered. Bahia Azul also sits facing the promenade so you’ll have a great view while you eat.
If you can’t decide what to order, I would recommend their shakshuka which comes served with freshly baked bread from a local bakery. On the lighter side of things, the breakfast bowls are a great alternative and they’re loaded with fresh fruit. Ordering an orange juice or smoothie is the perfect way to round off your breakfast here. Make sure you add Bahia Azul to your plans if you’re going on a day trip to Fuengirola or you’re staying in the area.
Momag Burgers & Gin
Whether you’re planning on having lunch or dinner in Fuengirola, you have to try out some of the best burgers in the province at Momag Burgers & Gin. This burger restaurant serves up fresh and bizarre burgers, with everything from sweet burgers to fully loaded ones available. Plus you can upgrade your meal to include a cheese dipping sauce if you think you can handle it. It’s a very messy eating experience but you’ll love every bite.
Yuzu Pastry
If you’re on the hunt for unique desserts in Fuengirola, look no further than Yuzu Pastry. It’s still very much a hidden gem in Fuengirola, and there are strict opening times for when you can pick up a box of their tasty modern mochi because it’s not a sit-in cafe. This pastry workshop specializes in Japanese mochi with a twist, so you’ll find plenty of unique flavours to sink your teeth into. To avoid disappointment, I would recommend ordering a box of six mochi online and enjoying them on the beach or at home.
Is Fuengirola worth visiting?
There are plenty of things to do during a day trip to Fuengirola, especially if you visit on one of the days that the street markets are on. I’ve mainly focused on cultural or historic points of interest, but attractions such as the Bioparc and CostaWaterPark are also highly rated if you’re looking for things to do in Fuengirola for kids. However you choose to spend your day trip to Fuengirola, you’ll soon come to realize why it’s such a popular place along the Costa del Sol.
Have you had the chance to walk around Fuengirola yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts and any other recommendations you have, so please leave a comment below or reach out via Instagram. Don’t forget to check out my other blog posts about southern Spain too!
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