Looking for a family friendly escape on the Costa de Sol? Look no further than Fuengirola.
Fuengirola sits on the Costa de Sol about 30 minutes southwest of Malaga. It is conveniently connected to Malaga Costa de Sol Airport by train. The C1 line takes about 35 minutes and drops you in the heart of town. It costs about $3 one-way, less for children, lap children (0-3) are free. The cards can be reloaded with visits that connect the town to nearby beaches and attractions. You can also take a taxi for €40 to €50. Fuengirola also has accessible taxi cabs.
There is quite a bit for families to do in Fuengirola. Most notably is the Bioparc Fuengirola, a naturalistic zoo with a large kids space. There is also the Castillo Sohail perches on a hill above the town first erected by the Almoravids. Today it is host to the Marenostrum music performances in the summer which can impact opening times. On the otherside of town, just east of the Torreblanca train stop, are the remains of a 2nd century bath complex. While there isn't much left standing, the Fuengirola +historia app (available on Google Play or Apple) has augmented reality that can help bring these places to life.
Scattered throughout town are plenty of well-maintained, shaded playgrounds. For older kids, there are a few surf and paddleboard rental places. We aren't at that stage yet so I cannot recommend any in particular. Aquamijas waterpark is also open during summer months.
And of course, there is the beach. Soft sand is broken up by managed beach resorts with chairs for rent or free space to set up your umbrella. Lifeguards patrol the cost from Easter until October. Pay attention to the flag as waves can get rough. Surf forecasts are also available.
Fuengirola has put in significant effort to make beaches accessible for everyone. The wide beach promenade has ample room for wheelchairs. Beach wheelchairs and lifts can be found at several beach locations: Castle Beach (Pergola 7), Fuengirola Beach (Pergola 18), Boliches Beach (Pergola 41), and Carvajal Beach (Pergola 59). There are 14 accessible toliets along the beaches. Every beach entrance is a gentle ramp with tactile pavement.
One of the best things to do is eat! The Calle del Castillo is one street back from the beach front and is bustling with restaurants. We particularly enjoyed Bar-Restaurante Aitite which features Basque food as well as local fish and meats. There is a playground in the plaza making it enjoyable for everyone. Reservations during peak season recommended.
If you need a break from tapas, try Luca's Bar, a pizza restaurant run by an Italian couple. Traditional Roman pinsa is their speciality. Their breezy patio is a delight or you can order takeout for a beach picnic
We stayed at the Casa Fuengirola Bring and would highly recommend it for families. Two bedroom, two bath in a quiet neighborhood just a few blocks from the beach. It is a ground floor apartment which is handy with a stroller and for accessibility. The apartment is well appointed with a simple kitchen (no oven, stove only), a courtyard with washing machine, and a beach umbrella.
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