Things To Do in Fuengirola and Los Boliches
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Fuengirola and Los Boliches Attractions
Don't -- we repeat, don't -- come here for the attractions. There aren't many, and you can skip all of them without suffering cultural deprivation. Frankly, if you have a day for sightseeing, we'd recommend that you not spend it in Fuengirola but head for the hill town of Mijas, one of the Pueblos Blancos (white villages) of Andalusia.
Fuengirola is known for its 8km (5 miles) of sandy beaches, which are set against high-rise hotels and residential blocks. Many Spanish nationals own these summer apartments. There is a promenade flanked by palm trees. Playa Torreblanca is one of the most popular beaches, a stretch of fine golden sand with tranquil waters that are safe for children. It offers watersports ranging from windsurfing to fishing and kayaking. The beginning of Torreblanca is actually Playa de Los Olimpos, a smaller beach with golden sand. Fishing is possible from an artificial dock, and the beach flanks a campground. Another beach with fine golden sand is Playa Gaviotas, between the Fuengirola and Torreblanca urban developments. It adjoins Playa Los Boliches. Young people flock to this beach for windsurfing. Nearby Playa Los Boliches is the largest in the area and the best equipped, flanked by seafood restaurants, hotels, and shops.
Playa de Fuengirola is between Los Boliches and Playa Santa Amalia, beside the port. This beach is usually filled with lots of pleasure craft, and many fishermen set off from here. Playa Santa Amalia is one of the best-equipped beaches in the area. It's very much a family beach and is flanked by seafood restaurants, shops, and hotels. Fishing, windsurfing, and sailing are popular pastimes.
Playa El Ejido is right before you cross the Fuengirola River on the N-340, adjoining Playa Santa Amalia. This small lake, formed before the river joins the sea, attracts families with children to its safe waters.
Everybody goes to the big second-hand flea market at the Fuengirola fairground on Saturday, but there are also roughly 400 stalls, many of cheap new goods, scattered through the streets on Tuesdays and Sundays.
- Zoo/Aquarium
Bioparc Fuengirola
Now one of Europe’s model zoo facilities, this sensitive presentation of animals in three different ecosystems is easily a top attraction on the Costa del Sol. There are no cages, but design keeps animals and humans apart with moats and landscape features. The zoo replicates the… - Historic Site
Castillo Sohail
Fuengirola may have been built up as a discount beach resort town, but it retains one remnant of its Moorish past: this hilltop 12th-century castle, built by the Almohad dynasty, overlooking the beach where both Romans and Carthaginians had earlier settled. The castle was modified…
Fuengirola and Los Boliches Nightlife
Plays, concerts, English-language musicals, and performances by amateur local troupes are all regularly staged at the Salón de Varie Variétés Theater, Emancipación 30 (tel. 95-247-45-42). The season runs from October to May. Most tickets cost 18€ ($29) for adults, half-price for children. The box office is open Monday to Friday from 10:30am to 1:30pm and 7 to 8pm. Concerts are also presented at the Palacio de la Paz, Recinto Ferial, Avenida Jesús Santos Rein (tel. 95-258-93-49 or 266-38-00). This modern theater is between Los Boliches and the town center of Fuengirola.
Otherwise, an evening in Fuengirola means hopping from one tasca to another, indulging in tapas and wine. Much of the nightlife centers on Plaza Constitución and along the Paseo Marítimo, but we'll let you in on a secret: We generally skip these and head for Plaza Yates, an enclosed square that's the most charming in town. On the square itself and on streets branching off it are several little tapas bars. Poke your nose in and check them out. If one appeals, head inside.
For something a bit more upscale, head over to El Tostón, San Pancracio, Alfonso XIII (tel. 95-247-56-32), which is also a regular restaurant -- and a good one at that. The jamón ibérico is reason enough to trek over. The air-conditioning and the terrace are others.
