From ancient times, Fuengirola has been an enclave much coveted by all the civilisations in the Mediterranean region. The Phoenicians and the Punics, as well as the Romans and the Arabs, made settlements here, attracted by the town’s privileged position, and left vestiges of their culture in various monuments and other historical treasures. One outstanding example is the site now occupied by Sohail Castle, previously the site of other important buildings. It is known that there was a beacon tower here during the period of the Caliphate (tenth and eleventh centuries), and Roman and Phoenician remains have also been discovered. It appears that it was during the twelfth century that the Almoravids designed a defensive complex with an irregular floor plan, and in 1485 the castle was occupied by the Christian army.
Built on a hilltop at the mouth of the river Fuengirola, which was navigable back then, Sohail Castle stands 38 metres above sea level, and has now become a great cultural space where various events are held, including the famous Marenostrum Fuengirola festival.
- The history of Sohail Castle
- What can you see at Sohail Castle
- From the Medieval Market to the Marenostrum Festival
- A castle offering free admission
The history of Sohail Castle
Sohail Castle as it appears today, in the province of Málaga, has evolved from an early Moslem fortress or castle constructed in a primitive Punic-Phoenician settlement, which later fell to the Romans and was known as Suel, or Suelitania. It seems that the Caliph Abderramán III ordered the construction of a citadel to strengthen the coastal defence system. But it was the Almoravids, in the twelfth century, who built a defensive complex with eight sections of wall, reinforced by towers, which they developed into a fortress. In 1485, during the Reconquest, the fortress was taken by the Christians. It is worth mentioning that Sohail Castle was attacked several times by the famous pirate Barbarroja. But it was not until the reign of King Carlos I that a moat was dug around the castle.
During the War of Independence, in 1810, the French army led by Napoleon seized the castle and held it until April 1812, when it came back into the possession of the Spaniards.
At various times during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Fuengirola castle was in private ownership, although it housed detachments of the Spanish army, the Guardia Civil and the Riflemen. In the twenty-first century, the castle has been restored as a cultural centre, where various events are held, including the beer festival, the medieval festival and the Food & Wheels food festival.
What can you see at Sohail Castle
Sohail Castle is very well preserved, and attracts both locals and tourists to visit. What is there to see in Fuengirola castle? The castle is currently fitted out as an auditorium, and its interior is virtually empty, apart from the defensive walls and several cannons. Outside, there is a viewing point from which you can enjoy an excellent vista of the Málaga coastline, and a superb panorama of Fuengirola, the Mijas mountain range and the sea. An annual music festival is held on the exterior parade ground. It is very pleasant to walk along the path among the pine trees that leads from Fuengirola to the castle.
From the Medieval Market to the Marenostrum Festival
During the summer, Sohail Castle hosts the Great Beer Festival, inspired by Munich’s popular Oktoberfest. In Fuengirola, this festival goes on for several weeks, and is a celebration where visitors can enjoy music and German cuisine from the various stalls set up in the castle grounds.
Also in summer, Fuengirola’s Medieval Market takes place, with the castle providing an eminently suitable location. This medieval festival has stalls selling craft items, in addition to typical medieval food and drink, and Celtic music concerts are held. An enjoyable summer event for families is the Food & Wheels Festival.
The Marenostrum Fuengirola festival at Sohail Castle is an event that no music lover will want to miss. Throughout its history, this festival, which this year celebrates its tenth anniversary, has brought together 500 internationally acclaimed artists. This summer (2025), Fuengirola Castle will host concerts by Rosario, Andy & Lucas, Maná, Il Volo, Ojete Calor, Antoñito Molina, Molotov, Ozuna, Juan Luis Guerra, Lionel Richie, Sebastián Yatra and many others.
A castle offering free admission
One important fact that may be of interest is that admission to Sohail Castle, Fuengirola, is free of charge.
How to get to Sohail castle You need to take exit 208-A from the Autovía del Mediterráneo in the direction of Marbella. Next to the castle parade ground, there is a supervised public car park. The castle is impossible to miss, as it can be seen from the motorway. It is also very close to Fuengirola’s El Ejido beach.
The castle’s opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m., and Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays, 10.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. The castle is closed on Mondays, on 25 December and on 1 – 6 January. As one would expect, the opening hours change when there are special events.
