Everything in Fuengirola revolves around the beach and the Mediterranean. Its eight-kilometre coastline features a range of beaches, all sharing the same purpose: to make the most of the sun and sea at all times. It’s the only municipality on the Costa del Sol where every beach has Blue Flag status thanks to its high standards and excellent services. The best way to explore the coast is by strolling along the Seafront Promenade.
- Fuengirola Beach, the heart of the city
- Los Boliches Beach, the top pick for families
- Carvajal Beach, the most peaceful and natural
- El Castillo Beach, the pet-friendly option
Fuengirola Beach, the heart of the city
This long stretch of fine sand sits right in the middle of town, which makes it one of the most popular beaches. Its more than two kilometres of sand are home to some of Fuengirola’s most traditional beach bars for seaside snacks and drinks, and it offers loads of water activities for anyone feeling adventurous.
It borders the marina, where you can watch the boats gently bobbing or visit the Fuengirola Sailing and Nautical School, which runs sailing courses for all ages.
You can also hire floating inflatables, banana boats or jet skis if you’re in the mood for something more energetic.
The beach has all the public services you’d expect, including showers, toilets and full accessibility for people with reduced mobility.
Los Boliches Beach, the top pick for families
This popular beach is known as “T Beach” thanks to the shape of the breakwater separating it from the rest of the coast. It also flies a Blue Flag for its clean, high-quality water and has become a family favourite thanks to its many beach bars and shops.
With fine dark sand and calm waters, Los Boliches has volleyball courts and children’s play areas to keep people of all ages entertained. There’s also plenty of marine life close to shore, making it a great spot for snorkelling or paddleboarding.
From June to September, the Seafront Promenade hosts the Cabañas craft market with stalls selling handmade goods, a popular attraction in Fuengirola.
Carvajal Beach, the most peaceful and natural
This is one of Fuengirola’s quietest beaches thanks to its location on the edge of town, right on the border with Benalmádena, which shares part of the shoreline.
It may feel a bit more untouched, but it still offers all the services you might need, and it’s fully accessible thanks to walkways that lead down to the water.
With finer sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s generally less crowded than the others, though in summer, its rows of colourful parasols fill up quickly with beachgoers looking to enjoy the incredible sunset views.
Carvajal is home to some of Fuengirola’s best-known beach bars, specialising in fresh fish and seafood, with terraces that sit right on the sand.
Because it’s quieter, it’s the beach most often chosen by locals from both Fuengirola and Benalmádena who want to relax, sunbathe and enjoy a refreshing dip.
El Castillo Beach, the pet-friendly option
This beach is located next to the mouth of the Fuengirola River and the famous Sohail Castle, or Castillo, which gives it its name. Like the rest of the town’s coastline, it features fine dark sand and has Blue Flag status for its cleanliness and services.
It spans more than 3,000 square metres and includes a designated pet-friendly area, so it’s common to see beachgoers splashing around with their dogs.
Another standout feature is its row of moragas, traditional metal boats from Fuengirola where you can grill espetos, or sardine skewers. They are open to locals and tourists alike, but you’ll need to book in advance.
Come sunset, this beach becomes a sensory feast, with the smell of chargrilled fish, the glow of the sun and the castle rising in the background.
The river mouth has been turned into a green space with basketball courts, walking paths and even a zip line, perfect to take a stroll, relax and enjoy yourself.
