Located right next to Fuengirola’s Seafront Promenade, this Malaga resort’s Leisure Marina stretches for seven kilometres, and shares the space with the Fishing Port and the Oceanographic Institute. Close by, there are pleasant terraces, bars, hotels, night clubs, beach bars and restaurants, along with an attractive children’s playground and abundant parking spaces. This charming marina is a departure point for boat trips to spot dolphins, enjoy water sports, go diving or recreational deep-sea fishing. In addition, there is a Sailing Club with a good number of instructors.
Fuengirola’s Marina has some of the most advanced professional services for the conservation and maintenance of boats, as well as a large space that enables boats to be stored on dry land. There are also plenty of businesses specialising in chandlery, rope and other sailing equipment.
To prove its importance, one need only say that Fuengirola Marina has 226 mooring points. All have supplies of water, electricity and a Wi-Fi connection, and a maintenance and support team is available 24 hours a day throughout the year. In the port offices, detailed meteorological information can be obtained, and a laundry service and tourism information are also available.
- The grape and sugar cane in the history of the port of Fuengirola
- What you can see in Fuengirola Marina
- Where to eat in the area around the Marina
The grape and sugar cane in the history of the port of Fuengirola
The history of Fuengirola’s Marina is linked to the expansion of vine growing in this area of Málaga in the mid-nineteenth century. At that time, the fields of Mijas and Fuengirola were covered in grapevines because the trade in raisins was at its peak. Soon, people realised that a port was needed to export the fruits. That is why the port was built, and it became a very important point for trade in the region. It must be remembered too, that later, in the twentieth century the phylloxera plague largely destroyed vine growing, although it is true that here, as in many parts of Spain, the vineyards were replanted with American grape varieties.
In the post-war period, as time went by, the Port of Fuengirola witnessed a decline in the market for raisins — a grave setback for the local population. Fortunately, agriculture recovered very soon afterwards with the introduction of sugar cane growing. Nowadays, tourism accounts for almost all the activity of the Marina, which has specialised in the provision of water sports, boat trips and dolphin-spotting cruises.
It is interesting to note that very many sailors of other nationalities choose the facilities of Fuengirola Marina to store their boats over the winter. This is mainly because of the quality of the port’s services and the good communications between Pablo Ruiz Picasso Airport Málaga and well-known tourist destinations such as Málaga, Ronda, Seville, Granada and even Gibraltar.
Since 1991, the management and exploitation of the facilities of Fuengirola Marina have been the responsibility of a municipal company.
What you can see in Fuengirola Marina
A walk around Fuengirola Marina can be very pleasant, particularly if you are relaxed and can take your time. Here, you can see many vessels tied up at their mooring points, while their owners work on deck.
All around the Marina, there are lots of terraces, bars and restaurants, where you can observe the activity of the marina and the daily life of this little piece of the Costa del Sol.
Also at the Marina, you can find the companies that organise cruises to spot dolphins, and those that provide lessons in water sports, diving or deep-sea fishing. If you are interested in sailing, you could visit the Club Náutico, where a group of instructors organise sailing lessons.
The Fishing Port and the Oceanographic Institute are also very close to the Marina.
Where to eat in the area around the Marina
Fuengirola Marina has an abundance of restaurants and bars serving traditional Costa del Sol cuisine.
As well as skewered, chargrilled sardines, visitors to the Marina usually try the area’s typical fish dishes, such as anchovies, red mullet, baby squid and cuttlefish.
Which are the best restaurants in Fuengirola Marina? El Puerto, Fran, El Polaco, Ciao Italia, El Cerrachero, La Vida Pescados y Más, Caribbean Mermaid, Schnitzel Haus, The Schooner, Alma Fuengirola, A la deriva, El Cateto del Puerto and Seaview are all restaurants worth visiting.
