Located on the Costa del Sol, the always lively city of Fuengirola is the perfect place to bring your family for a comfortable holiday. Summer or winter, there's always something going on, and it's an ideal destination for those looking to try a variety of water activities! Likewise, Fuengirola is a great place to bring the kids. In no particular order, here are some of the best things to do and see - from lemurs and dolphins, to go karts and mini trains - that are suitable for a range of ages and activity levels.
1. BioParc Zoo
BioParc Fuengirola is a zoo, but more than that, it's a breeding center for endangered animals. The park is located in the heart of Fuengirola, just a couple minutes walk from the bus and train stations.
Open from 10:00 to 23:00, the park is ideal for an afternoon or evening activity. Due to the shady trees and misty habitats to keep the animals cool, BioParc is a nice respite from the heat of the Andalusian sun.
Though small, Bioparc is home to a diverse group of animals. You won't find elephants here, but you can get up close and personal to a family of lemurs and watch hundred-year-old tortoises eat their dinner! Interested in seeing two (brave) zookeepers train the world's largest lizard? You can do so at the Komodo dragon sanctuary! Kids will love all the baby animals that roam the zoo - after all, the park is unique for its breeding program to help preserve species such as gorillas, tigers, crocodiles, and many more.
2. Adventure Golf
Looking to improve your putting skills? Or hoping to simply cool off with a refreshing drink (perhaps a strawberry mojito)? The mini golf course along the river in Fuengirola might be another place to consider bringing the whole family. It's a nineteen hole course complete with a bar restaurant!
While you're there, try one of their homemade dishes from the menu and sit in front of the massive outdoor fan.
One round of golf costs €8.50 for adults and €6.00 for kids. There are several family and group rates available. Hours are from 12 pm to 10 pm in July and August, but they vary slightly throughout the year. Confirm hours and rates on their website.
3. Mini Train City Tour
If you're staying in Fuengirola for a number of days, consider getting your bearings around the city on a little red train! The miniature train is hop-on, hop-off style so you can see the city at your leisure. It takes you to all the main sites, giving you a general feel for the city's layout. Perfect for the kids!
Departure times begin at 10:00 am, and go at 11:15, 12:30, 16:00, 17:15, 18:30, 19:45, 21:00, 22:15, 23:15, and the last one at midnight. The train departs at these times from a central location along the paseo maritimo, found on the map below.
Tickets are good for a whole day and prices are as follows:
Adults - €7
Children and Seniors - €4
Night rides - €4.50
4. The Beach
Is any holiday to the Costa del Sol really complete without a day (or a few) at the beach? The beaches in Fuengirola are fully equipped to ensure your day in the sun is comfortable, relaxed, and above all - fun! Day beds, volleyball nets, water sport rentals, and a plethora of restaurants and bars guarantee that a day at the beach will accommodate the whole family. Don't forget your sunscreen!
5. Dolphin Spotting
Take to the waters in one of the dolphin boats that depart from Fuengirola's port and try your luck at seeing some of the most beautiful creatures in the sea. While unable to completely guarantee a sighting (as it is dependent on weather and season), passengers can enjoy watching groups of dolphins playfully swim beside the boat! Some companies, such as Alboran Explorer, offer a half price discount to come back if no animals are spotted, which further ensures your time and money will be well spent. There is something really special about getting to see the friendly animals in their natural habitat!
Enjoy the boat ride itself, as it's equipped with a bar, seating, and shade to make your time on the water as comfortable as possible. The views of Fuengirola's and Benalmadena's coastlines from the water are a must-see.
6. Go Karting
Located on the rooftop of Miramar Center on the outskirts of Fuengirola, the Kart track is an exhilarating experience to counter the lazy afternoons spent at the beach. Sit down, buckle up, and put the pedal to the metal as you whip around the curvy track! Afterwards, grab a drink at the snack bar and take in the mountainous views surrounding the city.
To access the track, you must enter the Miramar Center - the city's large shopping mall - and take the escalators all the way to the top floor. You can park in the ground floor parking garage, and perhaps spend a couple more hours strolling through the mall's shops, games, restaurants, and fish spas!
Open all days of the week from 10 am to 10 pm, Karting Miramar is another great place to be enjoyed by the whole family.
7. Costa WaterPark
With five different locations, three of them being in Fuengirola, this park on the water (literally) is a great activity for the kids and even the parents! Open in the summer months from June to September, the inflatable park is well-maintained and is kept jellyfish-free by large underwater nets if necessary.
You can find the three waterparks at Playa Fuengirola, Los Boliches, and Carvajal. See the map below!
The hours are generally from 11 am to 8 pm and tickets can be obtained right on the beach, just in front of the waterpark.
For information about group discounts, locations, and more, you can visit the Costa WaterPark website here.