There are special areas designated for Windsurfing, beach volleyball and other water sports The Marina is home to some impressive yachts and leisure craft, while not of the same scale as Puerto Banus in Marbella, it is a relaxing stroll were you can enjoy seeing the fishing boats going out to sea.
Fuengirola is particularly popular with tourists with a wide variety of entertainment and restaurants to choose from. Andalucian traditional tapas (snacks bars) to local fish restaurants to the British Fry-up's all make Fuengirola a popular choice for going out to eat. There is no shortage of things to do for holidaymakers in Fuengirola, ranging from such family fun activities as the Aqua Park, a trip to the zoo, a ride around town on "the little train" or on a horse-drawn carriage, right through to a host of water sports.
The origins of the city date back as far as the Phoenicians who colonised the area. The Romans called the city 'Suel' after a star which can clearly be seen from the castle. In 53 A.D. the town was granted the title of 'Municipality' in the Roman 'Betica' region, which latter became Andalusia. The Roman thermal baths at nearby Torreblanca and the ruins of the ancient Roman highway bear witness to the importance the town acquired during the period. In fact the marble in the monument in 'Plaza de Castilla' in Los Boliches was taken from the remains of the ancient Roman highway. During the Eighteenth Century the area was conquered by the Moors who renamed the town 'Sojayl' (the likely root of the modern name for the castle - 'Sohail'). The City was finally re-conquered by the Catholic.
The castle has become the towns symbol, situated outside the town on a hill it commands an impressive view over Fuengirola and the sea. The castle is most likely of Roman origin although it was restored in the Tenth Century by Abderrajman III under the Moorish reign of Andalusia.
Tuesday is market day (El Mercadillo), open in the morning, it is the biggest outdoor market on the coast and attracts visitors from nearby resorts as well as the locals. It is well worth going down to browse at the wide range of wares for sale, from fake designer clothes and watches to more traditional Andalusian produce. There is also a Saturday boot sale here with the usual selection of items on sale. For the locals everyday life continues on in Fuengirola and the fisherman still go out to sea, reminding one of the small fishing village it once was.