7 Easy Day Trips from Fuengirola
Fuengirola is next to many beautiful towns that are worth checking out. As someone who is constantly exploring their hometown and surroundings, I can confirm that you don’t need to travel far to get to these and you’ll have different experience in each destination.
In fact, I prefer many of these towns over Fuengirola and the reason behind is that I feel they have more charm.
However, one of the best things of staying in Fuengirola is its location. It’s a great base to travel to other Costa del Sol destinations. It’s very well-connected.
In this guide, I’ve included my favourite day trips from Fuengirola. Most can be accessed by public transport, so you don’t need to worry if you don’t intend to rent a car.
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1. Mijas Pueblo
Mijas Pueblo is the easiest day trip from Fuengirola. This lovely village in the mountains is a short drive and bus ride. Since it’s very easy to access, it’s a popular day trip.
You don’t need a full day in Mijas Pueblo, but you can spend half a day exploring.
It might seem a small place, but there are actually many things to do in Mijas and this is one of the reasons why I recommend you visiting.
Wander the cobblestone white painted streets of the centre, stop by the art gallery, buy a traditional souvenir such as colourful ceramic plates or tiles from one of the many indie shops, eat tapas at Tomillo Limón and take in the coastal views.
This is exactly how I would spend my day if I were you.
In addition to these activities, you might also want to add the Mayan Monkey chocolate factory, the Miniature Museum and the botanical garden.
Local Tip
Try the candied almonds, they’re a local delicacy and are so good!
2. Marbella
Marbella is the type of destination that has a bit of everything: a charming historic centre, unique museums, beach dunes, upscale restaurants and resorts and a lively atmosphere.
If you’re after sightseeing, you can’t miss the old town, which is my favourite place. Stop by the emblematic Plaza de los Naranjos, see the castle walls, take photos at Marbella’s most picturesque spots, and grab a drink while soaking up the atmosphere.
Whilst it isn’t the biggest old town, it’s rich in history and I highly recommend taking a walking tour.
On your day trip to Marbella, you’ll also want to visit its exclusive port: Puerto Banus, where you’ll see impressive yachts, high-end boutiques and restaurants.
Visiting in the summer? Check out its beaches and beach clubs for a vibrant atmosphere. Playa Zaragoza has great spots like Dune, and I like Cabopino too.
3. Benalmadena
Another fantastic day trip from Fuengirola is Benalmadena. Not only is it close, but it has a wide range of attractions for all ages.
I personally recommend that families with kids visit Benalmadena because of the number of kid-friendly places, such as Parque de la Paloma, Butterfly Park and Benalmadena Cable Car. But even if you don’t have children, you’ll probably still enjoy these places.
The marina is the most touristy area, but it’s still worth checking out. For a more authentic experience, you can’t go wrong with visiting Benalmadena Pueblo.
Castillo de Colomares is a must-see, but I also encourage you to wander the streets of the old town. Stupa de la Iluminación is another place to add to your itinerary. It’s one of Spain’s few Buddhist temples with a stunning viewpoint.
Local Tip
Did you know you can also take a round-trip ferry from Fuengirola to Benalmadena? It’s a great way to enjoy the stunning coastal views, and you might spot dolphins on the way!
4. Malaga
Malaga is my number one recommendation for sightseeing. After all, it’s the main city of the Costa del Sol and the one with the most historical sites and museums.
It’s possible to see the main attractions in a day, although you’ll need more than a day if you’re into museums, as there are over 40 covering all sorts of interests.
Do you like art? Don’t miss the Picasso Museum. Do you like wine? Go to the Malaga Wine Museum. You can get the idea.
I’ve written this one day Malaga itinerary with the attractions you shouldn’t miss, but in summary, you can’t leave my hometown without visiting the Alcazaba, the Cathedral and Gibralfaro Castle.
Another reason to come to Malaga is the food scene. Whether you want to eat tapas at a traditional tavern or Mediterranean dishes with a twist in a modern restaurant, you’re spoilt for choice.
5. Estepona
Estepona is one of the towns that has grown the most in the last few years. What used to be a hidden gem is now a popular spot for expats and digital nomads.
It’s known for its historic centre, which many refer to as the Garden of the Costa del Sol. Walking its streets is an experience. Each street is decorated with beautiful plant pots on the door fronts, balconies or walls.
As you explore it, you come across sculptures, pretty squares with flowers, fountains and historical buildings.
If you’ve explored the street art in El Boquetillo neighbourhood in Fuengirola, you won’t want to miss the mural route in Estepona. The paintings are quite impressive. I especially love the fishing one.
The Orchidarium is another stop to add to your one-day itinerary, especially if you love flowers. Here, you’ll find a wide range of orchids.
Last but not least, spend some time on the beach. Playa El Cristo is my favourite. It’s central and I love the views of Gibraltar.
6. Ronda
Another enchanting inland town that makes a fantastic day trip from Fuengirola for travellers who love history and food is Ronda.
One of the highlights of Ronda is Puente Nuevo (New Bridge). Yes, that stunning bridge that appears on all social media now. It’s emblematic, and it connects the new with the old part of Ronda.
But, that isn’t the only sight, there are many more such as Palacio de Mondragón, a must-see for archaeology lovers, Museo Don Bosco with beautiful mountain views, and Casa del Rey Moro.
Another very popular but controversial attraction is its bullring, one of the oldest in Andalusia.
On top of these historical locations, the tapa and wine culture in Ronda is notable. I love going from bar to bar trying different tapas. These are some of my favourite places to eat in Ronda. And if you’re a wine lover, you have plenty of bodegas (wineries).
You can see lots in a day in Ronda, and depending on your interests, you might have time to visit the nearby town of Setenil de las Bodegas, a town built into rocks.
7. Torremolinos
Torremolinos is another easy day trip from Fuengirola. You can drive, take a bus or the Cercanias train.
While it can feel touristy in some areas, it has really good beaches and some stunning attractions.
La Carihuela Beach, an old fishing town, is among the best beaches on the Costa del Sol and has been awarded Blue Flags for years.
Los Alamos is the perfect spot for young travellers who love a beach club with live music and a lively atmosphere.
For sightseeing, you have the historic centre, Casa de los Navajas (a hidden gem) and Molino de Inca Botanical Garden.
Map with Fuengirola day trips
Conclusion
Whether you plan to spend the weekend or longer in Fuengirola, it’s definitely worth checking out some of these destinations.
If I had to pick one, I’d go for Mijas Pueblo because it’s easy to visit and offers a different experience from the coastal towns.
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Enjoy your trip to Fuengirola!
Cristina x
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