Are you planning to stay in Fuengirola and wonder what other places nearby are worth exploring?
In that case, this article has all the answers you need!
Best of all, I have been living in Fuengirola since 2020, and continue exploring some of the most beautiful towns and cities in the area. This roundup of towns near Fuengirola will offer my personal favourites, along with practical tips for planning your trip and what to see in there.
In short, I think the best towns that are worth your time are Mijas Pueblo, Ronda, Benalmadena Pueblo and, if you like a bigger city, then Malaga. I have also included a list of seven smaller – lesser known – villages for those who want to see a bit of Andalusian village life.
Let’s dive in!
Map for Best Towns Near Fuengirola
Best Towns Near Fuengirola Worth Visiting
From local favourites to lesser known villages and towns, this roundup has a bit of everything – whether you’re looking for a traditional Andalusian village or a bigger city with lots of museums and attractions.
1. Mijas Pueblo: The White Village
Mijas Pueblo is a postcard-perfect village known for its whitewashed buildings and stunning sea views.
Wander through its narrow, cobbled streets, visit the smallest bullring in Spain – Plaza de Toros, stroll through the park and botanical gardens, visit one of the charming squares and check the local ceramic shops which have some of the cutest souvenirs.
What makes Mijas Pueblo special is its elevation—almost from every corner of the village, you can enjoy spectacular views of the whole coastline—a sight not to be missed. In addition to that, it’s also the easiest village to access directly from Fuengirola.
Get inspired by what to explore in Mijas Pueblo in this guide, and see the transport details below.
Planning a Trip to Mijas Pueblo
I have a full transport guide available here. The drive to the village is about 20 minutes and parking is available next to the town hall. There are also local buses leaving from Fuengirola main bus station, leaving every 30 minutes.
You can also get there by a local taxi or uber, which costs around 15 euros, depending on where you’re leaving from.
2. Benalmádena Pueblo: Castle & Views
Benalmádena Pueblo, with its traditional Andalusian architecture and floral-decorated streets, offers a peaceful retreat from the coastal buzz.
The Castillo de Colomares and the Butterfly Park are must-visits, as well as the nearby Stupa – a Buddhist temple with a viewing platform offering stunning views. The center of the village is much smaller compared to Mijas Pueblo, and it’s not easily accessible by public transport.
Stroll through the center of the village and head to the end – the Murillo Gardens, from where you can walk down directly to the Colomares Castle.
Planning a Trip to Benalmádena Pueblo
Benalmadena Pueblo is not easily accessible from Fuengirola, please check my detailed transport guide here. In short, the best option to get there is to drive or take a taxi, public transport is limited.
The closest train station is Arroyo de la Miel, and from there you would have to take a local bus which only runs a few times per day. I recommend driving there by car.
3. Marbella: Glitz & Glamour
Beyond its reputation for luxury yachts and upscale nightlife, Marbella boasts a beautifully preserved old town, an enchanting area filled with narrow streets, historic buildings, and the famed Orange Square.
Whether you’re window shopping at designer boutiques in Puerto Banus or enjoying a meal at one of the many exquisite restaurants, Marbella ticks many boxes and makes a perfect day trip destination.
Planning a Trip to Marbella
It’s pretty easy to get to Marbella from Fuengirola (check the guide here): in short, you can take a local bus which runs every 30 minutes or so from Fuengirola bus station, or drive to Marbella via the A-7 or AP-7 (toll road) in about 30 minutes. Marbella does not have a train station.
4. Estepona: Floral Paradise
Estepona, often referred to as the garden of the Costa del Sol, will surprise you with its colorful flower pots lining the streets of the old town, beautiful street art, a stunning orchid house, and a beautiful, long promenade perfect for evening walks.
While there aren’t many attractions to tick off your list, Estepona is great for leisure walks and exploring a relatively peaceful old town without huge crowds.
Planning a Trip to Estepona
Estepona is a little further away from Fuengirola, if you want to take a bus, it’s about 1 hour drive. No train connections are available for this trip.
You can check my detailed transport guide here with details for the buses and also driving directions.
5. Ronda: Bullfighting & Gorge Views
Of all the white-washed Andalusian towns, I think you will love Ronda the most.
With breathtaking views of the El Tajo gorge, the famous bridge (Puente Nuevo), one of the oldest bullrings in Spain and beautiful landscapes all around, Ronda deserves to go to the top of your bucket list.
There are lots of small hidden gems to explore, like Casa don Bosco or the historic baths, and it’s also the perfect choice for those who would like to do a bit of hiking.
Planning a Trip to Ronda
You can drive to Ronda from Fuengirola or take a bus (both take roughly 2 hours), but I do have to warn you that the drive is through the serpentine roads up in the mountains, so keep that in mind.
There are a few direct buses from Fuengirola to Ronda available daily, you can get the tickets at Avanza website. These are long distances buses that stop in Marbella and then continue to Ronda.
If you don’t fancy either option, you can also book a tour with a local company that will save you both time and money – check this option here.
6. Torremolinos: Beaches & Parties
Out of all the options in this list, Torremolinos is the most similar town to Fuengirola, for many reasons.
It also has a long coastal promenade, long sandy beaches and the old town higher up in the hill. While there isn’t a lot to explore, you can definitely venture in to explore the vibe of the city and see how it compares.
I love taking a long coastal walk from Torremolinos to Benalmadena as the cities are connected by a coastal promenade – great for long leisure walk, stopping for a drink or lunch in chiringuito, and after a while you will end up in Benalmadena Marina.
If you’re looking for attractions, I think you will like the Molino de Inca, which is a botanical garden outside of the city. The Casa de los Navajas, which is one of the main attractions, is not worth a visit in my opinion.
Planning a Trip to Torremolinos
To visit Torremolinos, you can simply hop on the C-1 Cercanias (suburban) train from Fuengirola, which runs every 20 minutes until late at night. For a full transport guide, check here.
7. Malaga: Picasso’s Birth City
No visit to the Costa del Sol would be complete without exploring Malaga, the province’s capital.
Rich in culture and history, Malaga offers a bit of everything. Most importantly, it is home to the Picasso Museum, celebrating the artist’s work, and Casa Natal de Picasso, which is a small museum in Picasso’s birth home.
To explore more of the city’s history, venture to the historic Alcazaba, an 11th-century Moorish fortress or the remains of the old protection fortress – Castillo Gibralfaro.
Malaga’s blend of historical sites, modern art, and vibrant nightlife makes it the perfect day trip destination – in fact you could fill a whole week tasting everything that Malaga has to offer.
Planning a Trip to Malaga
Similar to Torremolinos, Fuengirola is well connected to Malaga thanks to the C-1 train line. The journey to Malaga Centro – closest station to the old town – takes about 40 minutes.
For a full transport guide with train times, ticket prices, and practical details check here.
Small Towns Near Fuengirola Worth Visiting
Fancy something a little smaller and more authentic?
Head to the village up in the hills and around Fuengirola, to get a glimpse into a slower pace of life, rich history and breathtaking views.
Here are 7 best options for small towns near Fuengirola:
1. Casares
Casares is a stunning white village that seems to defy gravity as it clings to the mountainside.
Its labyrinth of narrow streets, framed by whitewashed houses and bursts of colorful flowers, leads adventurers to ancient ruins and spectacular views.
Don’t miss the impressive Moorish castle at the top of the village, offering panoramic vistas of the countryside and the Mediterranean.
Fuengirola to Casares
- Distance: 77 km
- Drive time: 58 mins
- Good Day Trip Option: yes
2. Ojén
Nestled in the mountains just a short drive from Marbella, Ojén is an Andalusian village that has managed to retain its rustic charm amidst the region’s development.
This tranquil village is perfect for nature lovers and those interested in local spirits, with its famous “aguardiente de Ojén” (a type of brandy). Explore the surrounding natural park or enjoy the local cuisine in a cozy village tavern.
Fuengirola to Ojén
- Distance: 40 km
- Drive time: 34 mins
- Suitable for a day trip? yes
3. Genalguacil
Dubbed the “Village of Art”, Genalguacil is unique for its open-air art museum.
Every two years, artists from around the world gather here for an art festival, leaving behind works that adorn the village’s streets and squares. Nestled in the Valle del Genal, the town is also a starting point for numerous hiking trails through the stunning Andalusian countryside.
Fuengirola to Genalguacil
- Distance: 96 km
- Drive time: 1.5 hrs
- Suitable for a day trip? yes
4. Guaro
Guaro is a small, traditional town renowned for its annual Luna Mora festival, when thousands of candles illuminate the streets, transforming the village into a scene from a fairy tale.
The rest of the year, it’s a peaceful spot to enjoy the olive groves and almond trees that surround the area, offering a real taste of rural Andalusia.
Fuengirola to Guaro
- Distance: 35 km
- Drive time: 45 mins
- Suitable for a day trip? yes
5. Alozaina
Alozaina sits at the entrance to the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, making it a perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts. The town itself, with its Moorish castle ruins and whitewashed houses, is a picturesque place to wander.
Its narrow streets lead to hidden plazas and gardens, offering peaceful corners to relax and soak in the village atmosphere.
Fuengirola to Alozaina
- Distance: 47 km
- Drive time: 55 mins
- Suitable for a day trip? yes
6. Monda
Monda is famous for its castle, now converted into a hotel, and its picturesque streets that wind up the hillside.
The town has a vibrant local community and hosts several festivals throughout the year, including a popular soup festival. The surrounding countryside is ideal for hiking and exploring local flora and fauna.
Fuengirola to Monda
- Distance: 31 km
- Drive time: 40 mins
- Suitable for a day trip? yes
7. Yunquera
Yunquera, known for its production of wine and chestnuts, is a town that boasts incredible natural beauty, situated within the Sierra de las Nieves.
It’s a hiker’s paradise, with trails leading through lush forests and past streams. The town itself, with its historic church and welcoming squares, offers a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration.
Fuengirola to Yunquera
- Distance: 55 km
- Drive time: 1 hour
- Suitable for a day trip? yes
Final Thoughts
These small towns provide a wonderful contrast to the coastal excitement, offering a deeper connection to the history, culture, and natural beauty of Andalusia.
Whether you’re drawn to the arts, history, nature, or simply the joy of discovering new places, these villages promise unique experiences just a short journey from the Costa del Sol’s more familiar destinations.
Do you have some of your own favorites that were not included in the list? Let me know in the comments below.
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Plan your adventures on Costa del Sol and save this pin image for later in your Pinterest account. While you’re there, you can also get inspired by looking at my boards for best places to see in Southern Spain, things to do in Fuengirola and where to stay in Fuengirola.
