If you are visiting Fuengirola, you might wonder if it has an old town like most of the Andalusian villages and towns.
Fuengirola is a bit different compared to other destinations on Costa del Sol – it doesn’t have a historic centre as you would see in Malaga or Marbella, but there is a part of the town which locals often call ‘the old town’.
It’s the area around the main post office building and the Plaza de la Constitution.
If you would like to explore what the old town of Fuengirola has to offer, here is a short guide with photos!
Where is Fuengirola Old Town?
There is no formal designation of the borders of the old town, unlike in other cities like Malaga or Marbella.
Fuengirola is relatively small and compact, so the old town area is usually meant as the narrow oldest part of the city dominated by terraced houses with a high concentration of bars and restaurants. Most of the area is designated as walking streets only, so you will not encounter much traffic and you can explore the whole area on foot fairly easily.
The heart of the area is around Plaza de la Constitution which spills out to the nearby small streets and alleyways.
Paseo Maritimo Avenue borders the old town in the south and the main traffic road (which I expertly refer to as the ‘bus road’) in the North.
Fuengirola Old Town: Location on Map
The map below roughly illustrates how far Fuengirola’s old town stretches – just zoom out and see the yellow areas on the map.
As I mentioned earlier, there is no official designation of the old town, but if you use the map below as guidance you’re guaranteed not to miss it.
What to See in Fuengirola Old Town?
Fuengirola’s old town is certainly not abundant with historic sights or attractions.
It is mostly known as the place with the highest concentration of restaurants and bars, and a great place to venture for a night out.
If you’re looking for some exciting places to see and activities, you will have to venture out of the old town.
I’ve written a full guide on the topic here.
What Are the Best Restaurants in Fuengirola Old Town?
There are so many places you can eat in Fuengirola’s old town and sometimes it may feel overwhelming to choose from the options.
One thing I would advise against is taking a stroll around Calle Moncayo and the small streets it spills into.
There are dozens of restaurants and bars scattered on this narrow street, which wouldn’t be a problem, but as you walk through you are haggled by every single waiter to check their menu and not so gently nudged to eat there. Especially if you’re visiting out of the main tourist season and they are desperate for customers.
I personally find it very annoying and unpleasant, but if you don’t mind the hagglers, it’s certainly an experience! The other consequence of the high concentration of restaurants and tourists is the fact that the place is the biggest hot spot for street sellers.
As you try to eat your dinner in peace, you get approached about 10 times an hour (I’m not exaggerating) to buy some sunglasses, hats, shoes (!!!) or even the latest fake handbag.
I’ve eaten my way around Fuengirola for a few years now, and there were a few very memorable unpleasant experiences I’ve had, which I will list below.
Of the places I would recommend, it’s Casa Pasta at Calle Palangregos (full review with pictures here) and Picoteo Restaurant (much smaller but super cosy and innovative menu – full review here) which is by the main post office square.
There are a few more interesting places around the square which I’m yet to test, but they look great in terms of food offers and venue – one of them is called Casa Colon and the other place is behind the post office – Gastromercado La Galeria.
The places I would advise avoiding?
Casa Pasta Trattoria – the venue is beautiful and the food was good, but they charge you for use of cutlery and linen (way to keep people coming back!). I believe it was around 2.5 euros per person, no matter if you’re kid or adult. I don’t mind paying for extras, but this just seemed like a joke by the management that the poor waiters had to suffer for and explain to angry customers.
Limoncello Restaurant – this pretty Italian place was my favourite for a while until they changed the chef or ingredients they use and the food is barely acceptable for the prices they charge.
Restaurante Bodega Charolais – I don’t know how this place ever deserved a mention in the Michelin guide. Beautiful setting and is full of locals, but the food looks and tastes like something you’re served in a Chiringuito (with higher prices). When I had salmon there, it was served raw in the middle and after I asked for it to be cooked through, I was told by the chef that it was the correct way to cook salmon. My husband’s duck was super dry and not at all what you would expect for an establishment that brands itself as high-end. Normally I would give every place another chance, but the attitude put me off completely. What happened to the customer is always right?
Best Places for Night Life in Fuengirola Old Town?
When it comes to bars and nightclubs, those are scattered at the edge of the old town closer to the coastline.
Unfortunately, I am no expert when it comes to nightlife and clubs, but there is plenty to choose from.
Just a word of warning – be careful who you drink with and who are you accepting drinks from, especially if you are a woman or young girl.
Unfortunately, I happen to know about a case where a drink was spiked and the end was a rather traumatic experience. This wasn’t an isolated event and it happens more than you can hear about. Be careful as drugs are abundant. Always hold your own drink (don’t leave it unattended), don’t accept drinks from strangers and have friends nearby in case something happens.
Fuengirola Old Town Photos
Here are a few extra photos from Fuengirola old town – much of the streets look very much the same and they get very busy the closer it gets to dinner time (for locals that’s fairly late between 8pm and 9pm).
Frequent Questions about Fuengirola Old Town
Does Fuengirola have an old town?
Yes, although it’s not official, there is an area often referred to as old town. Check the article above where you can see the location on the map.
Where is Fuengirola’s old town?
The heart of the old town is around Plaza de la Constitution and it spills out to the narrows streets nearby. Check the article above for full map.
Fuengirola: Recommended Day Trips & Experiences
- Caminito del Rey Day Trip with Guide – explore the world-famous pathway of the king, and admire the stunning views from the gorge El Chorro. Includes pick up in Fuengirola, entrance to Caminito del Rey and helmets.
- Day Trip to Gibraltar – with pick up from Fuengirola with a minibus, with free time in Gibraltar for shopping and an optional tour of the nature reserve.
- Gibraltar Sightseeing Day Tour – a more structured day trip with a full tour of the nature reserve, showing you all the highlights, with free time for shopping. Pick up from Fuengirola.
- Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas Day Trip – see the famous Puente Nuevo bridge in Ronda, with one of the oldest bullrings in the country, and admire the homes and restaurants built into caves in Setenil. Pick-up in Fuengirola – includes a walking tour of Ronda and a complimentary glass of wine in Ronda.
- Day Trip to Granada with Alhambra Tour – see one of the architectural wonders of Spain, the Moorish Palace complex of Alhambra, with free time to explore Granada. Includes pick-up from Fuengirola, tickets to Alhambra and a guide.
Explore More in Fuengirola
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Tips from a Local Expat: The Best Restaurants in Fuengirola
Local Guide to Fuengirola Supermarkets
Best Things to Do with Kids on Your Trip to Fuengirola, Spain
How to Spend a Day in Fuengirola
Sohail Castle (Castillo de Sohail), Fuengirola
7+ Exciting Day Trips from Fuengirola, Spain
Southern Spain Travel Tips
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