Overlooking the Fuengirola river and guarding the edge of the town is Sohail Castle, an old Castle built as part of city defense system in AD 956. While much of it is long gone, the core structure with the large courtyard still remains and since the year 2000 it serves its duty as one of the main attractions in the city.
On my second attempt to see inside of the castle, it has finally been opened (after long COVID closure) and this time around, I even found the right entrance gate!
You will see Sohail Castle recommended in almost all the travel guides to Fuengirola and if you go there with very little expectations you won’t be dissapointed.
There are no museums or information boards, and not much remaining from the original structure of the courtyard. What it does offer are stunning views of the coastline, and a real life castle playground for kids – its perfect for kids to explore, crawl and run around.
There is a small information booth where you can get a leaflet with information about the castle and then you’re free to roam around. The castle is frequently used for music and other performances, and as we all know that won’t be happening anytime soon.
Just outside of the main gate, on the right hand side, is a small pathway that goes around the edge of the castle walls. You will find some benches there and can enjoy beautiful views while hiding from the sun.
The entrance to the castle is from two areas – one right next to the river and you walk up steep pathway and second one from behind the castle where you will also find a large parking lot.
The entry is now free and you can visit any day – just make sure to check the opening times so you don’t venture there when they close for siesta.
Is it worth the trip?
Sohail Castle is certainly not as impressive as some of the fairy tale castles you will find in Germany, but if you’re in the city and have a spare hour or two, it’s a nice walk and the view is well worth it.
It’s free to visit and once you’re done, you can enjoy a stroll on the promenade and raise a toast to ticking off another sight from your travel list.
Visiting Sohail Castle
opening hours: WINTER OPENING HOURS: From Tuesday to Friday: 10 am – 2 pm. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 10 am – 2 pm // 3:30 pm – 6 pm. SUMMER OPENING HOURS: From Tuesday to Friday: 10 am – 2 pm. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 10 am – 2 pm // 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm.
entry: free
parking: behind the castle area, marked on the map here (parking area called ‘Parking Castillo Fuengirola’).
best time to visit: anytime in winter, in the summer avoid mid-day and visit early in the morning or late afternoon.
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.
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