Living the Lifestyle in Fuengirola

‘An authentic Spanish town, which hugs the Mediterranean, and is open all year round…’ Dixie Mitchell – Mitchells Property / IPP Spain.

Situated on the sun-soaked Costa del Sol, Fuengirola is a vibrant coastal town that blends family-friendly fun with cosmopolitan living. Known for its beautiful beaches, year-round sunshine, and excellent amenities, Fuengirola attracts both holidaymakers and property buyers looking for a slice of Mediterranean paradise. Here’s everything you need to know about making the most of the Fuengirola lifestyle, from family activities to real estate investment.

Fuengirola is a dream destination for families, offering a wide range of activities to keep everyone entertained. It’s very focused on providing a family atmosphere, and there’s plenty of acitivities for everyone to enjoy. Bioparc Fuengirola, a sustainable zoo that mimics natural habitats, is a must-visit for children and adults alike. Sohail Castle, perched above the coastline, is ideal for picnics, historical exploration, and cultural events. Water lovers will enjoy the Aquamijas water park, perfect for a fun day out with its slides and pools.

For those who love the outdoors, the town’s long promenade—Paseo Marítimo—is perfect for cycling, rollerblading, or simply taking a relaxing stroll by the sea. Its wide, sandy beaches offer safe and clean environments, with plenty of watersports options for thrill-seekers.

One of Fuengirola’s standout features is its excellent accessibility. The town is just a 20-minute drive from Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport, making it a convenient location for international travelers and holiday home owners. Fuengirola is also very well-connected via the train line, providing direct links to Malaga, Malaga Airport, Torremolinos, and other coastal towns.

In terms of services, Fuengirola boasts top-notch healthcare, a variety of international schools for its very diverse expat community, and a range of supermarkets and shopping centers. The Miramar Shopping Centre and its surrounding area host a wide selection of retail stores, cinemas, and even an indoor karting track, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

What makes Fuengirola so popular, is its perfect Mediterranean climate, offering more than 320 days of sunshine per year. Summers are hot but tempered by coastal breezes, with average temperatures ranging between 25°C and 30°C.

Even during the winter months, Fuengirola remains a pleasant place to live, with daytime temperatures rarely dipping below 15°C. This mild climate ensures that the town is bustling year-round, with residents and visitors enjoying the town’s outdoor terraces, beaches, and parks, even in what would be considered the “off-season” elsewhere.

The reliable, sunny weather not only enhances quality of life but also makes Fuengirola an excellent destination for holiday rentals, ensuring that property owners benefit from consistent rental income throughout the year.

Food lovers are spoiled for choice in Fuengirola, where you can enjoy a diverse dining scene that ranges from traditional Spanish tapas to international cuisine. The town is dotted with chiringuitos (beachside restaurants) that serve up fresh seafood, paella, and local delicacies like grilled sardines. The Plaza de los Chinorros is a buzzing spot where locals and visitors gather to sample small plates at lively tapas bars.

For a more upscale dining experience, Fuengirola offers a variety of international restaurants, including Italian, Indian, and Japanese, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate. Don’t be fooled by the name haha, but ‘Bar Colon’ is definitely worth a visit! Whether you’re seeking a casual beachside meal or a more sophisticated night out, Fuengirola’s culinary scene delivers every time.

Fuengirola is rich in culture and tradition, hosting a variety of festivities and traditional fiestas that add vibrancy to the town’s lifestyle. The Feria de Fuengirola is one of the most important local events transforming the town into a colorful spectacle with flamenco dancing, equestrian displays, live music, and delicious local food. Another major event is Semana Santa (Holy Week), a deeply rooted religious celebration in which elaborate processions wind through the streets, offering a powerful glimpse into Andalusian culture.

In summer, Fuengirola celebrates the Fiestas del Carmen, honoring the patron saint of fishermen. This festival includes a beautiful maritime procession where a statue of the Virgin Carmen is paraded through the streets and set out to sea.

These events not only offer a rich cultural experience but also bring the local community and visitors together, making Fuengirola an engaging & very welcoming place to live.

The property market in Fuengirola offers a broad spectrum of opportunities, from luxurious beachfront apartments to spacious family villas in tranquil neighborhoods. Due to the town being an all year-round destination, with a diverse and thriving expat community, people buy here for both full time and holiday living. Fuengirola is also particularly attractive to buyers seeking investment properties, as the demand for holiday rentals is high year-round due to its ideal location and climate.

One thing you can be sure of is that Fuengirola will offer excellent value for money.

When purchasing property in Fuengirola, it’s important to consider the taxes and fees involved. In general, property buyers in Spain can expect to pay around 10-12% of the property price in taxes and fees, including Property Transfer Tax (Impuesto sobre Transmisiones Patrimoniales, ITP), notary fees, and legal costs. For new-build properties, VAT (IVA) is 10%, plus an additional stamp duty of around 1.5%.

Whatever you are looking for and whatever your budget- if there’s one thing we must stress its this: It’s always adviseable that you get a lawyer!

Fuengirola is not just a holiday destination but a place where you can enjoy a well-rounded, vibrant lifestyle. With its family-friendly activities, easy accessibility, excellent services, and thriving dining scene, it’s no wonder more people are choosing Fuengirola as their home or investment destination. Whether you’re relocating, seeking a holiday home, or making a smart property investment, Fuengirola offers a little something for everyone.

Our Specialists in Fuengirola – Mitchells Property / IPP Spain.
To view our Video Podcast with Dixie click here: PODCAST
To view their properties in Fuengirola click here: PROPERTIES
To View their website click here: WEBSITE