Fuengirola - the Pearl of Costa del Sol

It is not the most beautiful town on Costa del Sol, but it is one of the most vibrant towns. The tourists take over the town during summer, but somehow it retains it's small town attitude, and you can easily get to know the local restaurant and bar owners.



The Spanish Fuengirola

Step away from the beach promenade and experience a Spanish town. The Spaniards don't seem to care much about the large number of tourists arriving every year. It is somehow accepted as many locals live from the masses arriving to enjoy a couple of weeks with sun, water and relaxation. Stepping away from the areas where the tourists gather the most, will give you an opportunity to eat with the locals. You will get fairly good food, and a touch of the relaxed Spanish attitude from the waiters, so relax and take it easy.

Not all waiters will speak English, they may know some words like "fish", "chicken" or "pork", however most finer details will be lost in translation. Choose a "menu del dia", menu of the day, and rest assured there will be enough food. It may not arrive quickly, but there is normally a full meal in the starter alone. The main course will normally be quite simple with meat and potatoes, and if you are lucky, a few well cooked vegetables.

The menu of the day should not cost more than 8 Euros including a drink and the dessert.



Small squares with bars and restaurants

When all the shops are closed for siesta, the bars will open and chairs and small tables will populate the small squares throughout the city centre. Even in places you might not expect to see life, the shutter will roll up, and bar is there. Some places only serve tapas, but you can find many places offering a good sandwich too.



Recommended lunch place in Fuengirola

One of the best lunch places in the centre is at "Number 19" between Plaza de Constitucion and Hostal Marbella.

If you are looking for tapas, then Lizaran bars normally have a good selection. You can find one near the train station in the centre of Fuengirola. Also Gambrinus in the same area has tapas, worth mentioning as they always have "Gambas al pil pil" which are scrimps in spicy oil.



Spanish families go for a walk on Sundays

On Sundays the Spanish take to the streets for a walk along the beach. They have a traditional family lunch, and at about 15 - 16 o'clock they all go out for a walk. It is not unusual to see three generations walking together. This is one thing the Spanish are known for. The family lunches are messy, noisy and full of love. They all eat from the same plates sharing what ever comes in, and the noise level is on par with a jet. It is hard to beleive when you see the family walking nice and quiet on the beach promenade.



Cancel your parking fine in Fuengirola

As a foreigner it can be difficult to understand their system. You have to "pay and display", meaning in all blue parking zones you must find a parking meter and buy a ticket for the period you think will be parking. This is not the unusual part. The unusual thing is that should you get a parking fine, then you are actually able to cancel the fine - pause and think - Yes, you read right, the parking fine can be cancelled. Cancellation costs about 3 Euros plus what ever amount you should have paid for the parking, only requirement is that you pay within 24 hours.