- Who this article is for: anyone choosing a Fuengirola area to live by the sea, rent out, or invest.
- How to choose: set your priorities (sea/centre/quiet/parking/transport), then compare neighbourhoods by development type and infrastructure.
- What’s inside: 9 micro-areas (Centro, Los Boliches, Torreblanca, Carvajal, Los Pacos, El Boquetillo, Pueblo Lopez, El Higueron, Santa Amalia / Miramar / Castillo Sohail) and tips on who each one suits.
- Timeframe: in practice, an initial selection and viewings can take from a few days to a few weeks (depending on your request and the season).
- Risks: noise/tourist flow and parking in the centre; needing a car in “upper” zones; differences in housing stock quality.
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Table of contents
- Centro
- Los Boliches
- Carvajal
- Los Pacos
- El Boquetillo
- Pueblo Lopez
- El Higueron
- Santa Amalia / Miramar / Castillo Sohail
- Which area to choose
- FAQ
Fuengirola neighbourhoods: Which one is best for living and buying property?
Fuengirola is a resort town on the Costa del Sol, located midway between Malaga and Marbella. Fuengirola is very compact and well planned: residential quarters and urbanisations stretch in a narrow strip along the beaches for about 7 km, and the most distant ones climb the hillsides up to the AP-7 motorway, which runs 1.5 km from the sea.
Fuengirola has no official administrative division into districts, as the town is small and does not need separate district administrations. However, in practice, quarters and urbanisations are grouped into micro-areas that differ in development type, infrastructure, and property prices, making it easier to navigate the town. There are nine such micro-areas in total: Centro, Los Boliches, Torreblanca, Carvajal, Los Pacos, El Boquetillo, Pueblo Lopez, El Higueron and Santa Amalia / Miramar / Castillo Sohail.
Centro – the historic and administrative centre of Fuengirola
The central area of any town is its historical, administrative and commercial heart, and Fuengirola is no exception. The central district – Centro – is the core of the town and its business centre. Its key feature is that all essential services, infrastructure, leisure and entertainment are within walking distance: the train station, the bus station, the main square Plaza de la Constitución with the parish church, Plaza de España where the town hall is located, etc. The centre also has numerous bars, cafes, restaurants, shops, and bank offices.
Living in central Fuengirola appeals to those who like activity and movement, and for whom walking access to the most interesting places and infrastructure outweighs any possible downsides. Downsides include heavy traffic, large numbers of tourists, noise from outdoor terraces of bars and restaurants, and parking issues. On the other hand, public transport and the rail connection to Malaga make it possible to live without a private car.
The central area of Fuengirola is also an excellent destination for investment. Not to live yourself, but to invest in tourist accommodation is a good strategy.
Los Boliches – the “sweet spot”
Los Boliches used to be a simple fishing village. But the tourism boom of the mid-20th century led to active development and modernisation of the Costa del Sol coastline. Traditional occupations of local residents faded, and modern residential quarters were built in place of typical fishing settlements. Los Boliches ceased to be a separate independent settlement and merged with neighbouring areas, while remaining one of the most recognisable.
Los Boliches today is one of the most popular areas of Fuengirola: lively, colourful, and with well-developed infrastructure. A promenade stretches along the long sandy beach – a favourite place for locals and tourists to relax.
The part of Los Boliches between the sea and the N-340 road is perfect for life by the sea: it is cosy, vibrant, and very active at the same time. From here you can walk to all key places and points in Fuengirola; the area has many schools, shops, and a variety of cafes and bars. Downsides, as in the centre, include dense development and parking difficulties. Overall, it is considered the most balanced area in the town.
The second part of Los Boliches, located between the N-340 and the AP-7, is calmer and more modern, more like a suburb than the central part of the town.
Los Boliches is great for families with children and for retirees. It is a promising area for property investment, either for resale or for rental income.
Torreblanca – an area of quiet, calm, and beautiful views
This large area in the north-western part of the town occupies a hilly territory between the N-340 national road and the AP-7 motorway. Calm, with fewer tourists and less intensive traffic, it suits those looking for quiet, comfort and a measured pace. There are many modern urbanisations, low-rise residential complexes and villas. Since Torreblanca is on elevated ground, panoramic views of the coastline and the sea open from the windows and terraces of many homes.
Torreblanca is an example of an ideal suburb with low-density development and no parking problems. But if you choose it for living, the question of private transport arises immediately. A car is needed here to get to the sea and beaches, the centre, supermarkets and shopping centres.
A plus of Torreblanca is the near complete absence of old housing stock. Homes in modern urbanisations are larger and have more convenient layouts than in older buildings and complexes. Therefore, distance from the sea is compensated by other comforts and advantages.
People choose Torreblanca for a спокойная life – young people, retirees, and families with children – anyone for whom walking distance to the centre and main urban infrastructure is not crucial. The area is also ideal for people working remotely.
Carvajal – beautiful life by the sea
Carvajal is the easternmost area of Fuengirola on the border with Benalmadena, a natural continuation of Los Boliches. Not old, with well-thought-out planning and convenient development, it offers many new houses and apartments in modern residential complexes. A beautiful promenade with numerous bars and cafes runs along the beach.
Carvajal is a good option for living by the sea, but in a fairly quiet zone away from the centre and tourist spots. In the evening, life slows down here, it becomes very quiet, and you can enjoy the sea and fresh breeze, forgetting that you are on the most popular and busy coastline in Spain. At the same time, the area is designed not only for holidays but also for permanent residence. The infrastructure includes educational institutions for children of different ages, so families with children often choose it.
Carvajal continues into neighbouring Benalmadena: the urbanisation of the same name goes inland, rising in terraces towards the AP-7. In this part, you cannot do without your own car.
Los Pacos – quiet living with sea views
This area is located in the north-west of Fuengirola, between Los Boliches and Torreblanca. Los Pacos is a quiet neighbourhood favoured by well-off Europeans. A large Finnish community lives here; there are many international bars, shops and salons. The area is very calm and suitable for permanent family living: there are schools, children’s playgrounds, several parks, and other infrastructure needed for everyday life.
A car is essential here. The sea is 1–2 km away; there is a convenient access to the highway towards Malaga or Marbella nearby.
El Boquetillo – almost in the centre, but for less money
El Boquetillo is a fairly old area west of the historic centre, developed in the 1960s. Traditionally, it was a working residential area, not a tourist one. The infrastructure is designed for permanent residence: there are schools, sports centres (including the municipal sports complex), a market, and a wide choice of shops and supermarkets.
A distinctive feature of El Boquetillo is more affordable prices compared to the centre and other areas near the sea. El Boquetillo was initially chosen for permanent living, and nothing has changed today.
Pueblo Lopez – a traditional pueblo blanco in the heart of a resort town
On the border between the centre and El Boquetillo lies Pueblo Lopez – a small atmospheric micro-area in Andalusian style, consisting of just a few blocks. Its distinctive feature is traditional Andalusian architecture with white houses, quiet streets, and plants in pots and planters.
Pueblo Lopez is a white Andalusian village (pueblo blanco) almost in the very heart of resort Fuengirola, as if from a туристическая postcard. It will definitely appeal to those who love the atmosphere of Spanish countryside, a slow pace of time, and a reminder of good old traditions.
El Higueron – premium-class housing
El Higueron is located north-west of Carvajal. It begins beyond the N-340 road and climbs in tiers up the hillsides, coming close to the AP-7, then continues above the motorway on the territory of the neighbouring municipality of Mijas. This area features prestigious urbanisations and premium-class residential complexes with panoramic sea views. People who value status, seclusion, privacy and security prefer to live here.
El Higueron is completely new, with low building density, designed from the start for comfortable and beautiful living. In Fuengirola, it serves as an investment destination for premium-level housing. Prices here are high, but construction quality and living standards correspond. Having your own car is mandatory.
Santa Amalia / Miramar / Castillo Sohail – a modern area south of the centre
Three micro-areas – Santa Amalia, Miramar and Castillo Sohail – are located in the southern part of Fuengirola on the border with La Cala de Mijas, almost adjacent to the Penon del Cura natural park. Here, above El Ejido beach, rises Sohail Castle – one of Fuengirola’s main architectural landmarks.
This part of the town is close to the centre yet feels like the outskirts. On the one hand, it has excellent urban infrastructure, including two large shopping centres (Centro Comercial Miramar (administratively belongs to Fuengirola) and Parque Comercial Miramar (administratively belongs to Mijas)) and a beautiful park stretching along the river; on the other hand, development and planning are much more modern.
Santa Amalia, Miramar and Castillo Sohail offer wide sandy beaches, a calm family atmosphere, and comfortable year-round living. There are far fewer tourists here, and traffic is not as intense as in the centre. There is always a wide choice of housing in new residential complexes within walking distance of the sea and beaches.
Which Fuengirola area to choose for living
When choosing an area, you should be guided by your own priorities: closeness to the sea or the historic centre, seclusion in nature or a first sea line with прекрасные views. If we group Fuengirola areas by key parameters, we get the following picture:
- Most popular for living: Los Boliches, Torreblanca and Los Pacos
- Most beautiful and status: Higueron and Carvajal (upper zone)
- Best for investment: Centro and Boliches
- Best for families: Los Pacos, Miramar and Boliches
If we divide by development type and the age of the housing stock, we get two large groups:
- Historic areas with older housing stock, a denser traditional urban structure, and occasional modern residential complexes: Centro, Los Boliches, Pueblo Lopez and El Boquetillo.
- Modern residential areas with new development that meets current requirements in layout, comfort and security: Torreblanca, Carvajal, Los Pacos, El Higueron and Santa Amalia / Miramar / Castillo Sohail. Premium-class projects are implemented here without the need to save on space and on the quality of work and materials.
Need a selection for your budget and scenario (living, rental, investment)?
The information provided is not legal or tax advice. Not a public offer.
Fuengirola FAQ
What to see in Fuengirola?
People often plan a route around the Paseo Maritimo promenade, Castillo Sohail, and major attractions like Bioparc Fuengirola. Many also combine walks with markets and beaches.
How much is a taxi from Fuengirola to Malaga Airport?
Figures depend on the tariff, time of day, and the provider’s terms. In practice, you may see fixed offers around €40+ for the route, while metered rides follow local taxi tariffs (minimum fare, pick-up charge, per-kilometre price).
If predictability matters, people usually compare a fixed price with the tariff-based calculation, and also alternatives like the C1 commuter train.
Which is better: Malaga or Fuengirola?
Malaga is often chosen for its scale, museums, events, and city pace. Fuengirola is chosen for its compactness, beach format, and the convenience of “everything nearby”. In practice, the choice comes down to your scenario: permanent living, holidays, or investment.
What sea is in Fuengirola, Spain?
Fuengirola is on the Mediterranean Sea, in the western part that is often referred to as the Alboran Sea basin.
Are there beautiful places in Fuengirola?
Yes: panoramic views open up near Castillo Sohail, and for walks and “postcard” spots, people often choose the long Paseo Maritimo and beach areas.
Is it safe in Fuengirola at night?
As in most tourist towns, standard precautions are usually recommended: avoid poorly lit places, keep an eye on your belongings, don’t display valuables, and plan your route back in advance. Official travel advice for Spain often highlights the risk of petty theft in tourist areas and on transport.
Which is better: Fuengirola or Benalmadena?
Fuengirola is often perceived as a compact resort town that stretches along the sea. Benalmadena is seen as a more “mosaic” municipality with different zones (coast, pueblo, urbanisations). A practical choice depends on whether you value flat walkability or more varied locations and terrain.
Is Fuengirola, Spain worth visiting?
If you like the “beaches + promenade + straightforward logistics” format and want a base for trips around the Costa del Sol, Fuengirola often fits well. If you prefer a bigger city, it makes sense to add Malaga.
Is Fuengirola a town for older people?
The town is often chosen by retirees due to the climate, beach infrastructure and easy-to-navigate urban environment. At the same time, in practice, families and remote workers also live here: much depends on the neighbourhood you choose.
How much is a taxi from Benalmadena to Fuengirola?
The price depends on pick-up/drop-off areas and the tariff. You may find published route ориентиры within the wider urban area, where Fuengirola is listed as a nearby destination with different “area” zones.
Is Fuengirola full of British people?
Fuengirola is international, and the share of foreign residents is noticeable. At the same time, by feel, it varies from area to area: some places are more tourist-oriented, others feel more like “a town for living”.
Where to watch the sunset in Fuengirola?
People often choose sections of the Paseo Maritimo and areas near Castillo Sohail: it’s easy to combine views with a walk.
What is the coldest month in Fuengirola?
Based on climate normals from the nearest station (Malaga Airport), the coolest period falls in winter; January typically has lower average values than other months.
What day is the big market in Fuengirola?
One of the largest mercadillos is usually held on Tuesdays at Recinto Ferial (there is also a Saturday format; schedules may change due to festivals and events).
Is Fuengirola good for shopping?
Yes, if you’re interested in both shopping centres (including Miramar) and street markets (mercadillos). In practice, it’s most convenient when your chosen micro-area offers quick logistics to the places you need.
What day is the fair in Fuengirola?
The main town fair (Feria del Rosario) is held ежегодно, usually in early October; exact dates are set each year (often listed around 6–12 October).
Is Fuengirola a typical British town?
No: it is a resort town with an international environment. Some zones do have a lot of English-language services, but overall the atmosphere is mixed.
Does Fuengirola have an old town or a new town?
Rather, it has an “historic” urban fabric (Centro and a number of quarters with older housing stock) and more modern zones with newer development (parts of Torreblanca, Carvajal, Los Pacos, El Higueron, Santa Amalia / Miramar / Castillo Sohail).
What is it like to live in Fuengirola, Spain?
In terms of how the town feels: it’s compact, with infrastructure laid out “along the sea”. Comfort depends strongly on the micro-area: the centre has more movement and noise, while “upper” urbanisations are quieter but often require a car.
What is the weather like in Fuengirola in winter?
Winters on the coast are usually milder than in inland regions. For orientation, people use climate normals from the nearest stations (for example, Malaga Airport), where winter months show the lowest average temperatures of the year.
