The resort of Fuengirola, on the Costa del Sol, has grown from a quaint fishing village into a lively holiday destination that combines luxury and relaxation. This Andalucian town is renowned for its one-off chic boutiques and great shopping centres, as well as its gorgeous sandy beaches (ideal for a relaxing day spent sunbathing or reading a good book!). There are also several historical attractions, including the Sohail Castle and the History Museum, that are worth visiting.
Mostly though, this resort is famous for its high-quality cafes and gourmet restaurants. From local delicacies and authentic Mediterranean cuisine to international specialties, Fuengirola’s town centre has it all. There are almost too many restaurants to choose from, so to help you single out the best ones, here are my top-five recommendations.
Sollo: Michelin-starred Quality Food
This fabulous restaurant boasts a modern décor with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that provide an unparalleled view of the surrounding town and coastline. They offer two delicious tasting menus with a starter, main and dessert. Each course is accompanied by a meticulously chosen wine from their own winery. Their most renowned main course is the oyster, caviar and yuca platter, but the catfish cooked in ashes is another popular delicacy.
La Alacena: Luxury Cuisine in an Elegant Establishment
Set in a stunningly-decorated dining room with colourful stained glass windows, beautiful paintings and atmospheric lighting, this bistro offers traditional Mediterranean dishes served with a modern twist. Based on rice with meat, fish or game, they offer a delicious array of tasty dishes. One of their most exquisite recipes is the Meloso de venera. It is served with boletus risotto and a bed of peas, with a parmesan biscuit on the side. Their waiters will also recommend a wine from their exclusive collection that best marries itself to your dish.
La Langosta: Excellent Seafood
Over the past fifty years, La Langosta restaurant has built an immaculate reputation. As a family-run establishment, they pride themselves on their meticulous service and secret family recipes. Though they serve an array of fish and meat dishes, their biggest crowd-pleaser is their seafood platter. It is their lobster in particular which has made La Langosta one of the best gourmet restaurants in the Costa del Sol.
Restaurant Palangreros: Refined Andalusian Cuisine
Established in 1988, this restaurant uses local produce to create seasonal recipes that reflect the culinary history of Andalusia. It is a family-run bistro that has had the same highly-experienced chef for the past 30 years. While many of their dishes are rice or noodle based, they also have a vast fish and meat menu. The chicken breasts stuffed with prawns and leeks topped off with a mustard sauce sounds divine, while the grilled swordfish with red pepper aioli would be another great choice.
Tipi Tapa: Authentic Tapas and Flamenco Dancing
With flamenco dancing to keep you entertained, this restaurant also offers over 100 different tapas, allowing you to savour the various tastes of the Mediterranean. Start with a refreshing glass of wine and some cold shurmi crab sticks, smoked salmon or cheese and caviar de Mujol. You can then enjoy a variety of fish tapa, including monkfish brochettes and grilled cuttlefish, or opt for the meat tapa. Their beef sirloin with goats’ cheese comes highly recommended, as do the lamb skewers.
How to Get to Fuengirola
Travelling to Fuengirola is a simple and stress-free journey. The easiest way to get there is to fly to Malaga Airport with British Airways or Monarch. They both offer direct three-hour flights from the UK. To avoid the hassle of hectic public transport, make sure you book a private airport transfer with Shuttle Direct. A friendly driver will meet outside the terminal and take you to your luxury hotel in less than half-an-hour.
Where to Stay
Hotel IPV Palace & Spa: Just a two-minute walk from the beach, this hotel boasts seafront view rooms and private terraces. It also has two swimming pools and a spa to relax in before your evening meal. It offers guests a peaceful and quiet environment. There are also four restaurants within the complex, as well as a piano bar by the pool.
Las Piramides: Located in the centre of Costa del Sol, this hotel provides easy access to the beach and local restaurants. The rooms are all air-conditioned and boast a spectacular view from the balcony. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar, as well as a coffee shop with a terrace.
Casa Consistorial: Set in a nineteenth-century building, this hotel is just a short five-minute walk from the historic centre and beachfront. It boasts a gourmet restaurant, as well as a sauna and massage service. There is also a fantastic rooftop terrace with a pool. All rooms are soundproofed, offering you a peaceful ambience to relax in. These rooms feature private bathrooms with showers, bathrobes, slippers and toiletries.
About Shuttle Direct
As Europe and North Africa’s leading transport provider, Shuttle Direct offers you a comfortable and convenient transfer service. You can book your transfer in advance via their easy-to-use website. While they offer shared and group transfers at a fixed low price, if you really want to treat yourself, they also have luxurious private cars. A local driver will meet you outside the airport, help you with your luggage and safely take you to your desired destination.
