Mijas is another little town up the hill from Fuengirola. It has amazing views and a cute town with shops and restaurants. You can also take donkey rides through the streets.

Malaga is a little ways off but has the Picasso Museum which is a great must-see as well as the best tapas and wine bar call the Pimpi. I could, and did, sit there for hours. There is also a lot of high-end shopping and amazing people watching.

Ronda is beautiful also. It is known for a famous bull fighting arena that you can take a tour of. The drive up to Ronda is worth it. It's a scary winding road with fantastic views.

Posted Nov 09, 2010

Hey Ann! If you can make it to La Routa de Los Pueblos Blancos up in the Sierra Beticas it is well worth the trip. Absolutely beautiful, and very friendly folks.

Here is a link to the video my friend and I made of our moped roadtrip up there http://vimeo.com/6024790

Posted Nov 09, 2010

Fuengirola is tough because it is *definitely* a resort town for the English vacationers and only recently became so. It has a funny history of being associated with many different cultures including Spain(of course--Moorish), Romans and Christians.

That said, it's still a beautiful place and there is plenty to do without leaving on day trips!  Some suggestions would be:

-Go visit the Sohail Castle-- really gorgeous views of the Mtns. and the hill it resides on is covered with BUNNIES!

-Yacht Harbor. It's a bit intense ...million dollar yachts abound-- but worth checking out; especially late at night when everything is lit up. Keep eyes to the water and avoid the stereotypical Chanel stores and whatnot.

-Stroll along the beach and take in the fact that it can be the middle of winter and it can be 70 there. Yes!   Definitely wouldn't be that way in Granada.

- There are definitely some good restaurants so peak around. I wish I could remember exactly but its been so long....at least you'll be able to sit outside :)

- ok ok, so one cool thing out of the city: Malaga (you'll probably be flying into there) has an expo center that sometimes has some sweet events. Last time I was there, there was a Moroccan Expo that was cool- plus the building is amazing!

Posted Nov 11, 2010

The beach, the harbour, the zoo, El Sohail (a Moorish castle) and the street market every Tuesday and Saturday at the fairground in Los Boliches.

Posted Nov 14, 2010

Hi Ann.

We have a bullring next to the zoo and great shopping. There is also a Tuesday Market and a Saturday Market which are very popular. There is a  bus station  in the centre of town and the train station too. Mijas Pueblo (the white village) is a very popular trip by bus and the views are spectacular. Whatever you decide to do....have fun!

Posted Nov 15, 2010

Hi Ann,

If you can spare the time. try to drive out to another coastal town called Nerja, wihich is about 40 miles (or approximately 75 kms.) east of Fuengirola. Get down to Buriana beach and look for a restaurant called AYO.

Ayo is also the name of the owner of the restaurant.  I believe he is semi-retired now but he is still very active in running the place. 

When we first tried the restaurant in the early 1980's, it consisted of a simple shack with tables/chairs out the beach with a section where one could see how the cooking is done. It is more established today, and one can still see how the paella is made in very large vats over a roaring fire.  No pretensions to speak of.

Personally, I believe Ayo has the best paella in Spain and so reasonably priced as well. 

 Have a plate or two with San Miguel beer and enjoy the passing scene and sunset as well.

Happy travels!

Posted Nov 28, 2010