Enjoy the 'off' season in Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol

After a blazing hot and steamy summer, Fuengirola is now experiencing the most perfect warm and sunny weather.

 

Blue skies and warm sun are definitely the order of the day. 

In July 2015, southern Spain saw what was virtually one long, and extremely hot, record-breaking heatwave here on the Costa del Sol. August and September weren't that much cooler or less humid. Locals were dreading receiving their electricity bills after the summer heat, having lived in an almost constant air-conditioned state.

While in summer it was best to walk in the shade or sit almost on top of the air conditioning unit, now everyone can stroll or sit in the sun, enjoying the perfect temperatures, or reclining on an almost empty and beautifully clean sandy beach.

This is THE perfect time to visit the Spanish seaside resort and enjoy an out of season holiday in far quieter beachfront hotels, or if you prefer to be a little more independent on your holiday, to choose from the pick of the best holiday rental villas and apartments on offer in the town and surrounding areas.

What better time to visit Bioparc Fuengirola and meet its exotic residents while strolling the green and leafy interior - a virtual oasis in the centre of the Spanish seaside town. Meet the lemurs of Madagascar, laugh at the antics of the chimpanzees and watch the Borneo orangutans having fun.

Visit the magnificent Sumatran tigers or the gorillas, stroll around the aviaries and aquarium or gape at the Nile crocodiles.  All this and more is available in a much quieter environment now the main tourist season is over.

Close to the center of town, stroll on the endless sandy beaches, which stretch for seven kilometres down the coast. At one end, visit the Sohail Castle which stands guard over the coastline. At the other end enjoy the seaside suburb of Los Boliches, with great mountain views from all along the promenade.

Between October 6 and 12, have fun at Fuengirola's annual feria, with all the fun of the fair and other entertainment laid on over the week. Fun, food and fair combine for great entertainment.

You'll see lovely ladies, all dressed up in their beautiful flamenco dresses, strolling the streets and proud caballeros riding their horses or driving carriages between the town centre and the fairgrounds. Feria is always a colorful event and in the fairgrounds not only can you ride on the various exciting attractions, but also enjoy a meal, a glass of excellent Spanish wine or a cooling beer. On occasion, there is spirited dancing in the plazas of the town.

While the shops may close a little earlier than they do in summer, there are bargains to be had and attractive souvenirs to be bought. One recommended shop to visit is Etniart in Calle Francisco Cano, between the beach and the church in Los Boliches. The shop offers a perfect selection of small gifts to take home.

For your dining pleasure the restaurants in the center, including the popular "Fish Alley" offer a great range of both international and Spanish cuisine. Alternatively, the choice on the beachfront is endless, with many beachside restaurants and chiringuitos to choose from.

In closing, go on, spoil yourself! Come and enjoy the extended warm sunshine for a while down on the Costa del Sol.

Photos: All copyright Anne Sewell