Fuengirola travel guide

Unlike Torremolinos, Fuengirola has a long history. Roman remains have been excavated at Torreblanca, while at Los Boliches on the Paseo Marítimo a Roman arch has been erected from remains recovered from the sea bed by divers. It was the Romans, too, who probably built the first structure at the Castillo de Sohail located on a hill by the river at the west end of the town. The castle was destroyed in 1485 in the Christian reconquest of the area, the Moors surrendering on the day of San Cayetano, the patron saint of Fuengirola today. In 1730, the castle was rebuilt to defend the coast against the British who had taken Gibraltar in 1704. During the Peninsular War in 1810, a British expedition of 800 men under General Blayney landed at the castle and advanced on Mijas, but later they retreated to the castle, where, humiliatingly they were obliged to surrender to 150 Polish mercenaries. At this time the population of Fuengirola was a mere 60 people; today, it is closer to 50,000. The Castillo de Sohail interior is now an outdoor auditorium where concerts take place. There is also a small exhibition centre/museum. The castle can be approached via the path from the river mouth or an alternative track from the beach.