mmodrich

Has anyone been to Fuengirola? We are looking at that as a possible alternative to staying in Malaga and would love input from anyone who has been there. Our plan was to stay for 3 nights and we are traveling with two toddlers. Thank you!

Robert2533

It's a bit overbuilt, typical of the area. I'd rather stay in Malaga's old quarter.

kimhe

I agree with Robert, Málaga is a genuine and wonderful Andalucian city dating back 3000 years to Phoenician Malaka, while Fuengirola is a former small fishing village built up to be a large tourist destination since the 1960's.

But, of course, Fuengirola is popular with tourists for a reason, one being the five miles excellent beach. In recent years, things have also be done to revive a more traditional Andalucian feel here. I spent several memorable and excellent summer weeks here in the late 70's as a kid, when beach, burgers and late night outdoor meals with music and a festive spirit made a solid impression. http://www.andalucia.com/fuengirola/home.htm
More detailed info and video presentation: http://www.visitcostadelsol.com/muni...engirola-p9691

But since your kids are so small, I would definitely recommend Málaga city, it would probably be ten times more interesting for you: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/journalis...pleasures.html

Rubicund

I think I take the opposite view when looking for something to do with young children. A city wouldn't do it for me and if your children are anything like my daughter was at that age, she wanted sand, sea and a bit of shade. You're within easy reach of Malaga and of Mijas, Marbella and the other Costa del Sol resorts.

You don't say when you are going, so I'm assuming that the weather will be warm enough for the beach.

kimhe

<I think I take the opposite view when looking for something to do with young children>

My point was that small children would be just as happy with the "sand, sea and a bit of shade" at the Malagueta beach in the center of Málaga, and that Málaga city would be ten times more interesting than Fuengirola for the parents regarding sights, cafés, tapas bars, restaurants and much more Andalucian atmosphere.

Also fine beaches that are very popular with locals just east of Málaga city center in El Palo/Pedregalejo. And dozens of great and affordable no fuss seaside restaurants here. http://www.andalucia.com/cities/malaga/beaches.htm

mmodrich

I agree with everyone, it would be nice to have a place that is fun for the parents and offers the beach for the kids. We are going the last week of May. I am open to other suggestions that are near Malaga as well. I was just looking at Fuengirola because it looked pretty easy to get to with kids.

Rubicund

End of May may be warm enough for the beach, though probably not for the sea. Torremolinos is nearer to Malaga than Fuengirola and is a well developed resort, although loud in season. Alternatively go to the east of Malaga to Nerja where it's quieter.

sparkchaser

<i>It's a bit overbuilt, typical of the area. I'd rather stay in Malaga's old quarter.</i>

I concur. But, if you love resorts and new stuff, then you will be happy with Fuengirola.

kimhe

<may be warm enough for the beach, though probably not for the sea>
End of May will normally be very much warm enough for the beach in the Málaga region. Average daily highs at 77-81F and 7 hours sun/day (wetter.com).

Average sea temp in late May is some 66F.

pgriffin

How about Nerja as a compromise?

You have a more authentic feel here than in Fuengirola, along with excellent tapas bars etc, but you also have nice beaches and it is smaller and, potentially, more manageable than Malaga.

Just a thought.

kimhe

Nerja is excellent, but perhaps just beach and pool for the little one. Thousands of locals and tourists alike (me included) swim her all the time, but Nerja still hasn't got a sewage plant and there are some horror stories out there. I've visited every year for the past ten years and swim all the time, but think you should know before you decide to stay here. http://www.nerjatoday.com/
Photo of Nerja, nine small and large beaches among the cliffs:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/...de6a8146_o.jpg
Promo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6Q0aIAsbDU

sparkchaser

I like Nerja. We found some nice restaurants there.

There's also a donkey rescue on the south end of the city that I recommend stopping by and visiting. They are always in need of volunteers and money.

mmodrich

The lack of sewage plant concerns me with Nerja. Especially since we plan on taking dips in the water. I am ok with a colder ocean. I'm from California so I am used to cold water. I'm thinking we will just stick with Malaga as a home base and we can explore the other beaches if we want to go somewhere smaller. I'm more into the older feel and don't need brand new resorts. We plan to rent an apartment anyways.

kimhe

I think Málaga city is a very wise choice. The Malagueta beach is wide and perfectly fine, but locals tend to go a few minutes east to Pedregalejo and the Acasias-beaches and all the popular seafront restaurants here. Most of them are usually packed for Sunday lunch, a highlight of the week for many malagueños.

El Tintero is one of the most famous. Here the waiters constantly keep bringing out freshly prepared dishes from the kitchen, and it's up to you to grab what you like as they pass by: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV3DZJdH-1E

The Malagueta beach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chdkLqSo-AY