Idyllic and charming, El Faro is best known for the iconic lighthouse that gives the city its name. Located on a peninsula two kilometers west of Fuengirola, El Faro offers some of the best Mediterranean views you can find on the coast.
Idyllic and charming, El Faro is best known for the iconic lighthouse that gives the city its name. Located on a peninsula two kilometers west of Fuengirola, El Faro offers some of the best Mediterranean views you can find on the coast.
As with all the lighthouses, El Faro's role is to warn ships of the approaching rocky coastline.
One look down at the beach and you'll soon understand why it's worth seeing: the golden sand that characterize the Costa del Sol is replaced by sharp rocks. Children go to the shore, equipped with nets and buckets and a desire to catch as much crab as possible.
From each side of the rocky part there are fine beaches that are quite tightly bordered by a highway; however, they are calm enough. Near the western end of the beach are several restaurants and small bars, all affordable and mostly in a Spanish atmosphere. Across the highway are quiet residential streets, well-maintained gardens, and minimal business activity.
DAILY ACTIVITIES AND EVENING PLEASURES
If you imagine your ideal holiday home being full of dreamy, lazy summer days and nights covered in warm Mediterranean embraces, El Faro can be the perfect destination. You'll need a car (or rely on public transport), but overall, this corner of the Costa del Sol has everything you could wish for.
The beach is within walking distance, as well as several dining options. If you feel energetic, Fuengirola can also be reached on foot, especially nearby attractions such as the impressive Sohail Castle and the sprawling Miramar Shopping Centre. Families with school-age children can send their offspring to nearby international schools or kindergartens. There is also a hospital in nearby Marbella, and the neighbouring areas of Mijas have some of the best golf courses in southern Spain.
FINE DAYS AND SPARKLING SEA VIEWS
In the evening, the local beach bars are pleasant and stay open late if the number of guests requests so, and the restaurants are just as welcoming, but for anything else you'll have to head to Fuengirola or take a slightly longer journey west to Marbella.
Otherwise, you need to use your car to buy and stock up on drinks, food and invite friends to to the comfort of your backyard.