Days Out in Fuengirola

Fuengirola Zoo, Mijas Aqua Park and Castillo Sohail. Just a taste of spanish culture.

 Here is just a few things you can do in Fuengirola:
   1) Fuengirola Zoo
   2) Castillo Sohail (Fuengirola Castle)
   3) Parque Acuático Fuengirola (Aqua Park Fuengirola)
   4) Other activities in Fuengirola

Zoos aren't what they used to be, fortunately. You won't find miserable animals pacing up and down shoebox cages, clinging to solitary branches or paddling around in sad puddles at Fuengirola's new, visitor and animal-friendly zoo. Instead, as you wander through this simulated tropical forest, lush with vegetation, rivers and waterfalls, you'll see crocodiles basking on the sandy shores of the Nile, Sumatra tigers bathing besides Angkor Wat, lemurs playing around an ancient Baobab tree and, if you're brave, bats flitting around abandoned mines. There is a "Claro de Selva", where you can see birds and mammals living in their own natural habitat. Two tours made daily - mornings and afternoons.

Look down in The Forest Floor section and you'll spot meerkats, giant snails and river hogs. Look up in the Forest Canopy and you'll see gibbons and hornbills and rainbow loris monkeys. Wherever you look in this pioneer zoo, the only thing between you and the animals are natural barriers like bridges and riverbanks, or bulletproof windows that allow you to get right up close, even to razor-sharp crocodile teeth.

Perhaps the greatest innovation, though, is the "moonlight visit". Throughout July and August the zoo stays open until 1.00 am allowing visitors to observe the more nocturnally-active species, such as leopards, flying foxes and porcupines. The forest paths are lit with artificial moonlight and the air filled with a piped forest soundtrack, all adding to the Disney-theme park feel to the place. Finally, you can round off your twilight or midnight jungle trip by enjoying a meal in one of the zoo's themed restaurants.

Extra fun for the kids is provided, with a large play area, including a miniature farm. And there are absolutely no problems for those with disabilities as the zoo grounds are mostly flat, and free from all architectural barriers.

The castle of Fuengirola located on a raised hill a short distance from the sea and the mouth of Fuengirola river, in the municipal area of Fuengirola, in the province of Malaga. The Castillo Sohail is on the Costa del Sol which is of great tourist interest, given its easy access, due to the national highways (N340) close proximity.
 
Geographic conditions of the hill the Castillo Sohail is based, encouraged continuous population by Punic, Roman, Muslim and Christian Phoenicians for many years, but the architecture we see today, has all the characteristics of an Arab fortress.

According to information uncovered about the first invasion of the Iberian Peninsula, but has many properties of Roman construction. Most of what is seen today can be attributed to the caliph Abderraman III. In 1485 it was conquered by the Christians during the war against the Nazarí kingdom of Granada, signalling another fundamental change in the castles architecture.

Due to the close proximity to the sea, Fuengirola and its castle has been subjected to many attacks over the years, notably the legendary pirate Barbarroja. This prompted King Carlos I to commission the construction of the pit.
 
In the year the 1810 Napoleón occupied the castle with a strong garrison, until in 1812 when again the castle became occupied Spanish troops.

Description and characteristics

The main foundations of the Castle in Fuengirola are rectangular in shape with high and narrow towers in its corners. The building had several access points, the most impressive being the elegant main entrance with a tower feature to enable access to the interior.
 
The high and narrow towers, in the corners but none possess the normal characteristics of a more conventional tower. However, a tower that is located in the centre of the structure and reaches a greater height. Another one of the towers, noticeable by its battlements, was constructed at a much later date to the rest of the castle.
 
The main door and tower is quite emblematic of the basic characteristics of its defensive structure. The inclined hill that is in front of this fortification adds to the defence. The door is equipped with multiple defensive elements, and is the largest in size. The castle had different access points but these date from the 16th.
 

Construction Equipments

The main construction strength of the entire structure was based in stone, however this has changed over many years due to its varied inhabitants. The brick construction evident on most of the structure was frequently used by the Arabs. Tapial and the Ashlar masonry was also used to reinforce some parts of the building.
 

State of Conservation

Castillo Sohail is currently being renovated and is in a state of conservation. In 1969, the last owner, Leopoldo Werne de Bolin, began the restoration of the structure to avoid it falling into disrepair.
 
In 1995 the work done on the main structure and its access points had been renovated to a point that it was possible to reopen it to the public. Since then, the city of Fuengirola holds a celebration annually. Since the year 2000 the castle has also been opened at night to allow a different view of the fantastic Castillo Sohail.
 
During 2002 an ambitious project was proposed and enacted, the Park of the Castle, which consisted of remodelling the entire surrounding area into beautiful gardens and walkways. A total of 60,000 square meters were converted from dusty waste ground into flower gardens, parking areas and archaeological zones.
 

Property and Use

Apart from the obvious historical significance of the Castle in Fuengirola, It is used as a wonderful venue for some of the biggest music acts around the world to perform in during the summer months.
 

Visits

The Castle of Fuengirola is open on,
Wednesday to Friday 10:00 - 14:30
Saturdays & Sundays 10:30 - 16:00

Spain's number one name in summer water park entertainment, for the Malaga province. Enjoy the thrills and spills at this fantastic outdoor leisure complex in Costa del Sol. With so many aquatic attractions for kids of all ages, you're sure to enjoy your day out. Open May through October. The aquatic park offers everything for a full day of sun and exciting water adventures. Water Park Mijas, ideal for the whole family to enjoy on the Costa del Sol. Also, if you live on the Costa and want to plan a special day, why not ask about our special rates for schools and groups.

Opening Times Calendar 2007 Time Table

23 April - 31 May : 10.30am til 5.30pm
1 June - 30 June : 10.00am til 6.00pm
1 July - 31 August : 10.00am til 7.00pm
1 September - 4 October : 10.00am til 6.00

2007 Entry Prices

Adults : 15,50 €
Children from 4yo to 12yo : 10,50 €
Children up to 3yo : Free

2007 Offers, Discounts & Promotions
Offers	Adults	Children
2nd Child Free (Parents plus 2 children 4 to 12, 1 child free)	41,50€	-
2 Days Special (The 2nd Day 50% Discount, Valid during 5 consecutive days)	23,25€	15,75€
Admission 7 X 3 (7 Visits for the price of 3)	46,50€	31,50€
Family Special 7 X 3 (Parents plus 2 children 4 to 12, 1 child free)	124,50 €	-
Groups up to 20 People	12,00€	9,00€
Pensioners (Over 65)	7,50€	-

1. Tivoli World - (Benalmadena)
2. Sea Life Center - (Benalmadena)
3. Selwo Marina Park - (Benalmadena)
4. Funny Beach - (Marbella)
5. Crocodile Park - (Torremolinos)
6. Aqualand - (Torremolinos)
7. Fuengirola Zoo - (Fuengirola)
8. Castillo Sohail - (Fuengirola)
9. Parque Acuático - (Mijas/Fuengirola)
10. Hipodromo Costa del Sol - (Mijas)
11. Picasso Museum - (Malaga)
12. Megabowl Sports Bar - (Marbella)
13. La Cañada - (Marbella)
14. Marina Banus Shopping Center - (Puerto Banus)