Off the beaten tourist path, this is the best ice cream shop in Fuengirola. It also serves the finest chocolate ice cream in all of Spain.
It’s not just my opinion, it’s official. Heladería Caramelo in the El Boquetillo neighbourhood of Fuengirola won a national award—and their ice cream is gooood!
💎 Local Gem
It’s not every day I come across an ice cream shop that makes my family ask for seconds. Here’s all about our experience at this local gem.
Can I have more, please?
Our visit to Heladería Caramelo was exceptional. My son is usually indifferent to sweets, but he was so taken by his helado that he asked for a second helping—a rare occurrence. He started with strawberry and ‘pitufo’ (a blue candy flavour that kids love), followed by strawberry and cheesecake.
My husband inhaled his ice cream before I could snap a picture; I think it was passion fruit, but we’ll never know.
Lots of dietary options for those with food intolerances
As for myself, being lactose intolerant usually limits my ice cream choices. But not here! I indulged in a matcha sorbet and their award-winning chocolate ice cream, both lactose-free and totally delicious. They also offer an array of sugar-free and gluten-free options.
More than just award-winning ice cream
What makes Heladería Caramelo stand out is not just its wide variety of flavours but the fact that their ice cream is artisanal. It’s made by the owner from scratch using high-quality ingredients, and you can tell because the flavours are exceptional. You can read more about the award they won for the best chocolate ice cream in Spain in this Sur in English article.
Watch video
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The price is right
In the summer of 2024, on our last visit, we ordered the small cups—tarrina pequeña. We were allowed to choose two flavours per cup, which not all heladerías allow when you order a small one. One small cup cost 3€. As a local, I don’t like paying tourist prices, and I’m pleased to say this place more than fits my budget.
Relaxing atmosphere
We also like this place for its relaxed, local vibe. You order and pay at the counter and after that, you can just pick a table on their shaded terrace. By the way, we noticed they also offer a pizzeria in the other half of the locale. When we get around to visiting it, I’ll let you know.
Where ice cream meets art
Did you know that you can combine your visit to Heladeria Caramelo with the open-air museum right next door? After enjoying some scoops, we took a leisurely stroll through the El Boquetillo Mural Walk. It’s a perfect family outing.
📍 How to get there
Name: Heladería Caramelo
Website: HeladeriaCaramelo.es
Address: Calle Miguel Bueno 2
Hours: Gates usually open 10 am – 9 pm, but may vary
Map: Google Maps Link
Bus stop: MERCADO BOQUETILLO, L2 bus
Train station: Fuengirola + 9 minute walk
Parking: Street parking
Round up
For anyone who loves ice cream and genuine local spots, Heladería Caramelo is a must. Don’t just take my word for it—visit them, try their flavours and give them a 5-star Google review like we did, and let everyone know about this special little ice cream shop in El Boquetillo.
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