A few glimpses into Fuengirola’s history, including a Venus statue, Napoleonic battles—and an attempt to host Formula 1.
Fuengirola wasn’t just built yesterday. It’s been a choice location for 2,700 years. I discovered some interesting things when I delved into the town’s history. Let me tell you about them…
1. Fuengirola was founded by history’s rockstar traders
The Phoenicians were ancient innovators. They didn’t just invent the alphabet—they were the top business magnates and maritime pioneers of their time. Originating from what is now Lebanon, they carefully chose their settlements, and Fuengirola’s coastal position was perfect: a safe harbour and a vital trade gateway. In the 90s, archaeologists uncovered Phoenician brickwork in Fuengirola Castle’s foundations, revealing that our town has been inhabited for 2,700 years!
2. It was a sunny getaway for the Romans
Beneath the buzz of modern Fuengirola lies a legacy of Roman culture—villas, mosaics, baths and even a necropolis. Picking up from where the Phoenicians left off, this ancient settlement continued as a hub of commerce and culture under Roman rule. Among the most treasured relics found by archaeologists here is the Venus of Fuengirola unearthed in 1979 during the railway construction in Los Boliches. The striking white marble sculpture depicting Venus Pudica is displayed at the restored Roman ruins at the Finca del Secretario. Go see it!
3. The Fuengirola castle has a “stellar” name
Stood atop a hill on the town’s westernmost beach, Fuengirola Castle began as a Roman settlement. Eventually abandoned, likely due to frequent pirate raids, it was later transformed into a fortress in 956 by Caliph Abd-ar-Rahman III of Cordoba. His goal was to bolster the coastal defences during Muslim rule. Named “Sohail Castle”, it derives from the Arabic word “Suhayl”, linked to the brightest star in the constellation of Carina. Legend says the star was visible only from this strategic location. This name highlights the castle’s dual significance: an important military post and a beacon for celestial navigation.
4. Napoleon’s troops fought to keep Fuengirola
In 1810, during the Peninsular War, the Battle of Fuengirola featured a dramatic standoff. A small contingent of Polish soldiers, fighting under Napoleon’s banner, successfully defended Fuengirola’s castle against a much larger Anglo-Spanish force. In a striking turn of events on the beach, the Polish troops captured the British cannons and then turned them on their former owners. The victory marked a notable instance of Polish military prowess on Spanish soil.
Bonus fact: Fuengirola almost hosted the Formula 1
Did you know Fuengirola almost had a shot at hosting Formula 1? It’s a surprising twist in the town’s history that not many people know about, Bernie Ecclestone himself signed off on it. Read the full post here to find out what happened.
What are your thoughts?
I think it’s fascinating to remember while strolling through Fuengirola’s streets today, that we’re walking over lands that once echoed with the footsteps of Phoenician traders, Roman nobility, Islamic scholars and Napoleonic troops. For almost three thousand years, Fuengirola has been bustling with life. Follow me on Instagram and let me know what you think.