Sohail Castle

Sohail Castle is the most dramatic landmark on the Fuengirola skyline, a Moorish fortress perched on a rocky promontory at the western end of the beach. The castle dates from the 10th century and was taken by the Catholic monarchs in 1485 during the final push of the Reconquista. What you see today is partly original and partly restored, but the site retains its commanding presence.

The climb from the beach takes about 20 minutes on the path from the western seafront and rewards with panoramic views along the Costa del Sol in both directions — the sweep of the beach and the apartment towers of Fuengirola laid out below, with mountains behind. The castle interior holds temporary exhibitions and is used as an open-air concert venue in summer. Entry is cheap. Come late afternoon to catch the views in good light and avoid the midday heat.

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A story
Sohail Castle was built by the Moors in the 10th century as part of the coastal defence network against Viking raids — longships from Scandinavia raided the Costa del Sol repeatedly in the 9th and 10th centuries, sailing up the Guadalquivir as far as Seville.

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