El Faro area guide: idyllic and charming
Idyllic and charming, El Faro is best known locally for its iconic lighthouse, from where it gets its name. Perched on a jutting peninsula that is located a couple of kilometres west of Fuengirola, El Faro boasts some of the finest Mediterranean views found anywhere on the coast.
This is the spot where the coastal highway becomes extremely winding. The road hugs low and close to the shoreline, leading to somewhat distracting views of the richly azure Mediterranean horizon. Once there, El Faro proves extremely alluring for visitors and residents of all ages.
The purpose of the lighthouse at El Faro is, as with all lighthouses, to warn of an impending rocky shoreline. One glimpse down towards the beach and you soon see why: the normally golden sands that characterise the Costa del Sol are broken here with sharp rocks making for some exceptional rock-pooling. Kids of all nationalities are especially drawn to the shore here, armed with nets and buckets, and a desire to catch the biggest crab possible.
Either side of the rocky section are fine beaches that are rather tightly penned-in by the highway, but peaceful enough once the iPod's in place and a good book has grabbed your attention. Near to the western edge of the beach are a couple of charming restaurants and some small bars, all affordable and most definitely Spanish in atmosphere, service and cuisine.
The other side of the highway is made up of quiet residential streets, well-tended gardens, a couple of shops and, well, that's pretty much it. El Faro is a peaceful and attractive little place that would make an ideal location for a second home.
Street noise won't wake you. Errant dogs won't wake you. Youngsters shouting, kicking footballs and generally being a bit of a nuisance won't wake you, for they are all non-existent in El Faro. The warmth of a rising sun might wake you, as will the anticipation of enjoying another relaxed, busy, exciting or fulfilling day on the Costa del Sol. Whatever wakes you, El Faro's gentle pace eases you into the day.
If your ideal holiday home or new place in the sun revolves around the dream of lazy summer days and nights wrapped in the warmth of a Mediterranean embrace, El Faro could be the perfect destination. You'll need a car, but on the whole, this chilled-out corner of the Costa del Sol has all you could wish for.
The beach is within easy walking distance; as are several dining-out options. If you’re feeling energetic, Fuengirola can also be reached on foot too, particularly the nearside attractions, which include the imposing Sohail Castle and the large Miramar shopping mall. Families with school-age children can send their offspring to St. Anthony's College in Mijas Costa or one of various other international schools and kindergartens slightly further afield. Marbella's Costa del Sol hospital is handily located, as are some of the best golf courses in Southern Spain, including Mijas Golf and the superb La Cala Resort.
You probably have a picture of El Faro in your mind by now. For all its appeal and charm, there are few tangible attractions. The beachfront bars are small and welcoming, and will stay open late should the numbers demand it. The restaurants, too, are quaint and inviting, if lacking a little in variety and vibrancy.
For anything more than this, you're going to need to head the couple of kilometres east into the centre of Fuengirola, or take the slightly lengthier journey west to Marbella and its awaiting array of haunts. Otherwise, stock up the car with sangria, cava, tinto de verano and San Miguel, invite friends round and create your own social buzz in the comfort of your own backyard. Who needs patio heaters when you have the Costa del Sol?