Fuengirola Is Getting A Brand New Port: Here's Everything You Need To Know

Why is the port in Fuengirola being renovated?

Although Fuengirola has seen increased infrastructure development, the port in the city has lagged behind in the gentrification process. If you're not already familiar with the port in Fuengirola, this is largely a fishing port but it does also offer some commercial and hospitality services too.

In other towns and cities on the Costa del Sol the port and the commercial centre complement each other, encouraging increased tourism and economic growth. But this isn't the case in Fuengirola, where the port and the city are very distinct and separate entities. Put bluntly, Fuengirola doesn't take advantage of its port and as a result this feels disconnected from the town. It's poorly designed, suffers from accessibility issues, and has experienced a serious lack of investment.

The result? The port at Fuengirola is long overdue for a renovation so that it can keep up with the other tourist areas in the city.

When will the port in Fuengirola be updated?

The idea to update the Fuengirola port isn't a new one. Several years ago the town hall in the city announced that it would like to give the whole port area an update and completely transform the port into something more appealing to tourists and more accessible to local residents.

It will come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the Spanish bureaucratic process that this project has been in the planning stage for several years. In 2020, the preliminary project was presented with the main characteristics foreseen for the future infrastructure. Even an estimate of the necessary investment was given, which at that time was 91 million euros. But since then the port project has remained just that: a plan.

Finally we are starting to see some progress on the port in Fuengirola's projected renovation.

What's changed?

After being in the planning stages for almost five years, the Junta de Andalucía regional government has just approved the environmental report for the new port project. This is a giant step but it in no way means that the project can begin.

The next steps in the process are that the project will need approval from the coastal authority, which is under state jurisdiction. This will be followed by the tendering process for drafting the final project, which will then allow for the awarding of the construction work.

How long will this project planning process take?

Don't be mistaken into thinking that this project will take place any time soon. This should be considered a medium-term plan for Fuengirola rather than a short term plan. But it does look more likely than ever before that Fuengirola will get a new renovated port. And the people of the town already know what they want this new and improved port to look like.

You can expect to see a large port with a central square that connects directly to the existing promenade in Fuengirola. The new port area will also boast extensive walking areas, commercial spaces, and restaurants. It's good news for boat enthusiasts too, as the current number of boat berths will almost double from its existing 471 berths to 800 berths. The project will also introduce a dock for larger yachts and even a berthing area for larger tourist cruise ships, turning this port into a real hub for the wider area.

According to Ana Mula, the Fuengirola Mayor, "The goal is to create a unique space, open to the promenade and the entire town, unlike the current layout. If there is one essential project for the present and future of our town, it is the redevelopment of Fuengirola's marina, which is set to become the main hub for tourism and commerce, the economic engine of Fuengirola, and its primary source of employment."

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