Iona Napier
THERE are two things you can be absolutely certain of in any Spanish port worth its salt.
The fish and seafood will be fresh, delicious and abundant and there’ll be endless opportunities to get wet.
Fuengirola Port, with its eclectic range of restaurants and watersports, goes overboard in both senses.
The marina is split into two distinct halves – the restaurant/bar area and the serious fishing section, where the real work continues throughout the night.
The port is popular at all times of day, and at all times of year, not without good reason.
Breakfast and coffee at one of the cafes is the perfect start to the day, while a stroll along the harbour provides fascinating views of fishing boats arriving laden with the morning’s catch.
There’s a good chance you’ll be tucking into some of it for lunch.
But it is the sports and leisure marina that holds most appeal for tourists.
Sleek yachts bob at anchor in some 225 berths ranging from eight to 20 metres; and you can do more than simply gawp with envy as you watch them head out for a cruise in the Med.
With many companies offering all manner of ocean-going trips, you don’t need to remain a landlubber for long.
Pleasure trips on glass-bottomed boats, fishing trips, speed boat hire and boat charter are all available.
And when the port is just a speck in the distance, there’s a high chance of seeing dolphins disporting alongside your boat.
Fuengirola’s Yacht Club (Club Nautico) is one of the most popular in Europe and an excellent starting point for those keen to learn.
Lessons are available for sailors of all abilities.
If that wasn’t enough, there is also the opportunity to try scuba diving, water skiing and jet-ski riding.
Once the thirst for action has been sufficiently quenched, there’s the parade of restaurants to satisfy your inner sailorman.
They serve everything from fish and chips and surf and turf to international cuisine for the eclectic mix of diners.
And perhaps a cocktail or two to finish – yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum?
