Castillo Sohail

Castillo de Sohail is a striking ruined castle on the southern edge of Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol, and it is considered one of the town's landmarks in the province of Málaga. The name derives from the Arabic place name, which goes back to the Roman designation or to a star-shaped navigation point. The fortress was built in 956 on the foundations of an older Phoenician or Roman fortification to defend the coast against attacks by Christians and Berbers. It later served strategic purposes during the Taifa period and fell to Christian troops in 1487, before it was rebuilt in the 18th century to protect trade.

Today you will find a ruin laid out on an irregular octagonal plan, with six of the original corner towers still standing. No buildings remain inside; only the remains of dividing walls and a covered well bear witness to the past. The fully preserved and restored fortress walls make an impressive sight, and on the northeast side you can still see three cannons pointing toward the sea. The ruin sits 38 meters (125 feet) above sea level at the mouth of the Río Fuengirola, surrounded by a seaside promenade and a park.

Today the historic site is a lively cultural meeting place. Festivals, acrobatic performances, and concerts are held regularly within its walls, including the popular "Castle Nights" with pop and rock music as well as the Fuengirola city festival. In this way, the historic character of the medieval fortress is combined with a modern range of attractions for tourists and locals alike.