Historical Sohail Castle, Spain
Hello, fellow travelers. Today, I'm sharing my visit to Sohail Castle, an Arabic fortress from the 10th century, located in the Spanish resort town of Fuengirola. We walked around the castle grounds, admiring its well-preserved walls and defensive towers and enjoyed the stunning views of the surrounding nature and town from the castle.
Sohail Castle is situated on the edge of the town of Fuengirola in the Andalusia region of the Málaga province. To reach the castle, we crossed a pedestrian bridge called Armada Española over a small river.
The castle is perched on a beautiful hill, 38 meters above sea level, with a small river flowing at its base toward the Mediterranean Sea. The river shares its name with the town: Fuengirola.
To enter the castle, we walked along steep, shaded paths spiraling up the hill. Along the way, we encountered magnificent views of the shimmering blue sea, sparkling hotel pools, the streets and buildings of Fuengirola and the green river seen from the pedestrian bridge.
In the spring, the hill is dotted with lovely wildflowers and fine blooms, with a strong scent of pine cones wafting under large pine trees. We particularly loved the poppy flowers, which I had read were used for medicinal purposes in ancient times. They always remind me of historical places when I encounter them. Such beautiful flowers.
The area around the castle is dotted with numerous hotels. After our visit, we checked out a few, including Fuengirola Beach. Prices in the area seem reasonable. For example, a double room at Fuengirola Beach was around 100 Euros per night. We thought we might stay here on our next visit. The fact that it's an apartment hotel with a kitchen is a plus. I find that staying in hotels with kitchens is quite convenient.
We entered the grounds of Sohail Castle, which is open to the public from Tuesday to Friday, 10 AM to 2 PM and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 6 PM. Entry to the castle grounds is free of charge.
According to the information boards, the castle was built during the medieval period by an emir from Cordoba. Castles are typically built for protection and this one was intended to guard the mouth of the Fuengirola River, which was navigable for about four kilometers.
The site had previously been inhabited by Phoenicians and Romans, who had their own smaller fortresses, but none as grand as Sohail. In 1485, when the area was reconquered, the castle was retaken.
Subsequently, it served to protect the local population from Berber attacks. The castle was attacked several times by Berber pirates, led by the Barbarossa brothers. During the Napoleonic Wars, the castle became a focal point for battles and was captured by Spanish General Francisco Ballesteros in 1812. After the wars, the castle lost its strategic importance and began to fall into ruin.
In 1988, the castle was purchased by the municipality and restored. Today, it has become an important attraction and a popular tourist spot in the city. During the summer months, it also serves as a venue for concerts and other cultural events.
The remnants of 10th-century walls bear witness to the countless attacks and destruction the castle endured over the centuries. The reconstructed walls and towers offer a striking appearance, making it a captivating site to explore and climb to the watchtower. From here, we could take in the breathtaking views of the city, the coastline and the sea.
Visiting Sohail Castle allowed us to immerse ourselves in history and enjoy spectacular scenery. It's a fantastic place to spend time with family. The well-maintained grounds surrounding the castle are ideal for walks and outdoor activities. Because the castle is on the outskirts of the city, visiting might require a bit more effort, but I believe it's absolutely worth it. Thanks for reading and see you soon!
