Sohail Castle / Castillo de Sohail

The 12th century Castillo de Sohail is located on a hill 125 feet above sea level, at the mouth of the Fuengirola river. Its location has led it to become an exceptional lookout point from where you can admire the Sierra de Mijas mountain range and the whole municipality of Fuengirola. 

During the Caliphate era a first building was constructed on the ancient ruins, a fire tower perhaps, of which few archaeological and documentary details remain. Later, in the 12th  century, the Almoravid's raised a defensive enclosure with an irregular floor plan, adapted to the slopes of the terrain.

In 1485 the Castillo de Sohail was occupied by the Christian armies battling against the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada.  From that time the military complex underwent an inevitable process of  architectural reformation which led over time to its current appearance.

The restoration works have led to the recovery of the Castillo de Sohail as a place where the people of Fuengirola have rediscovered their  History and where different cultural events are held, like the renowned  Festival of the City of Fuengirola, the Medieval Market and the Beer  Festival.

Shortly  after the castle lost its military function and was disposed of by  public auction. The change to civilian hands initiated a period of  neglect which was only interrupted in the second half of the 20th  century.

The restoration works have led to the recovery of the Castillo de Sohail as a place where the people of Fuengirola have rediscovered their  History and where different cultural events are held, like the renowned  Festival of the City of Fuengirola, the Medieval Market and the Beer  Festival.