Costa del Sol Towns
Finally, in 1841 the Diputacion Provincial
de Malaga accepts segregation of Fuengirola and Mijas though at first the
demarcation recognized on a provisional basis, making the final a year later.
On May 19, 1841 a provincial deputy went to
the town, being appointed as the first Mayor Antonio García Cortes. One of the
first decisions taken by the new corporation was to be named as emblematic
streets and spaces in the still known in the city today as the Place de la Constitution Street San Rafael.
Modern History of Fuengirola
Fuengirola would long depend on the municipality
of Mijas, and little by
little would appear as a village on the coast to reduce the threat of invasion.
But no longer in the same place as the Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs towns, but
on the other side of the river, where at the beginning of the eighteenth
century, there is a sale near the beach, which would provide accommodation for farmers
and people making a living from the sea. Along with the aforementioned sale
began to rise a few huts, a small town promptly grew up.
In the early years of
the nineteenth century, particularly since February 1810 until April 16, 1812,
the castle Sohail was in the hands of the French occupation as a gala in Spain.
In 1822 the people sent a letter to the Diputacion Provincial de Malaga
requesting the creation of a hall in the town, which will result in the
emancipation of Fuengirola from Mijas.
A census at that time said that there were 409 persons living in Fuengirola and
minimal fishing in the village. The County considered the most compelling
reasons given by residents of Mijas and Fuengirola but still had to wait
nineteen years to become independent.
Since the mid-30s
begin the first applications to build hotels on the beach. They are the beginning
of the influx of tourists since the'60s has continued to reach further into
Fuengirola, completely transforming the town.
The main economic activities are related to the tourism sector. The mild
climate allows visitors throughout the year, while in summer the population is
multiplied by the large influx of visitors both Spanish and other
nationalities.
