Bioparc Fuengirola: axolotls, flamingos and much more!
The Bioparc Fuengirola is a zoo in Fuengirola with all you would expect of a zoo plus manicured decoration. What a boutique hotel is for a chain hotel, the Bioparc is for a regular zoo: it is smaller, but much cozier and much more beautiful. And, because they are small, their real state is dedicated only to the most interesting specimens! 😉
I have been there for the first time ever just recently. Kiddo had already gone before, with his school, so I didn’t really feel the urge to go myself. That changed when I heard from friends that go there frequently that the Bioparc now has axolotls!!!! Then I had to go. And Kiddo had to go again, of course.
Unless you are familiar with Mojang’s uber famous game Minecraft, you may have no idea what an axolotl is, so let me clarify: they are lizard-like animals, but super cute, from Mexico. They are capable of regenerating limbs through a process still not fully understood by scientists, and they are also in risk of extinction. Mojang’s inclusion of axolotls in Minecraft made these cuties very popular among kids (and adults that play Minecraft), which made the animals much more known and protected. It also made Kiddo fall in love with them and, by extension, me.
We’ve been trying to see an axolotl in real life since the time when we lived in Houston but never found a zoo or aquarium that had one. It was a 6-year wait that ended recently. You see what I mean when I say the Bioparc saves its space just for the best animals, right?
Besides Axolotls, the Bioparc has a wide range of animals from all continents, be them aquatic, terrestrial or aerial. We have seen sharks, armadillos, flamingos, crocodiles, tapirs (that I didn’t know), tigers, monkeys, snakes, bats and even a show where birds flew right above our heads. A few images of the Bioparc below:
You can see the whole park in about two hours. The Bioparc has several maps spread around (such as the one below, that I got from the Bioparc’s website), so it is easy to keep your track to see all it has to offer.
Besides the animals, there is a cafe / restaurant inside the park (which is overpriced, as you would expect, but quite useful if all you need is a water or some refreshments) and a playground right by the restaurant. The Bioparc does not allow entrance carrying food from outside, so it would be a good idea to eat before going there – there are quite a few nice cafes along the Avenida Juan Gómez Juanito, such as Cafe Canasta or Lorena Café, that are on the way to the Bioparc from the train station.
Keep in mind that the Bioparc offers a few special shows and events scheduled through the day, so you can plan your visit to match them (more about it on times and prices, below). There is also a gift shop, full of animal plushies!
Times and Prices
Bioparc Fuengirola is open every day (Monday to Sunday, both included) from 10 am. Closing times vary throughout the year, being as late as 11 pm during summer, but around 6 pm most of the year. On some special dates the park works on different hours; you can check their full schedule here.
The park also offers special shows or educational workshops throughout the day, when a team of caretakers of the park focus on a special group of animals. You can check here the times these special activities are going to happen, or choose your visiting day based on your favorite activity.
As of today, the full admission fee for adults (and kids from 10 years old on) is € 29,50. There are discounts for kids up to 9 and for those above 65 years old, as well as for people with special needs. Buying on-line, at least one day ahead, gives a one euro discount per ticket. It is also possible to buy a full year pass (called “Pase anual B!”) for about 2,5x the full price. If you are a fan of animals, keep an eye open for promotions, that usually happen during winter; you can get a full-year pass for less than the price of two admissions, and visit the park as many times as you want for one year. 😉 You can check their price list here.
How to get to Bioparc Fuengirola
The Bioparc Fuengirola is very central, just a stone’s throw away (about 10 minutes walking) from Fuengirola train station, the last station on the C1 line. Right by this station is Fuengirola’s bus terminal, so going by bus or by train to the Bioparc is very easy. Click on the “directions” on the Google Map below to find the best way for you.
What to do next?
Fuengirola is a well-developed town with many interesting options. After visiting the Bioparc, if you are with kids, you can visit the close by Parque de España, which has a large playground with plenty of space for them to run; you can have lunch or dinner by the beach, which is also close, have a nice walk along the promenade, or even go to the beach itself!
Take a look at our Neighborhoods of Fuengirola for a good overview of the different areas of the town. And if you are going to Fuengirola during early May or the second week of October, check the Ferias! The one in May is (my favorite) Feria de los Paises, when a lot of countries display their food, dances, music and traditions in the Recinto Ferial of Fuengirola; the one in October is the very traditional Feria del Rosario, which lets you in a bit of the local Spanish flavor. In December, head to the Plaza de la Constitución to see the Christmas market, one of the best in the Costa del Sol. No matter when you come, I’m sure you’ll love your time in Fuengirola!
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