La Cala Mijas

La Cala de Mijas has got to be one of our favourite resorts on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain. Tucked between Marbella and Fuengirola, it enjoys a prime position along the Mediterranean Sea, making it a popular destination for both tourists and expats.  

We have visited twice this year as It’s such a picturesque coastal village with beautiful, traditional white-washed buildings right up to the beach adorned with colourful flower pots. Unlike other resorts, there are not too many 60’s multi-stories blotting the landscape. There is a good selection of shops, bars, restaurants and local markets that offer a taste of authentic Spanish culture.

The town is framed by the Sierra de Mijas mountain range to the north, providing a picturesque backdrop to the coastal scenery.

The Beach

Some of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol are in the La Cala De Mijas area.

 The Playa de la Cala Mijas coastline boasts a stunningly long, white sandy beach, 35 metres wide and 2000 metres long. With crystal-clear waters, it provides an ideal setting for sunbathing, swimming and water sports.

There are plenty of small beach bars and restaurants right on the boardwalk, which runs along the coast to Cabopino. It’s excellent for both walking and sunbathing. The bars are reasonably priced, too, as are the sunbeds and parasols.

The Blue Flag designation attests to the high quality and cleanliness of the beach and its facilities.

Activities & Attractions

For those seeking outdoor activities beyond the beach, La Cala offers a variety of options. Golf enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise, as the area is home to several world-class golf courses, including the La Cala Resort, which boasts three distinct championship courses.
Aside from the beach and golf courses, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in La Cala de Mijas. Water sports such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkelling are popular, and there are facilities for tennis and horseback riding. The nearby mountains also offer hiking and biking opportunities for those seeking a more active adventure.

Parking

Parking can be a problem, but if that’s the case you can park on the other side of the N340 in the feria grounds, which is one huge parking area, with only 200 metres or so to the beach, and it’s free!

Transport

The town is well-connected by road, with easy access to major towns like Marbella, Estepona, Malaga, Benalmadema, Fuengirola and Torremolinos. The Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport is approximately a 30-minute drive away. We also drove out to Ronda while we were staying there (about an hour’s drive).

Cuisine

The culinary scene in La Cala is a testament to the region’s rich gastronomic heritage. Seafood reigns supreme, with an abundance of locally caught fish and shellfish featured on menus. Traditional Spanish dishes like paella, gazpacho, and tapas are readily available, and international cuisine is also well-represented. Dining establishments range from casual beachside eateries to elegant fine-dining restaurants.

Entertainment

Several restaurants and bars have music, including the Irish bar on the corner.
The Cazbar live lounge
Stunning venue with a beautiful terrace. Live Music.
Legends Bar
We visited Legends Bar in June and were entertained by the fabulous Michelle Daniels – Ultimate Cher tribute act. See the video I uploaded to YouTube.

The Boardwalk or Senda Litoral

There is a beautiful walk along the coast from Cala Mijas to Cabopino Marina. The views are spectacular with the wildlife, seabirds etc. There are many beach bars where you can stop on the way for a drink or lunch. There are also public toilets at regular intervals. You can walk, cycle or run along it, although cyclists are not allowed to use it at the weekend when it can get very busy. The walk to Cabopino is approximately 6km, mostly on wooden boards. To find it, head to the beach and walk to the right towards Calahonda and Cabopino. Getting the M220 bus back is an option if you don’t fancy walking back.

Festivals and Events:

Throughout the year, La Cala hosts a range of cultural events and festivals that showcase the rich heritage of the region. These include traditional Andalusian celebrations such as Feria (local fair) and Semana Santa (Holy Week processions). The town also puts on concerts, art exhibitions, and markets that showcase the talents of local artisans, providing visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant spirit of Andalusia.

Mijas Pueblo – The Old Village of Mijas

Nestled serenely in the mountainside, approximately 10 kilometres from the coast, lies the picturesque old village of Mijas, a true gem of the Costa del Sol, situated 400 meters above sea level. You can get a bus from La Cala de Mijas to the mountainside village. I’ll write about that another time.  Below are a few photos of the village.