AREA GUIDE COSTA DEL SOL - MIJAS

Mijas can be divided into different areas. The name giver of the whole area is the old white mountain village of Mijas know as Mijas Pueblo, the coastal area know as Mijas Costa, the old fishing town La Cala de Mijas, the inland part scattered with small white finca´s and Las Lagunas where you can find local industry and commercial areas.

Mijas Pueblo

One of the jewels of the Costa del Sol is the beautiful little village of Mijas, which nestles comfortably in the mountainside at 428 meters above sea level; it is a superb choice for either holiday or full time living. Of the 7,500 population, there are so many foreign and English speaking residents in and around the pueblo that the Town Hall has a very helpful Foreigner's Department, which caters for the many needs of those who do not speak Spanish.

When you wander through the narrow cobbled streets of this Andalucian village, you can understand what has attracted foreigners to settle here over the years. Many artists and writers have made it their home, enjoying the benefits of an excellent all year round climate, without being part of the busier, more commercial coastal towns just 7 kilometres down the mountain side. Despite its huge popularity with tourists, Mijas Pueblo has somehow managed to retain much of its traditional Andalucian way of life, the locals displaying their unabashed passion for all things festive and an unmistakable relaxed 'mañana' outlook on anything that can be put off for another day.

Mijas Costa

Mijas Costa is the part of the municipality of Mijas which covers the 12 kilometre stretch of coastline joining (from East to West) El Chaparral, La Cala, El Combo and Calahonda and takes in the two major urbanizations, Riviera del Sol and Sitio de Calahonda. Although just a twenty minute drive from little village of Mijas which is still steeped in the old Andalucian traditions and customs, the residential and beach life of the coast is very much 21st century. The properties available range from small studio apartments for holiday lets to major villa developments with a sea and Mountain View from the private pool. The beach life offers water sports ranging from jet skis, waterskiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, parapenting and more.

The two large urbanizations, Sitio de Calahonda and Riviera del Sol are catchment areas forming large villages in their own right and have all the amenities such as commercial centres, supermarkets, golf course, sports centres, bars and restaurants for every day living. Many British and other foreign residents live here permanently and in summer, it is also very popular with holidaymakers in hotels and rented properties. Due to the great number of English speaking residents and visitors, it is easy to find English medical centres and most people there can speak English. The main A7 motorway divides the sea side from the mountain side, but the outlook is the almost-always blue horizon onto the sparkling Mediterranean.

La Cala de Mijas

La Cala de Mijas is the central point of Mijas Costa and although it has grown and been built up, especially over the last decade or so, it still maintains a lot of its Andalucian village by the sea atmosphere. From being originally a tiny fishing village, its population has increased to 10,000. There are schools, a health centre, public library, post office, shops and a cultural centre as well as many excellent bars and restaurants.

There is a very popular street market ('el barratillo') every Wednesday and Saturday from around 09:00 till 14:30. The market stalls offer everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to local crafts, clothes, ceramics and pottery, flowers and plants and lots more.

La Cala celebrates its own festivals, such as the annual fair which begins on the 25th July, when the village is all decked out for a week of festivities, when you can sample the traditional sherry, wines and tapas and listen to local music and enjoy the dancing.

Saturday nights in the hot summer months of July and August are magical in La Cala. The promenade becomes a festival of classical music and Flamenco dancing. With the outline of the old 16th Century watchtower of Torre Vieja as a backdrop and moon reflecting down on the expanse of sea, the village celebrates a season of Noches de Luna y Playa (Nights of Moon and Beach).