7 days in Mijas Costa: the perfect itinerary
A week on the Costa del Sol gives you just enough time to combine beach, culture, nature and gastronomy. This day-by-day itinerary sets out from Riviera del Sol, home to Coral Mijas Stay, and takes you through the highlights of Mijas Costa and beyond, with links to our detailed guides on each topic.
Before you start
The best times to travel are May-June and September-October: warm enough to swim, but quieter than summer. For the beach and villages in this plan you do not need a car, but for the day trips (Caminito del Rey, mountain villages) a hire car is handy, read our guide on getting from Málaga airport to Mijas Costa.
This plan is flexible: swap days based on the weather and your energy. Reserve popular activities such as the Caminito del Rey well in advance.
Day 1-2: arrival & beach in La Cala
Land at Málaga (AGP) and drive 25 minutes to Riviera del Sol. Acclimatise with a relaxed first day: shopping, discovering the rooftop terrace and a first dip in the sea. Walk six minutes to the beach and promenade of La Cala de Mijas.
Day two is for beach fun and the village: sun loungers, an espeto at a chiringuito and tapeo in the evening. Travelling with children? See our guide La Cala de Mijas with kids.
Day 3: Mijas Pueblo, the white village
Drive or take the bus up to Mijas Pueblo, at 430 metres. Wander the whitewashed streets, visit the Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña and enjoy the panorama over the coast. Have lunch on a village square and dive into the history of Mijas at the ethnological museum.
Back on the coast, end the day with a sunset stroll along the promenade.
Day 4: golf or hiking in the Sierra
Choose your day to taste. Golfers have more than ten courses within 15 minutes, see our golf guide for the Costa del Sol. Prefer to be active in nature? Head into the mountains with our guide to hiking the Sierra de Mijas, with views to the African coast on clear days.
In the afternoon return to the sea for a well-earned swim and a quiet evening.
Day 5: day trip to Málaga or Marbella
Time for a city. Málaga (30 min) surprises with the Picasso Museum, the Alcazaba and a lively tapas scene. Prefer glamour? Marbella and Puerto Banús (20 min) are perfect for shopping and people-watching. More options are in our guide to day trips from Mijas Costa.
Combine culture with a long lunch and return to your own terrace in the evening.
Day 6: Caminito del Rey
A highlight for the adventurous: the spectacular walkway through the gorge near El Chorro. Plan an early start and book ahead, read everything in our guide Caminito del Rey from Mijas Costa. Combine it with lunch by the Ardales reservoirs.
Back on the coast, a relaxed evening with a glass of local wine is the perfect finish.
Day 7: market, food & farewell
If it is Wednesday, visit La Cala's colourful market. Shop for the journey, enjoy a final beach walk and a farewell meal, choose from our guide restaurants & tapas in La Cala de Mijas. If your stay coincides with late July, you can catch the Feria de La Cala.
A week is enough to fall in love with Mijas Costa, and just too short to see it all. A good reason to come back.
Is a week enough for Mijas Costa?
Yes, a week is ideal to combine beach, villages, nature and a few day trips. For those who want to see everything it is just too short, a good reason to return.
Do I need a car for this itinerary?
Not for the beach and La Cala; everything is within walking distance. For day trips to Mijas Pueblo, the Caminito del Rey and the cities a hire car is handy, or take an organised tour.
What is the best time for a week in Mijas Costa?
May-June and September-October: warm enough to swim, but quieter and less hot than July-August. The sea is warmest in autumn.
Can you do this itinerary with children?
Definitely. Beach, Mijas Pueblo and the cities are family-friendly; the Caminito del Rey is suitable from around age 8. See our La Cala de Mijas with kids guide for more tips.
Which day trip should you not miss?
The Caminito del Rey is the highlight for many visitors. Book well ahead, as tickets often sell out days in advance.
Looking for a place to stay in Riviera del Sol? See the Coral Mijas Stay penthouse