Mijas Costa, the complete guide

Mijas Costa runs about twelve kilometres between Fuengirola and Marbella, with sub-areas like La Cala de Mijas, Riviera del Sol, Calahonda and El Chaparral. What makes it so practical is how central it is: Málaga airport 25 minutes away, Marbella 20, Fuengirola 10.

Do not confuse the coast with the mountain village or the municipality as a whole; we explain it in Mijas Pueblo versus Mijas Costa.

With more than 320 sunny days a year the weather is almost always on your side. Summers are warm but bearable thanks to the sea breeze, winters mild and sunny. Our favourite months are May, June, September and October: warm enough to swim, without the high-summer crowds.

Which month is best for you is in our guide on the weather and best time to visit.

The coast offers a mix of wide sandy beaches and smaller coves. La Cala beach is, to our mind, the loveliest, with a Blue Flag and a promenade full of terraces. To the east you find quieter stretches that mainly the locals know.

Everything about the coast is in our guide to the beaches of Mijas Costa and the chiringuitos.

Golfers are spoilt here: within fifteen minutes there are more than ten courses, from La Cala Resort to Miraflores, Calanova and El Chaparral. The mild climate makes play possible all year.

See our golf guide for the Costa del Sol and the courses around La Cala.

The loveliest trip is up to Mijas Pueblo, the white mountain village at 428 metres with views over the whole coast. Nearby are charming places like Benalmádena Pueblo and Ojén too.

Each village has its own feria in summer, a wonderful way to taste Andalusian culture.

The kitchen here revolves around fresh fish: order an espeto de sardinas at a chiringuito and you understand at once. In the villages you eat heartier, with tapas, grilled meats and local wine from the Sierras de Málaga.

Our dining addresses are in the guide to food and dining in Mijas and restaurants in La Cala.

Beyond beach and golf there is plenty to do. Hike into the Sierra de Mijas, get on the water, or take a day trip. The spectacular Caminito del Rey is the highlight for many guests.

More ideas are in our guide to day trips and the 7-day itinerary.

Mijas Costa has been popular with international buyers for years thanks to the mix of golf, beach and the short hop to the airport, and is often still better priced than Marbella.

We focus on holiday stays; for the property and investment side you are better off with our sister site Costa del Sol Invest.

Mijas Costa has something for every traveller. In our guides we dive deeper into each theme and place, so you can plan your holiday in detail.

La Cala de Mijas: beach & village · history · restaurants & tapas · the feria · with kids.

Villages & history: Mijas Pueblo · Riviera del Sol · history of Mijas.

Beach, golf & nature: beaches · golf · hiking the Sierra de Mijas · hiking Pico de Mijas · viewpoints & photo spots · Cabopino & the Artola dunes · El Faro de Calaburras · watersports.

Food & days out: food & drink · day trips.

Trip planning: from Málaga airport to Mijas Costa · Caminito del Rey · 7-day itinerary.

Cities & weather: Fuengirola · Málaga city · Marbella & Puerto Banús · Benalmádena · Calahonda · weather & best time · Mijas in winter.

Good to know: Mijas Pueblo or Mijas Costa? · markets in Mijas · is Mijas worth visiting.

Mijas Pueblo in depth: things to do · restaurants · donkey taxis · in a day.

La Cala in depth: golf · beach clubs · shopping · nightlife.

Where to stay & more: where to stay · Aqua Mijas water park.

The main language is Spanish, but with English (and often Dutch or German) you get by everywhere. Cards work everywhere, mobile coverage is excellent, and healthcare is high-standard with hospitals in Marbella and Fuengirola.

In short: everything is sorted, so you can focus on the good part of your holiday.