La Cala De Mijas

La Cala de Mijas, once an agricultural and typical Andalusian fishing village, is now a vibrant resort located between Fuengirola and Marbella. With its beautiful beach and welcoming community, this former fishing village is popular among expats seeking a nice balance between the laid back style of Spanish living and access to amenities, the beach and good nightlife. Serving as a natural divider between the eastern and western ends of the Costa del Sol, La Cala de Mijas offers a supermarkets, a gorgeous beach with a 6km boardwalk, sports facilities, plenty of places to eat and drink and a bustling market which is held twice a week.

Why should I move to Cala de Mijas?

Location

Walking and Hiking

Best Restaurants in Cala de Mijas

Golfing

Amenities

Beaches

English and Spanish Schools

Shopping areas

A Brief History of Cala de Mijas

Frequently Asked Questions about La Cala de Mijas

The weather in Cala de Mijas

Why should I move to La Cala de Mijas?

With its attractive, white-washed buildings, stunning beaches, and vibrant atmosphere, La Cala de Mijas offers an idyllic setting for those looking to relocate to Spain.

One of the main reasons to consider moving to La Cala de Mijas is its fantastic year-round weather. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, residents can enjoy outdoor activities such as golfing, swimming, and hiking throughout the year. The town also boasts a wide range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and bars, making it a convenient and enjoyable place to live.

In addition to its natural beauty and amenities, La Cala de Mijas offers a relaxed and laid-back lifestyle that many find appealing. The town has a strong sense of community, with a mix of locals and expats coming together to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Whether you are looking for a new place to retire, relocate with your family, or simply enjoy a slower pace of life, La Cala de Mijas has something to offer everyone. Consider making the move to this vibrant town and experience the beauty and attraction of coastal living in Spain.

Location

La Cala de Mijas often gets confused with Mijas. Mijas is the inland town (otherwise known as Mijas Pueblo) and La Cala de Mijas (meaning Mijas' Cove) is the coastal town. La Cala de Mijas is in a prime location within easy reach of many destinations and necessities:

La Cala de Mijas is part of the Municipality of Mijas in Málaga, Andalusia, Southern Spain.The distance between La Cala and Málaga takes about 43 min (39.7 km) via the A-7 and AP-7
La Cala to Málaga airport by car takes around 34 min (33.8 km) via the A-7 and AP-7
La Cala to Fuengirola beach by car takes around 20 minutes (11.4 km) via the A-7
La Cala to Marbella centre by car takes around 20 min (20.0 km) via the A-7
La Cala to Torremolinos by car takes around 32 min (28.0 km) via the A-7 and AP-7
La Cala to Mijas by car takes around 23 min (17.1 km) via the A-7 and Ctra. Mijas-Fuengirola/A-387
La Cala to Coin takes around 31 min by car (25.7 km) via the A-7053 and MA-3303
La Cala to El Chorro takes around 1 hr 9 min by car (71.1 km) via A-357

The population is estimated at around 4,826 as of 01/01/2023

Real Estate Agent in La Cala de Mijas

Buying or Selling property in La Cala de Mijas? Mediterranean Homes estate agent in La Cala de Mijas are specialists in marketing and selling properties in the South of Spain. We have over 30 years of experience and have helped hundreds of clients over the years. We pride ourselves on delivering a thorough and completely transparent service to all our clients. We are actively seeking new properties to sell in Cala de Mijas so please get in touch to book a free valuation with one of our expert estate agents.

Photo of a property for sale in Mijas, Spain by an estate agent in Mijas.

Check out the latest properties to come on the market in La Cala de Mijas here: Newest Houses For Sale in La Cala de Mijas

Walking and Hiking in La Cala de Mijas

Due to its position in the Sierra de Mijas mountain range, Mijas stands as a great base for walking and hiking. There are plenty of routes to choose from for all ages and abilities.

If you’re a beginner or fancy yourself as a bit of a walker in your spare time, you can start with the Mijas loop. This is a 40-minute easy walk which starts at a local park called Mirador Jesus Jamie Mota (Mirador). There is a car park nearby and, at roughly 1 mile long, this walk with take you through Mijas showing you the highlights of this beautiful village along the way.

One of the things you might see is the Iglesia Inmaculada Concepción – the local parish church. A site of historic significance, it was built on the foundations of a former mosque back in the 1500s.

If you’re a more advanced walker and fancy a challenge, you might prefer the Sierra Mijas – Canada Gertrudis loop starting in the new area of Mijas. At around 7 miles long, this walk will not only give you a good workout but also offer you the opportunity to see the stunning panoramic views of Mijas, right down to the coast.

The mountain range of Sierra de Mijas opens up a world of exploration for walkers and hikers alike.

Surrounded by luscious pine forests and with the highest point being 1150m above sea level, there is plenty of nature to explore, wildlife to discover and exceptional panoramic views to witness. If you’re looking to live in an area where you can enjoy both escaping to nature and the gentle hustle and bustle of local life, be sure to contact us and we can help you find your perfect property in Mijas Pueblo.

Restaurants and Cafes in La Cala de Mijas

There are numerous bars and restaurants in La Cala de Mijas, where the nightlife is vibrant yet relaxed. You won't encounter the rowdy club 18-30 nightclub crowd, but there are ample opportunities to savour tapas and a glass of wine or catch your preferred sports events. Fuengirola is only a few minutes’ drive away if you seek nightclubs or a livelier nightlife.

El Torreon La Cala

Here you can indulge in delicious cuisine just a few steps away from the calming sea waves of La Cala de Mijas. Our welcoming and comfortable atmosphere sets the perfect scene for you to sit back, relax, and enjoy a day filled with exquisite food and, of course, a glass of wine. Join us for an unforgettable dining experience by the beach. View Website.

El Gusto

Outdoor seating · Serves great cocktails · Kids' menu available
Address: Blvd. de la Cala, 3, 29649 La Cala de Mijas, Málaga, Spain
Phone: +34 952 58 75 38

Cyrano Bar & Grill

Located opposite the Chinese in La Cala at the side of Bidi Mulligans, the reviews are excellent. “Just had the most amazing meal in the new Cyrano restaurant staff where so friendly and our waiter could not be any more helpful”. Visit Website

DAK Burger

If you prefer a burger then we can highly recommend DAK BURGER just up the road from ALDI in La Cala at the following address.

Av. de Mare Nostrum, local nº 8, 29649 La Cala de Mijas, Málaga, Spain

Cafes & Pasteleria’s in La Cala

Our two favourites and well worth a visit are...

Pastelería La Canasta, C. Butibamba, 4, 29649 La Cala de Mijas, Málaga, Spain

Bsweet - Coffee & Bakery. C. Marbella, 9, 29649 La Cala de Mijas, Málaga, Spain

Golf in and around La Cala de Mijas

La Cala de Mijas, located on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain, is a golfer's paradise with 25 golf courses in or near the area. With its beautiful weather, stunning landscapes, and top-quality courses designed by renowned architects, La Cala de Mijas is a popular destination for golf enthusiasts of all levels.

Whether you are a beginner looking to improve your game or a seasoned pro seeking a challenging course, La Cala de Mijas has something for everyone. From scenic seaside courses to lush green fairways surrounded by mountains, golfers can enjoy a variety of landscapes while playing their favourite sport.

In addition to the impressive selection of golf courses, La Cala de Mijas also boasts a range of golf shops where players can find everything they need for a day on the course. From clubs to bags to shoes and gadgets, this store has it all. to apparel and accessories, these shops offer a wide array of products to enhance your golfing experience.

So, if you're looking for a golfing destination that combines natural beauty, exceptional courses, and a vibrant golfing community, La Cala de Mijas is the perfect place to tee off and enjoy the game you love.

Looking for the perfect home near a golf course in Spain?

The beauty of properties in and around Cala de Mijas is that they come in all shapes, sizes, styles and budgets. So whether you are looking for a large family home or a retirement or holiday apartment, as an estate agent covering Cala de Mijas and surrounding areas, we can make sure we find the perfect property for you on or as close to the golf course as you like.

Click here to view all our properties for sale close to Mijas Golf Course.

Facilities and Amenities in and around La Cala

Although La Cala de Mijas is a village, it provides all the amenities that one would desire and anticipate, allowing residents to live comfortably without the need to commute to the larger cities or villages in the vicinity. Amenities such as a sports centre, a large supermarket, and numerous sports clubs, as well as numerous bars, restaurants, and stores, are available. Additionally, you will locate the necessary medical amenities, such as a pharmacy that operates 24 hours a day.

If you are interested in exploring the broader region, you are in an ideal location, as La Cala de Mijas has exceptional transport connections. Located on the A7 road, you are in an ideal location to explore the entire length of the Costa del Sol. The glitz and grandeur of Marbella are a mere 20-minute drive away, while the amenities of Fuengirola are a mere 15-minute drive.

Those looking to immerse themselves in local culture, the annual fair in La Cala is a must-visit event, featuring traditional wines, tapas, and live music. In addition, the Cala Mijas Festival showcases a mix of Spanish and international artists, drawing music lovers from near and far.

During the summer, La Cala comes alive with music and entertainment, with Saturday nights on the promenade featuring classical and flamenco performances. The Noches de Luna y Playa event, set against the historic Torre Vieja watchtower backdrop, offers a magical experience under the moonlit sky.

Visitors can also enjoy a stroll along the Senda literal de Malaga, a coastal boardwalk that stretches 6km west towards Cabopino harbour. When it comes to dining options, La Cala de Mijas boasts a variety of eateries, from casual beach bars to traditional Spanish restaurants like El Torrejon, El Deseo, and El Jinete. Whether you're looking for a relaxed meal or a taste of local cuisine, La Cala has something for everyone.

Beaches in La Cala De Mijas

The renowned picture-perfect beaches of La Cala de Mijas would not appear out of place on the front of a postcard. Thanks to its boardwalk, a 6-kilometer walk spanning Calahonda and stopping just outside of Cabopino, you can stroll across most of the stunning beaches in La Cala.

La Cala Mijas and the Playa el Bombo are the two most often visited beaches in La Cala. Popular with families, both are tidy, well-kept beaches with first-rate facilities including showers and toilets. For many La Cala de Mijas residents, the beach is the central venue for their daily social events and contacts. The quantity of well-acclaimed bars and restaurants makes this simple; you could gladly spend your days on the beach, never needing to travel to a place where you don't feel sand between your toes!

Photo collage of people in Cala de Mijas.

Schools and Education in Cala de Mijas

We get asked a lot about English-language schools in and around La Cala de Mijas. People want to know which school we think is the best.

Selecting the best school for your child is a very personal choice, so we encourage you to get in touch with the institutions directly to schedule an interview and get an unbiased assessment.

If you would like your child to receive an English-language education and you currently reside in the Mijas region of Malaga or plan to relocate there, you should think about the following possibilities.

Plan school visits before you start looking for a place to reside. Please contact us if you would like us to arrange the visits on your behalf; we will be pleased to assist you.

St. Anthony's College

The oldest British school on the Costa del Sol was established in 1968 and is called St. Anthony's College.

Students from a range of countries and cultures, ages three to eighteen, can take the Spanish ESO and Bachillerato courses in addition to the British National Curriculum.

Address: Camino de Coin Km 5,25 Mijas Costa - Málaga 29649 is the address of the school.

Phone: +34 952 473 166 email: [email protected]

Website: www.stanthonyscollege.com/

The British College

The college is situated on the foothills of the Benalmádena mountains, in the private and tranquil urbanisation known as "Torremuelle," in between Benalmadena and Fuengirola, directly on the magnificent Benalmádena shore.

Pre-Nursery (ages 1 and 2), Nursery and Reception Education (ages 3 and 4), Primary School (ages 5 to 11), Secondary School (ages 11 to 16), and AS/A Levels are among the programs they offer.

Address: The British College of Benalmádena, Urb. Torremuelle, C/Paseo del Genil s/n 29630, Benalmádena, Málaga

Phone: +34 952 44 22 15 email: [email protected]

Website: www.thebritishcollege.com/

Benalmadena International College

A contemporary and vibrant British school, Benalmadena International College is situated in Nueva Torrequebrada, close to the N340 route that connects Benalmádena Costa and Fuengirola.

A group of British inspectors from the British Council have formally examined and authorised the college (certificate number 2011/38). Additionally, the institution is authorised to teach students up to university admission level by its registration and licence with the Spanish Education Authority (centre number 29001078).

Address: Calle Catamarán s/n, Nueva Torrequebrada, 29630 Benalmádena Costa

Phone: +34 952 561 6666 email: [email protected]

Website: www.benalmadenainternationalcollege.com/

Colegio Internacional Torrequebrada

Spanish and English is taught at Colegio Internacional Torrequebrada (CIT), a private multilingual school. The school provides preschool, elementary, and secondary instruction. Note that secondary education is primarily taught in Spanish, whereas primary education is provided in English.

Address: 7-11, Calle Ronda del Golf Este, Urbanización Torrequebrada, 29639 Benalmádena, Malaga
Phone: +34 932 576 065 email: [email protected]

Website: www.colegiotorrequebrada.com/

For more information you can visit the ministry of education's website.

If you would like your child or children to go to a private or international school there are some popular ones nearby, for example Sunland international school, St Anthony’s college, El Pinar and MIT Malaga. Most offer a transport service.

Choosing the best school for your child where they will be happy is fundamental for enjoying wherever you live. You will have to take this into consideration when looking for properties for sale as you will need to be within your chosen schools catchment area. You may also want to be within walking distance. Here at Mediterranean Homes we can help you make the right choice for you and your family, as expert inland estate agents who are very familiar with Mijas, we will help you find your dream home in the right catchment area.

Shopping in Cala de Mijas

If you're looking for a unique shopping experience in the Costa del Sol, La Cala de Mijas is the place to visit. This charming coastal town is known for its bustling market scene and a variety of shopping options to suit every taste and budget.

The La Cala de Mijas market, held every Wednesday and Saturday at the Feria ground, is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Here, you can find a wide range of goods including fresh produce, clothing, flowers, and souvenirs. The vibrant atmosphere of the market along with the friendly vendors make it a delightful place to spend a morning browsing and picking up some unique items to take home.

For those looking for more traditional shopping options, La Cala de Mijas offers a variety of supermarkets to cater to your needs. Carrefour Market is a popular choice for those looking for a wide selection of fresh produce and other grocery items. Mercadona is another fantastic option, known for its great prices and quality products. Additionally, Lidl and Aldi also have stores in La Cala for those who prefer a more budget-friendly shopping experience.

After a day of shopping, why not visit the nearby Mijas Aqua Park in Las Lagunas for some family fun? This water park is a great way to cool off and enjoy some quality time.

Whether you're in search of handmade crafts at the local market or stocking up on groceries at the supermarket, La Cala de Mijas is a fantastic destination for all your shopping needs.

See our article on Luxury Shopping on the Costa del Sol.

Doctors Surgeries and Healthcare for Expats in Cala de Mijas

Navigating the healthcare system in a new country can be a minefield but if you live in Mijas, there is no shortage of healthcare providers who can accommodate you in your own language.

Doctors Surgeries

CENTRO DE SALUD LA CALA DE MIJAS
Community health centre - Av. Sierra de las Nieves, 4

Clínica La Cala de Mijas Dr. Lorenzo da Silva & Dr. Grabowski Lungenfacharzt
Clinic P.º Costa del Sol, 10, Edificio Butibamba 3-4 · +34 952 49 30 35

Interklinic La Cala
Doctor: Edificio Carrefour Local 6, Blvd. de la Cala · +34 952 59 90 23

Pharmacies

Farmacia la Cala de Mijas
Pharmacy C. Marbella, 1 · +34 952 49 33 18

Farmacia Butibamba
Pharmacy La Cala de Mijas, Spain · +34 952 49 21 06

Dentists and Dental Care

Clínica Dental Vitaldent
Dental clinic: 31 Camino de Coín · 952 19 82 27

Clínica Dental en Mijas. Gallardo y Jiménez.
Dentist: Blvd. de la Cala, 21 · +34 640 75 36 71

Clínica Dental Mijas | Grupo Dental Clinics
Dentist: Av. de Mijas, 27 · +34 608 90 45 41

Hospitals

Vithas Xanit International Hospital – This hospital is based in the nearby town of Benalmadena which is roughly a 25 minute drive away. This hospital caters for locals, tourists and expats alike and is the nearest accident and emergency department.

A Short History of Cala de Mijas

The castle tower at Mijas

La Cala de Mijas was an agricultural and small, typically Andalusian white-washed fishing village, until the beginning of the Spanish tourist boom in the 1960s.

Historically it has been a place of defence, fortified with four towers along the coast Mediterranean coast of Andalusia, whose function was to give notice of the presence of enemy ships to the garrisons of Fuengirola, Benalmádena and Marbella.

This was one of the places where the Berbers attacked. The towers are:

Torre de Calahonda (from the 16th century)
New Tower of La Cala del Moral (probably the most modern tower along the coast, 19th century)
Battery Torre La Cala del Moral (16th century)
Calaburras Tower (built around 1515 in the Punta de Calaburras)

Known previously as "La Cala del Moral" (English: The Bay of Mulberries) due to the mulberry trees growing in the area, the name was changed in the 1970s to La Cala de Mijas to avoid confusion with the similarly named Cala del Moral just outside Málaga. In those early tourist days, La Cala boasted some 30 fishermen's cottages, a couple of bars, an open-air summer cinema, a butcher's, a grocer's, a small chapel, a school and little else.

It has only been in the last 10 years or so that La Cala de Mijas has really come onto the scene as being the "new" place to invest in. There have been several developments built, new bars and shops and work has recently been completed on the 8km long boardwalk along the coast.

All in all, La Cala Mijas is a great place to live whether you’re looking to retire to the area, have a young family, are a single person looking for a change or anyone in between. It is a place of not just sunshine and beaches but opportunity for a laid back life rich with experience.

As an estate agent in Mijas with over 30 years of collective experience, the team at Mediterranean Homes would love to help you find your dream property in La Cala de Mijas. If you have any questions please just get in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions About La Cala

Q 1) Where is the aqua park that’s in the sea, please?

Answer: By far it has to be Playa Butibamba - Mijas which can be found at the following Website .

Q 2) I drive from the UK to La Cala once or twice a year going through the tunnel from Folkestone. I want to get a toll pass for my next trip covering France & Spain, could someone advise me of the best to apply for, many thanks

Answer: Yes, Google “French toll tag” and you can sign up. Next-day delivery normally, alternatively you could obtain a tolt tag using Emovis.

Q 3) Do they sell real Xmas trees in La Cala?

Answer: Yes, Vivero la Vega. Search it on Google. If you visit around the 12th of December, you can choose your tree, and they will mount it on a wooden stand and deliver it to you.

Q 4) Are restaurants and bars open during the Christmas and New Year period?

Answer: Most bars and restaurants are open, although some beach bars close over the Christmas holiday period.

Q 5) Are there any yoga classes on the beach in La Cala?

Answer: Yes, there are several classes held by various people. There’s a class that’s held at the beach house in Elviria on Wednesday and Friday mornings, alternatively, there’s Embody Yoga and their WhatsApp number is +447947272526, for locations & timetable.

Q 6) Do the stalls at the La Cala market accept card payments?

Answer: Not all of them. I would recommend you ask first to avoid any inconvenience.

Q 7) Is there anywhere that provides Jet Skiing in La Cala de Mijas?

Answer: Yes, there are several reputable Jet Skiing companies along the coast, we have listed a few of them here Jet ski Costa del Sol, Fuengirola or Cabopino Port and El Bombo Beach.

Q 8) Where can I get something photocopied in La Cala or nearby?

Answer: PAPELERIA QUETZAL is located on the Boulevard beside the Chinese supermarket in La Cala and they don’t close for lunch!

Q 9) Are there English-speaking lawyers in La Cala?

Answer: Several lawyers speak fluent English in La Cala de Mijas and I have listed them below.

Jon Sutton at De Cotta. Jon is a U.K.-trained lawyer too as well as a Spanish lawyer (+34) 951 315 161
Marta Nacarino. Address: Bueno Blvd. de la Cala, S/N, Edificio C - Oficina 9, 29649 La Cala de Mijas, Málaga, Spain. +34 951 66 10 76

Q 10) Which supermarket does everyone think is the biggest and best in the area?

Answer: We prefer Lidl as it has a good bakery, but Aldi has our coffee pods. It has to be Iceland/Waitrose international supermarket for English products. But Carrefour at the Miramar Mall is our absolute favourite place as is the local fresh produce market in Mijas Pueblo (Mercado Municipal de Mijas) that sells fresh meat and vegetables.

Q 11) Question: Can you provide information on the length and features of the boardwalk in La Cala de Mijas?

Answer: The boardwalk in La Cala de Mijas is a captivating feature that spans an impressive 6 kilometres along the charming coastline. This scenic path offers a delightful route for walkers to enjoy the breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding landscapes. Additionally, the boardwalk serves as a link to the expansive Senda Litoral De Malaga, also referred to as the Malaga Coastal Path, allowing visitors to explore further along the picturesque coast. The combination of its length and picturesque surroundings make the boardwalk a must-visit destination for those seeking a leisurely stroll or a connection to the natural beauty of the area.

Cala de Mijas Weather

The best time to go to La Cala de Mijas in Spain is during the months of May, June, September, and October when you can expect pleasant weather with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C and an average of just 4 days of rain per month.

Here are some key points from historical weather data: