Mijas – White Village, Beaches and Golf

• Posted on October 28, 2024
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• Posted in Travel Tips
• Reading time: 8 minutes

Today we take you to discover Mijas, situated between Fuengirola and Marbella on the western Costa del Sol.

This municipality located just 20 minutes from Malaga airport is perhaps a little more overlooked due to its popular neighbours. However, you’ll discover why the municipality is a real gem, with less crowded beaches, some of the best golf courses on the Costa del Sol and a beautiful white village.

Why visit Mijas

Its mild climate throughout the year and its location make Mijas a tourist destination par excellence.
It is also one of the Costa del Sol’s municipalities with the highest number of foreign residents of about 80 different nationalities.

Mijas is one of the largest municipalities in the province of Malaga, stretching from the mountains to the sea. Due to this great extension the municipality is divided into three large nuclei, very different from each other: Mijas Pueblo, Las Lagunas and La Cala.

Mijas Pueblo

It is a charming white village situated about 428 metres above sea level. Due to its location just 7 km from the coast of Fuengirola, it is one of the most popular white villages to visit.

Mijas village dates back to Roman times but acquired its characteristic layout during the centuries of Moorish dominance in Andalusia, like so many other white villages in Malaga.

Therefore, we can find a rich cultural heritage while enjoying a stroll through this charming natural balcony overlooking the Mediterranean. To mention only the most important corners to discover:

• The old town with its original Arab layout
• The ancient Moorish wall
• The unusual oval-shaped bullring
• Sanctuary of the Virgen de Peña (17th century), patron saint of the village
• The Carromato de Mijas (miniatures collection) or the Casa Museo (historical-ethnological museum)

There is a large car park at the entrance to the village where you can park comfortably.

The village is a great place to enjoy a stroll and then recharge your batteries in one of the many bars and terraces and try some of the local delicacies.

La Cala de Mijas – Beach

La Cala is the coastline of Mijas along 12 km between the municipalities of Fuengirola and Marbella.

There you will also find vestiges of its long past, such as the watchtowers of Calahonda, Calaburra, La Nueva and Torreón de La Cala (which houses an interpretation centre).

Beaches

The beaches of Mijas regularly boast several Q flags for Tourist Quality and Blue Flags.

Among them there are sandy beaches, very frequented and with all the services, including access for disabled people.

But there are also beaches with more difficult access and rocky formations, and therefore quieter. We can even find in Mijas one of the Nudist Beaches on the Costa del Sol.

• Playa de la Luna: It borders the municipality of Marbella and is quieter. It is accessed through a small tunnel.
• Playa de Algaida: Quiet beach with fine sand.
• Playa de Calahonda: With rock formations that make it ideal for snorkelling.
• Playa Alcasur, Riviera and Cabo Rocoso: With large bathing areas and rock formations. With sun lounger service.
• Playa de El Bombo: Long beach with high occupancy.
• Playa de la Butibamba: With some rock formations and high occupancy. Access for people with reduced mobility. During the summer this beach is often the setting for musical events.
• Playa del Sheriff, Las Doradas and El Chaparral: Easily accessible and accessible for people with reduced mobility.
• Playa El Chaparral: With dark sand and rocky areas.
• Playamarina – Nudist Beach: On this beach you can enjoy the practice of naturism. It has a beach bar with sun loungers.

• Playa del Charcón: With few services, this is a quieter beach.
• Playa del Faro de Calaburras: Beach surrounded by low cliffs ideal for scuba diving.
• Playa del Peñón del Cura: Quiet beach with crystal clear waters, popular with local fishermen. With sunbeds, public showers and access for people with reduced mobility.

Beaches with assisted bathing service

In Mijas there are currently 4 beaches that have an assisted bathing service for people with reduced mobility.

The areas are equipped with shade, sun loungers, crutches and amphibious chairs to enter the water with the assistance of lifeguards who are trained and specialised in caring for users with these characteristics.

The service is available from 1 June to 30 September, from 11 am to 8 pm, Monday to Sunday at the following beaches:

• Playa de Calahonda
• Playa de La Cala
• Playa el Bombo
• Playa del Chaparral

Activities in Mijas

The coastal Pathway

The Coastal Pathway is a magnificent project that links the coastal towns of Malaga along 160 km.

This trail is made up of boardwalks and wooden walkways and passes through some of the most beautiful natural areas, cliffs, rivers and beaches of the coast of Malaga.

One of the most beautiful sections runs along the coast of Mijas, specifically the rocky stretch between Calahonda and Calaburras.

While cycling is permitted on some sections, the vast majority of the Costa del Sol Coastal Path can be covered on foot.

Hiking & Climbing

The Sierra de Mijas is one of the most appreciated green lungs of the Costa del Sol.

At this link you can find maps and hiking routes, as well as climbing routes of advanced difficulty, the easiest grade being 6ª+.

Waterpark Aquamijas

This 34,000 square metre water park has a wave pool, slides, float rides, kamikaze, children’s area, picnic areas and services for a fun family day out.

• Discover more here

Street markets in Mijas

The Street markets are a good opportunity to combine a pleasant stroll with a bargain. Depending on the market, you can find ceramics and typical handicrafts, clothes, shoes, table linen, fruit and vegetables or flowers and plants, all at very good prices.

The opening hours are generally from 9 am to 2 pm.

• Wednesdays: Market in La Cala de Mijas at the Fairground.
• Thursdays: Street market in Mijas Costa at the Urbanización Calypso.
• Saturdays: Market in Las Lagunas at the Fairground and market in La Cala de Mijas at the Fairground.

• Organic market: At the Bulevar in La Cala de Mijas on the second and last Sunday of every month there is an ecological market of the Asociación Guadalhorce Ecológico from 9 am to 2 pm.

And here you can find all the Flea markets & Street markets on the Costa del Sol!

Selfie Route in Mijas Pueblo

Mijas has devised for its visitors a beautiful route with unique places ideal for taking a selfie as a souvenir. The map can be picked up at the tourist office.

Tapas Route in Las Lagunas

From 19 October to 30 November 2024 the Ruta de la Tapa (Tapas Route) will take place in the district of Las Lagunas.

Enjoy tasty Tapas made for the occasion with a drink for 3,50 €, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, from 1 pm to 3:30 pm and from 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm in the participating bars.

You can also fill in a tapas-passport every time you visit an establishment and with seven stamps you can take part in a prize draw, which includes a travel voucher worth up to 500 euros. The tapas-passports must be presented in the library of the Teatro Manuel España in Las Lagunas.

• More information about the Route and Tapa-passport

Golf

Mijas is together with Marbella the municipality with the most golf courses. In total there are no less than 12 excellent golf courses.

• Calanova Golf Club: 18 holes and par 72, with magnificent views of the Mediterranean.
• Cerrado del Águila Golf: One of the best 9-hole courses on the Costa del Sol.
• Chaparral Golf Club: ‘Parkland Forest’ 18 holes par 72, surrounded by a Mediterranean forest.

• Club de Golf La Siesta: 9 holes, all par 3, with privileged views of the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains of Mijas.
• La Cala Resort: 4* hotel with spa, restaurants, residential areas, 3 golf courses, golf academy and other sports facilities.
• La Noria Golf & Resort: A 9-hole par 33 course just a few metres from the beach.
• Mijas Golf Club: Designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr. It has two courses, Los Olivos and Los Lagos.
• Club de Golf Miraflores: Designed by Falco Nardi. With very good views, both of the sea and the mountains.
• Santana Golf: 18-hole course, on a flat terrain surrounded by nature.

More information about the golf courses in Mijas on their official website.

Did you know that with us you can not only hire a car at Malaga airport, but also book your transfer to any part of the province.