A Quick Guide to Living in Calahonda, Mijas Costa

Living on the Costa Del Sol is a dream for many expats who imagine spending their days in the land of sun, sea, and sangria. But when it comes to picking the perfect Costa del Sol location, you really will be spoilt for choice, with a host of distinct and different towns offering a unique blend of coast or country living, bustling or serene locations, and everything in between.

Keen to see more? Check out our incredible selection of villas and apartments for sale in Calahonda now!

Here is our quick guide to living in Calahonda, to help you decide if it’s the right location for you. If you're keen to learn more about Calahonda living, then be sure to check out our detailed Calahonda area guide though which has more information and details for you!

Where is Calahonda in Spain?

Calahonda is located in the Mijas Costa between Marbella and Fuengirola, and it is its location, as much as its amenities, that makes it so attractive to ex pats. The community is situated on the coast, which is always attractive to ex-pats seeking the traditional sun and beach life of Spain, but it is just a short ride away from Malaga airport, which offers a range of affordable airlines operating to other popular European destinations (meaning flights home to visit family and friends will be affordable).

Calahonda is a self-contained, safe place to settle either in retirement or with a young family, and thanks to the savvy forethought of developers in the 1960s, it has retained its charm and its views as the development of high-rise buildings is banned.

Calahonda in Numbers

It’s clear that there is a popular expat community, as the population of the town fluctuates from between 14,000 and 45,000 depending on the time of year. Whilst there are plenty of Spanish people living in the town, there are also many native-UK residents, as well as residents that originate from other countries in Northern Europe.

Because good health is always a concern, you will find 2 non-emergency clinics situated in Calahonda, whilst the larger Hospital Costa Del Sol which offers an emergency room and a larger array of services is on the road between Calahonda and Marbella.

Is Calahonda Nice?

A town loaded with amenities, making it the ideal location if you’re looking for everything all in one place. You’ll find plenty of banks, restaurants and bars serving a wide variety of cuisines to suit all tastes and budgets: whether you’re looking for authentic Spanish tapas or a full English breakfast, you can satisfy any craving without leaving town.

What’s more, thanks to the large number of ex-pats that call Calahonda home, you’ll find Spanish state schools, Spanish private schools, and English language international schools all just a stone's throw away. Because of this, more and more ex pat families are being attracted to Calahonda, drawn by the idyllic family lifestyle that the town offers, and at an affordable budget too. The cost of living in Calahonda is considered to be lower than in nearby Marbella, which has a reputation for attracting the rich and famous: you’ll find that there are a wider range of restaurants for  families that are watching the pennies, and a wider selection of affordable supermarkets too.

Finally, if you don’t already have a job in Spain then you may be wondering about what kind of employment is available in Calahonda. Available jobs within the town are largely within the tourism and hospitality sectors, but many ex pats choose to work in nearby Marbella, which is the economic centre of the Costa del Sol. It is an easy commute, and it is likely that you will find a wider range of employment opportunities here.

Transport Links

On the subject of commuting, if you’re thinking of moving to Calahonda then you’ll be interested to know that the transport links are good: there is a coastal road that runs through the town, connecting it to several other neighbouring resorts. What’s more, there are regular bus services connecting you with other major resorts, meaning you can get to Marbella without investing in a car at all. And Malaga airport is just a 25 minute drive away, meaning you can be connected to wider Europe in no time at all.

Enjoying Your DownTime

Finally, if you’re thinking of retiring, or are just looking for somewhere to spend your downtime, then you’re sure to find plenty to keep you entertained. The resort is surrounded by golf courses, making it permanently popular with golf enthusiasts. You'll also find a wide range of sporting opportunities available at the Club del Sol, and the town offers great opportunities for those interested in enjoying retail therapy too.

Offering excellent nightlife and a wide range of bars and restaurants, but for those looking for something a little more refined the close proximity of Marbella and its night clubs and world class night life is also a great selling point. Whatever kind of night out you’re looking for, there’s no better place to have a great night out with family and friends.

Are you thinking of buying a home in Calahonda and turning your dream of Spanish home ownership into a reality? Why not get in touch with our expert team today. Our local property specialists, Right Casa estate agents, are perfectly placed to find the perfect property on the Costa Del Sol!