Your Complete Guide to Living in Mijas Costa – Spain

Situated on the famous Costa del Sol,  the 12 km coastal stretch of the Mijas Costa is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain. But it is an area that offers so much more than sun, sea, and sangria for tourists. It is also an incredible place to live, if you have always dreamt of relocating to Spain and are looking for an apartment or villa in Mijas Costa, then this is the guide for you. Expats are welcomed with open arms here, high-quality properties are abundant, and you’ll find a host of entertainment and leisure opportunities.


The area has been developed rapidly in the last 20 years and encompasses the towns of La Cala, Calahonda and Mijas Pueblo.

Thinking of moving to Mijas Costa? Here’s your complete guide to living in the area:

Choosing the Town That’s Right for You

Calahonda

We begin our journey across the sweeping coastal expense of Mijas Costa in Calahonda. Calahonda is a popular resort that sits on the coast halfway between Marbella and Fuengirola. The Playa de Calahonda beach is a pleasant mix of sand and pebbles, and from the beach the resort sprawls backwards up into the rolling hills beyond it; living in the hills offers beautiful views across the beach and the harbour and a wonderful escape from the height of the summer heat too.

If you’re interested in fine dining then you’re in luck. Due to the high volume of tourists that visit Calahonda from all around the world you’ll find a plethora of restaurants in the area. You’ll find restaurants serving local Spanish cuisine sitting alongside restaurants serving Indian cuisine, Italian cuisine and, of course, traditional English pub grub too.

Mijas Pueblo

Mijas Pueblo is the town that sits at the heart of Mijas Costa, and is one of the jewels in the heart of the Costa del Sol. Nestled in the mountains approximately 10 km from the Mijas Costa coastline, Mijas Pueblo is a picturesque village with narrow cobbled streets and beautiful white washed houses.

If you’re looking to relocate to a town with an active expat community then Mijas Pueblo is a great choice: there are so many English-speaking residents in and around the town that the town hall has a dedicated Foreigner's Department designed specifically to cater to the needs of incomers in the language they best understand. Despite the large numbers of expats living in the town, Mijas Pueblo retain much of its traditional Andalusian charm and traditional way of life.

La Cala

La Cala de Mijas is one of the original fishing villages on the Costa Del Sol that was transformed by rapid urbanisation and the arrival of overseas tourists during the 1960s. Despite the number of expats who choose to call the village home, it retains much of its original village atmosphere and features. These include a restored Moorish tower and the port where you can still see fishermen bringing home their catch.
The beach here is an expanse of golden sand and the town offers practical services such as a doctor's surgery and a pharmacy.

If you enjoy golfing then you’re in luck; La Cala Golf, Santana Golf, El Chapparral and Mijas Golf are all highly regarded golf courses that are located in and around La Cala.

Getting Around

There is a frequent bus service between the main towns in the Mijas Costa area: bus tends to be the only form of transport in this small villages. If you want to travel a little further afield then it is also possible to take the full day or overnight bus from the main transport hubs in Mijas Costa to both Barcelona and Madrid.

If you want to use the bus service then the easiest way to do this is to head to the bus station or central bus terminal. In Mijas Pueblo, where there is not a bus station, there is a main bus stop on Avenida Virgen de la Peña, just down from the Mijas Town Hall building.

If you want to explore the area more extensively, travel off the beaten track, or simply fill your pantry from the local supermarket then the easiest way to get around is by hiring a car. Hire cars are both plentiful and affordable in Mijas Costa, making this a straightforward option.

Traditional Festivals and Events

One of the best things about choosing Mijas Costa as your new home is that there’s always something to see and do: you’ll never be bored if you live here! Traditional festivals and celebrations are an important part of life in Spain and form a key part of the social calendar. Here are just some of the festivals you can experience if you call Mijas Costa your home:

5 January - Cavalcade of the Three Wise Men

This parade takes part in the centre of Mijas and usually begins around 5pm. The parade passes through the streets with those observing joining the cavalcade and following behind. At the end of the route children are offered chocolate, whilst adults enjoy a tasting of Roscon de Reyes (a typical Christmas sweet in the area).

17 January – The Feast of Saint Anthony

This feast day will be celebrated in churches all over the region, but the biggest celebration will be in the Chapel in Mijas where there will be food, singing and dancing.

February – Carnival

The Carnival date vary from year to year but events are held in all of the main towns in the area, including Mijas Pueblo, Las Lagunas and La Cala de Mijas. You can enjoy parades, entertainment, costume contests and an abundance of local street food too.

March/April - Easter Week

Easter is one of the biggest celebrations in the Spanish calendar and visitors will travel from all over Spain to spend Easter week enjoying the festivals, celebrations and entertainment in the region.

1 May - Sardines in La Cala

A celebration of the local fishing traditions, on the 1st May locals and visitors alike head to La Cala to enjoy some grilled sardines on the beach. Thanks to the support of local restaurants, these sardines are offered for free. Last year over 1000 kilos of roasted sardines were shared amongst the attendees.

May – International Peoples Day

In the second half of May Mijas Costa celebrates all of the overseas residents that make the area such a special place to live. In the old town of Mijas more than thirty different countries show offthe best of their culture. You’ll find crafts , food, live music and dancing from all over the world.

23 June – Summer Solstice

To celebrate midsummer night, the shortest night of the year, bonfires are lit on the beaches up and down the coastline. Thousands of people celebrate this, with many of these choosing to sleep on the beach with their friends and families.

16 July – The Feast of Carmen

The celebrate the patron saint of fishermen there is a sea procession in all the municipalities of the Costa del Sol: In Mijas Costa this procession begins in the centre of La Cala before heading to the beach.

12 October – Columbus Day.

A celebration across Spain, Columbus Day is a public holiday. Many locals will choose this day to celebrate their Spanish heritage with dancing, singing, and other displays of patriotism.

December – Christmas Market

In Mijas Pueblo there is a traditional Christmas market every December: a great place to meet friends, enjoy a drink or two, and pick up some Christmas shopping at the same time.

Thinking of relocating? Why not let us help you find your dream property in Mijas Costa! Right Casa Estate agents are experts who can use our local knowledge to find you a new house in the perfect location for all of your unique needs.