La Cala de Mijas
The Cove of Mijas’ was once an old fishing village and known as one of the few parts of the coast relatively untainted by mass tourism. La Cala has now grown to offer all the necessary amenities for a good quality of life. That include the charming town’s numerous supermarkets, bars, restaurants, a post office, hotels, schools, etc. Its mixed residential and holiday area has all the amenities required for living comfortably.
The mountains, the sea, the forest; it’s quite unusual to see a place near all three landscapes, but the beautiful Andalusian town of Mijas is one such place. This town, filled with trademark whitewashed Andalusian buildings, is located on the mountainside. It is divided into four parts: the Pueblo (town), Costa (main commercial and residential area), La Cala de Mijas (small village and resort), and Las Lagunas (suburban commercial area). Since the 1950s, Mijas has progressed into the tourist destination that we know today.
Attractions
The watchtower
Parque Acuático Mijas
Nights out
At the Beach
The beaches in this area are spectacular. La Cala’s 2,000 meters of gold sand and warm water won the Blue Flag Award in 2002. Stalls offering jet skis or banana boat rides, as well as other water activities, can be found all along the beach. Public showers and toilet facilities are also installed and in good condition. Parasols and sun beds are available for rent at a decent price. This coastal town has a lovely promenade in which bars and restaurants can be found in abundance from elegant dining at Mijas Playa Restaurant to chiringuitos.
Riviera has its own beach which is usually calm and not too crowded. There is also the popular venue of Max Beach, offering an extensive range of beachfront cuisine and the classy El Oceano Beach Hotel and Spa on the beach in front of Miraflores, offering romantic seafront dining and elegant board walk lunches.
Shopping
Sports
Miraflores Golf Club is one of the most popular in the area. Located just inland from Mijas Costa, this breathtaking course coils between hills and valleys. Golfers can enjoy views of nearby mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. If you fancy just practicing your swing then head to Miraflores’ driving range.
The Aztec Sports Complex is located in the heart of Riviera del Sol. This centre has a swimming pool, 7 tennis courts, badminton courts, mini golf, a gymnasium, and is a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Aztec Complex is open to both residents and visitors.
The Miraflores Lawn Bowls Club is also very close to the Riviera area and is popular with residents and tourists. It provides two all weather greens and a club house. After a game of bowls don’t forget to stop by the bar for a snack or chilled beer.
There are plenty of good quality sports facilities in and around La Cala de Mijas too. It has its own golf courses such as La Cala Golf Resort, Spain’s largest golf complex with three 18-hole courses and El Chaparral Golf. These courses allow non-members to come and enjoy a round of golf, with tuition and equipment rental available. This town also has a bowls club, tennis facilities, fitness centres and horse riding. Naturally, being a coastal town, La Cala also offers facilities to practice any water sport you can think of!
Eating Out
There are a number of restaurants situated in La Cala de Mijas or Mijas Costa, giving spectacular views over the med from the dining table. Expect good, fresh fish and seafood, as well as delicious tapas dishes whilst sitting on a terrace enjoying the fresh, sea breeze.
In between the town and the coast are a number of good restaurants, especially along the road that connects the Mijas Costa and Pueblo.
Our top picks
Hotels
- El Oceano Beach Hotel & Restaurant
- The Orange House
- VIK Gran Hotel Costa del Sol