Mijas Area Guide

9th April 2025 · 10 min. read · by Manuel Dávila

Between the sea and the mountains, Mijas stands out as one of the most well-rounded, diverse, and established residential areas on the Costa del Sol. Its unique geography blends the tranquillity of a whitewashed village nestled in the hills with the vibrancy of a coastline rich in amenities, natural beauty, and Mediterranean lifestyle.

This dual character makes the municipality an especially appealing choice for those seeking a permanent residence, as well as for those interested in investing in a second home or a property with strong tourism potential.

• Table of contents
• Where is Mijas West?
• Why choose Mijas as a place to live or invest?
• What type of properties can I find in Mijas?
• Does Mijas have sea views?
• What is the environment and landscape like in Mijas?
• What is the connectivity and accessibility like in Mijas?
• What services and amenities are in Mijas?
• Best restaurants in Mijas
• What international schools are near Mijas?
• What else can I do in Mijas and its surroundings?
• Is Mijas safe to live in?
• Our main reasons to choose Mijas

Mijas is located in the heart of the western Costa del Sol, bordering Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Marbella, and the inland area of the Guadalhorce Valley. Its municipal territory is one of the largest in the province of Málaga and encompasses distinctly different areas.

Mijas Pueblo, perched on the mountainside, retains the charm of a traditional Andalusian white village, with cobbled streets, peaceful squares, and sweeping views of the Mediterranean.

Along the coastline lies Mijas Costa, home to seaside developments, golf courses, and well-established residential areas such as La Cala de Mijas, Riviera del Sol, Calahonda, and El Chaparral.

1. Mild Climate All Year Round: With over 300 days of sunshine annually and an average temperature of 18°C, Mijas allows for an active outdoor lifestyle in any season.
2. Strategic Location: Situated between Málaga and Marbella, Mijas is perfectly connected via the A-7 and AP-7 motorways. The international airport is less than 25 minutes away, and destinations such as Gibraltar or Ronda are within easy reach.
3. Residential Diversity: From sea-view villas to modern apartments by the golf course, Mijas offers a wide range of properties to suit different lifestyles.
4. Scenic Views and Natural Surroundings: The municipality combines mountains and sea in a visually stunning setting. Many homes enjoy open views of the Mediterranean or the surrounding hills.
5. Services Tailored to an International Audience: Mijas is equipped with restaurants, shops, medical centres, and sports facilities catering to international residents who value quality and comfort.
6. Cultural Life and a Diverse Community: With a large international population, Mijas offers an active social scene with events, festivals, and activities that blend local tradition with a cosmopolitan spirit.
7. Established Golf Destination: Courses such as La Cala Golf Resort, Calanova, and Santana Golf position Mijas as one of the top destinations for golf enthusiasts on the Costa del Sol.
8. High Demand in the Property Market: Mijas enjoys consistent demand in both the holiday rental and residential markets. Its varied neighbourhoods, excellent connections, and high quality of life make it an attractive and long-term investment.
9. Safe and Peaceful Residential Areas: Private developments and the relaxed atmosphere of the municipality offer residents peace and privacy, making it an ideal setting for families or those seeking a more discreet lifestyle.
10. Healthy Way of Life: The combination of climate, nature, and sports facilities encourages an active lifestyle. Mijas is ideal for hiking, water sports, golf, or simply enjoying the outdoors all year round.

The residential offering in Mijas is as diverse as its landscapes, with options to suit a variety of lifestyles. From modern villas with sea and mountain views to apartments in gated communities with landscaped gardens, swimming pools, and well-maintained communal areas.

In Mijas Pueblo, Andalusian-style homes are predominant, many of which have been refurbished with contemporary interiors. Its elevated position offers open views and a quieter, more traditional setting.

In Mijas Costa, the variety is even greater. Here you'll find developments next to golf courses, apartments near the sea, detached villas, and penthouses with spacious terraces. This area has the highest concentration of international residents, with direct access to the beach and a full range of amenities.

Las Lagunas offers a more urban alternative, featuring modern flats, good road connections, and close proximity to schools, supermarkets, and shopping areas. It’s a practical option for families or anyone looking for a well-connected primary residence.

Yes, and it is one of Mijas’ main attractions. Thanks to its location between the mountains and the coast, many properties enjoy open views of the sea. From Mijas Pueblo, you can take in sweeping panoramas that blend the mountain landscape with the Mediterranean in the distance.

In Mijas Costa, numerous properties are located by the sea or on elevated ground, offering clear views of the horizon and spectacular sunsets from the comfort of home.

The landscape of Mijas stretches from the mountains of the Sierra de Mijas to the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, offering a rich variety of scenery from green hills and pine forests to golden beaches and hidden coves.

Mijas is defined by the fusion of mountain and sea. Inland, the whitewashed village of Mijas is perched on the mountainside, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the coast, along with a charming setting of cobbled streets, flower-filled squares, and traditional Andalusian architecture. In contrast, Mijas Costa opens out onto over 12 kilometres of coastline, with beaches, cliffs, and seaside promenades.

Mijas enjoys a privileged location. It is just 25 minutes from Málaga International Airport and 20 minutes from Marbella, with easy access via the A-7 and the AP-7 toll motorway. From Mijas, it is also easy to reach Fuengirola and the local commuter train network, ensuring smooth connections with the rest of the coast.

Mijas boasts a well-established infrastructure that meets the needs of both full-time residents and those who choose the area as a second home.

Supermarkets:

The municipality offers a wide range of supermarkets including Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl, and Aldi, as well as organic shops and traditional markets. Notable options also include El Corte Inglés Gourmet, where shoppers can find premium products and international specialities.

Fashion and interior shops:

Mijas Costa and Las Lagunas are home to shopping centres such as Miramar, along with retail parks featuring fashion, home décor, and tech stores. In La Cala de Mijas, exclusive boutiques add a touch of sophistication. Just a short drive away, Marbella offers a wide selection of high-end stores and internationally recognised designer brands.

Health centres and pharmacies:

Healthcare is well covered with public health centres, numerous pharmacies, and private clinics such as Vithas Xanit. Mijas is also just a short distance from major hospitals like Quirón Salud and the Costa del Sol Hospital, both offering comprehensive medical care across various specialities.

Sports and wellness centres:

Mijas stands out for its excellent sports facilities. Renowned golf courses such as La Cala Golf, Mijas Golf, Santana Golf, and Calanova place the municipality among the top choices for golf lovers. There are also padel and tennis clubs, gyms, yoga studios, and a wide range of outdoor activities.

Mijas offers a rich and varied gastronomic scene, blending traditional Andalusian flavours with the finest international cuisine. There is something to suit every taste, with all venues sharing a common thread of elegance and quality.

One standout is El Higuerón, renowned for its spectacular views over the Mediterranean and its excellent selection of meats. La Cala Resort Restaurant delivers fine dining in an exclusive setting, while Fígaro Restaurante offers Mediterranean cuisine and vegetarian options, served in fresco-painted dining rooms with impeccable service.

At the restaurants of La Zambra, guests can enjoy everything from daring tapas to a repertoire of innovative dishes, excellent wines, and imaginative signature cocktails. In La Cala de Mijas, Florida Beach is led by a three-Michelin-star chef and specialises in rice dishes, offering a unique seaside culinary experience.

In Mijas and the surrounding area, there is a diverse and high-quality educational offering, with international and private schools recognised for their academic excellence, educational approach, and integration within a multicultural environment.

Among the international schools, St. Anthony’s College stands out for providing a British education with strong academic standards and a firm commitment to the all-round development of its students.

Another key institution is the Svenska Skolan Costa del Sol, a Swedish school with decades of experience, and one of the first foreign schools to be established on the Costa del Sol. It is highly regarded for its personalised approach and solid academic foundation.

Colegio Salliver offers a holistic education that combines intellectual development with emotional growth, within a modern environment tailored to the needs of 21st-century learners.

These institutions make Mijas an excellent choice for families seeking a demanding, forward-thinking education in an international setting.

Mijas offers an active lifestyle full of possibilities. Its various urban centres invite you to stroll through charming corners, discover hidden gems, and enjoy the surroundings. In Mijas Pueblo, highlights include the Ermita del Calvario and a local cuisine centred around traditional tapas and fresh, local produce.

Along the coast, the sea takes centre stage. The beaches of Mijas Costa are perfect for activities such as paddleboarding, snorkelling, jet skiing, or simply spending a relaxing day by the Mediterranean.

The natural surroundings also lend themselves to scenic hiking routes, especially in the higher areas of the municipality, where contact with nature is ever-present.

One of the most appreciated features is the Senda Litoral, a wooden coastal walkway that runs along part of the shoreline, offering easy access and open views of the sea.

Golf, one of the region’s major attractions, is well represented in Mijas. The municipality is home to top-tier courses such as La Cala Golf Resort, Chaparral Golf Club, Calanova, Mijas Golf, Santana Golf, and Cerrado del Águila. All of them offer excellent facilities, on-site restaurants, and specialised shops, reinforcing Mijas’ status as one of the preferred golf destinations on the Costa del Sol.

Mijas is one of the safest areas on the Costa del Sol. With private residential developments, security systems, and a peaceful community, it is an ideal choice for families as well as investors seeking tranquillity and privacy.

• A diverse municipality with a strong identity
  Mijas is made up of three distinct areas, village, coast, and urban zone, each catering to different lifestyles, with a well-established and solid residential offering.
• Open views of the sea and mountains
  The combination of gentle hills, natural elevation, and a coastal strip provides spectacular panoramas, whether from hillside homes or seaside properties.
• International presence and cosmopolitan atmosphere
  With over 40% of its residents coming from abroad, Mijas strikes a balance between Andalusian authenticity and an international lifestyle, making it an ideal destination for buyers of various nationalities.
• Outstanding natural and sporting environment
  Surrounded by sea, mountains, and golf courses, the municipality supports an active lifestyle with year-round outdoor activities.
• Orderly and ongoing urban growth
  New developments, the renovation of traditional homes, and infrastructure improvements are driving a gradual and sustainable transformation across the entire municipality.
• Strategic connectivity on the Costa del Sol
  Perfectly positioned between Málaga and Marbella, and with direct access to the A-7 and AP-7 motorways, Mijas offers swift travel across the coast, including easy links to the airport and nearby urban centres.