Mijas Costa holidays

How to reach Mijas Costa

• Flight time: Mijas Costa holidays involve flying into Málaga Airport as there are no flights to Mijas Costa. Flights to Málaga from London and other major UK airports operate on a regular basis, and take around 2 hours 45 minutes.

• Transfer time: A 30-minute journey from Málaga Airport, Mijas Costa is best reached by car rental, taxi or a prebooked shuttle bus. Using public transport would involve a train to Fuengirola and then a bus or taxi to Mijas Costa.

• Price: The cost of a taxi from Málaga Airport to Mijas Costa will vary from €60 to €80, depending on traffic and exact destination. A shuttle bus will only set you back around €16–€18 per person. Car hire daily rates start at around €25 for a basic vehicle.

Best time to visit Mijas Costa

Mijas Costa is a great holiday spot any time of year, but if you want to avoid the crowds but still enjoy pleasant warm weather, go between April and June or September and October.

• April to June is a relatively quiet time just before the tourist season gets going. Rainfall is minimal and temperatures are a pleasant 18°C to 25°C.

• July and August temperatures can soar to above 30°C, which is perfect for those who like to spend most of their time on the beach or around a swimming pool. Keep in mind this is peak season, so it's much busier, meaning local roads can be congested, and costs tend to be higher.

• September to October is a very pleasant time, when the sea remains warm enough for swimming and there is a more relaxed feel. Temperatures sit between 20°C and 25°C, with occasional rain showers in October.

• November to March is the quietest time in Mijas Costa, ideal for those looking to take a winter break but still benefit from mild temperatures (around 16°C to 20°C). November is the wettest month averaging around 115mm of rainfall.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Spanish is spoken in the region but English is widely spoken, making communication easy.

• Local habits and customs: Mijas Costa has a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. Afternoon siestas are common, and evening meals are a popular social occasion, usually served as late as 9 pm.

• Currency: The Euro is the currency used in Spain. ATMs are always close at hand, and credit/debit cards are accepted in most places.

• Getting around: The area is well served by buses and taxis; bus fares start from around €1.55. Hiring a car is the most popular way to explore the region, hence car companies are easy to come by.

• Electricity and plug types: Spain uses the standard European 220–240 volts. UK travellers will need a plug adaptor for devices with UK-style plugs.

• Time zone: Spain operates on Central European Time, 1 hour ahead of the UK.

Best things to do in Mijas Costa

Filling the gap between Fuengirola to Marbella, Mijas Costa is in a beautiful setting with spectacular coastal scenery on one side and a backdrop of mountain peaks on the other.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Mijas Pueblo: A short drive into the mountains above Mijas Costa, this whitewashed village offers breathtaking coastal views from the Mirador de la Sierra. While you're there, be sure to explore the narrow cobblestone streets full of artisan shops.

The best districts

• La Cala de Mijas: The seaside village of La Cala has an authentic Spanish feel, and is well worth visiting for its vast sandy beach and excellent seafood restaurants.

• Calahonda: As well as a nice sand beach, the Calahonda development also offers modern amenities such as shopping centres and golf courses. It’s an excellent base from which to explore the Costa del Sol.

Parks and gardens

• La Butibamba Park: This La Cala de Mijas park is a lovely spot for a picnic while the kids play in the playground or participate in sports like basketball and football.

Historical monuments

• Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña (Hermitage of the Virgin of the Rock): For a peaceful retreat and a look at the area's religious heritage, visit Mijas Pueblo to marvel at this small hermitage carved into the rock.

• Mijas Costa watchtowers: Old guard towers dot the coastline, which historically used to spot pirates. These days they serve as fascinating relics of the area's defensive past.

Regional highlights

• Málaga: Only a short drive away, the historic city of Málaga has several noteworthy attractions, including the Picasso Museum, Alcazaba fortress and Atarazanas Market.

• Ronda: Dramatic escarpments, deep gorges and the oldest bullring in Spain are just a few of the reasons to visit the mountaintop town of Ronda.

• Marbella and Puerto Banús: It’s less than 30 minutes by road to Marbella, with its Andalusian charm, and the exclusive marina of Puerto Banús. Both of these fashionable places are renowned for their high-end shops and glitzy nightlife.

Activities for families in Mijas Costa

Mijas Costa is perfect for family holidays. Children are welcomed everywhere and there are plenty of diverse activities to keep all ages entertained.

• Beaches: The long stretch of soft sand and clear waters at La Cala de Mijas are particularly suitable for youngsters to play and paddle, meaning parents can relax knowing their children are safe. The beach offers extensive amenities including a lifeguard on duty in summer.

• Water parks: Water parks are a welcome place to cool down when the heat gets too much. AquaMijas, located between Mijas and Fuengirola, and Aqualand in Torremolinos both feature a plethora of exciting slides, various pools and attractions for tiny tots.

• Animal encounters: Bioparc Fuengirola is an immersive animal attraction that offers a chance to see exotic animals in replica natural habitats. Five minutes’ walk from La Cala de Mijas Beach, the Donkey Dreamland Rescue Centre welcomes the entire family to help care for the donkeys and go for a walk with these friendly animals.

Free things to do in Mijas Costa

Travellers looking for budget-friendly activities will find plenty to do in Mijas Costa that doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. Here are a few examples of what’s on offer:

• Beach days: The beaches of Mijas Costa are a major draw, with amazing sands and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and soaking up the sun – Playa El Bombo and Playa de Calahonda are particularly popular. Both beaches have sunbed and shade rentals, but if you’re on a budget you can always just lay a blanket on the ground.

• Cultural festivals: Try to time your holiday during one of the area’s annual festivals, such as the La Cala de Mijas Fair, which features music, dance and traditional costumes, all for free.

• Walking: Throughout Mijas Costa there are lots of places with walking trails that don’t carry any access fee. You can take to the Sierra de Mijas trails in the mountains, which reveal stunning views, or opt for a more leisurely stroll along the coastal path.

Nature and outdoor activities in Mijas Costa

• Golf: The region is synonymous with its challenging golf courses, and the Mijas Costa stretch has its fair share. La Cala Resort alone is blessed with three championship courses where golfers of all abilities can enjoy a round.

• Water sports: Mijas Costa offers endless opportunities for taking part in water sports. Rental equipment and lessons are available for those who would like to give such activities as paddleboarding or windsurfing a try.

• Horse riding: It’s possible to explore the Andalusian countryside and beaches on horseback thanks to the guided rides offered by a number of local riding stables.

Local dishes in Mijas Costa

One of the best parts of holidays to Mijas Costa is the opportunity to savour delicious Spanish cuisine, which is inspired by traditional Andalusian recipes and fresh seafood.

Some typical dishes

• Paella: In Mijas Costa, this well-known Spanish rice dish is commonly prepared with seafood such as squid, mussels and prawns, and the signature golden tint is achieved with saffron.

• Gazpacho: If you're looking for a refreshing chilled soup, try this one made with tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, garlic and olive oil.

Tapas dishes

• Tortilla Española: This traditional Spanish omelette – made with potatoes and onions – is normally served in little bite-size chunks when eaten as a tapa.

• Patatas Bravas: If you enjoy a little heat in your food, try these crispy fried potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce.

Meat dishes

• Albóndigas: This is comfort food at its best: savoury meatballs doused in a thick tomato sauce.

• Chorizo a la Sidra: This spicy Spanish sausage cooked in cider is a burst of flavour with every bite.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Pescado Frito: Fried fish is a staple in Mijas Costa, often served as a mix of different types of fish like anchovies and squid, lightly battered and crispy.

• Gambas al Pil-Pil: Prawns cooked in olive oil, garlic and chilli, usually served sizzling in a clay dish, packs a punch with its spicy kick.

Sweets and desserts

• Churros con Chocolate: A indulgent treat, churros are deep-fried dough pastries served with a thick, rich hot chocolate for dipping.

• Tarta de Santiago: A nod to Spain’s cultural heritage, this almond cake dusted with powdered sugar often features a cross of Saint James in sugar on top.

Local drinks

• Sangría: This classic Spanish drink consisting of red wine, chopped fruit and a splash of brandy, is often enjoyed as a refreshing afternoon drink.

• Tinto de Verano: A welcome beverage on a hot day, this refreshing drink made with red wine and lemon soda is similar to sangria.