Why buy in Mijas Costa?

This part of the Costa del Sol is hugely popular with both foreign residents and holidaymakers, and a big expat population lives here. Although the different areas blend into each other, they do vary and as such, appeal to different property buyers. Here’s a guide to the different parts of Mijas Costa:

Calahonda: bordering with Cabopino to the west, Calahonda is a well-established complex and home to some of the oldest properties on this part of the coast. It’s divided into two areas – the lower part that has direct access to the sea and the upper area where most of the new-build apartments are located.

Lower Calahonda has plenty of amenities and there’s an excellent choice of shops and restaurants in the three commercial areas situated along the A7 highway. Health and dental clinics are available. Calahonda beaches are small, although you can easily get to larger sands at Cabopino beach, a very short car drive away. Onsite golf courses include Club de Golf La Siesta while those at Cabopino, Los Monteros and Miraflores are within a 10-minute car journey. Club del Sol tennis club in Calahonda ranks among the best on this part of the coast.

Lower Calahonda offers an excellent choice of all types of property with many large villas on the wide boulevards.

Upper Calahonda consists mostly of new apartment blocks, most of which have panoramic views of the Mediterranean and a mountain backdrop. This part of Calahonda benefits from direct access to the AP7 motorway, reducing the journey time to Malaga Airport and Marbella.

Riviera del Sol: This is one of the most built-up resorts in Mijas Costa and apartment property predominates here, although townhouses and villas are also available. Much new construction has taken place at the northern end of the resort and here, many off-plan properties are for sale. Miraflores with its high-end properties and excellent golf course also forms part of the east side of Riviera del Sol. Riviera del Sol has some amenities onsite, although next-door Calahonda (within walking distance from properties at the lower end of Riviera) offers a wider choice.

La Cala de Mijas: Little more than a small fishing village just a few years ago, La Cala de Mijas (known as simply La Cala) has grown into a thriving small town offering excellent amenities. Here you’ll find schools, health centres (state-run and private), a range of shops including large supermarkets such as Supersol and Lidl, numerous restaurants and a year-round calendar of cultural activities. La Cala beach ranks as the best between Fuengirola and Cabopino, and its wide sands are very popular with families. Several excellent beach restaurants are found here, most open all year. An attractive seafront walkway links La Cala to Calahonda.

El Faro: Beyond La Cala to Fuengirola lie a succession of attractive residential areas, some of which are among the oldest in this part of the Costa del Sol. These include Los Claveles, El Chaparral – home to an excellent golf course – and El Faro, one of the biggest and based around the lighthouse. Beaches here are mainly small sandy coves that aren’t easily accessible and tend to be quieter than the nearby beaches in Fuengirola and La Cala. Amenities are few and far between along this part of Mijas Costa, but those at La Cala and Fuengirola are within easy reach.

What can I buy in Mijas Costa?

The world is definitely your oyster when it comes to property in Mijas Costa. Along this stretch of coastline, you’ll find a range of homes to suit all tastes and budgets. At the higher end are frontline beach or golf apartments and luxury villas, often on large plots. In the middle budget range are a wide range of townhouses and villas, many sharing communal facilities such as gardens and a pool. And in the cheaper price bracket, there are plenty of apartments including bank repossessions. Buy-to-let potential are generally excellent, particularly with family groups and golfers, although competition is intense so you need to choose a property with exceptional finishes or in a prime location to ensure you capture a market for your holiday let.