La Cala de Mijas, Costa del Sol, Spain - Everything you are going to need is here

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Spain has been our home for the last 5 years and we live about 15 minutes from La Cala de Mijas! So we have done the hard work for you and prepared some useful information about the area for you! 

La Cala de Mijas is a coastal town on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain, in the region of Andalusia. 

• It is located approximately 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) southwest of Fuengirola. 
• La Cala de Mijas is famous for its beautiful beaches, relaxed atmosphere and golf courses, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking relaxation and leisure activities.
  

Living in Benalmadena, we often escape to the tranquil haven of La Cala de Mijas.

Nestled along the Mediterranean, this coastal gem offers a slower pace of life with stunning sand dunes and protected flora and fauna. 

Enjoy dolphin and seabird watching at the famous Sendero Litoral La Cala de Mijas. This scenic route offers breathtaking views and is perfect for a relaxing stroll along the coast.

In this article, we’re thrilled to share our top tips for making the most of your visit to La Cala de Mijas.

Find out the best time to visit, the top hotels, the best restaurants, the cosiest holiday rentals, and the most vibrant bars.

La Cala de Mijas enjoys a continental Mediterranean climate, typical of the Costa del Sol and southern Spain.

Even during peak summer months like July and August, the coastal location ensures that temperatures remain mild and pleasant, thanks to refreshing sea breezes.

In La Cala de Mijas, the warm season lasts from June 18 to September 15, with August being the hottest month at 26°C during the day and 18°C at night. 

The cool season in La Cala de Mijas runs from November 18 to March 20, with January being the coldest month at 13°C during the day and 6°C at night. 

December has the most rainfall, while the driest period is from May 11 to September 29, with July having the fewest wet days.

Of course, it all depends on what you’re looking for! If you're looking to soak up some sun and enjoy some beach activities, June to August is the perfect time to visit La Cala de Mijas!

If you'd rather explore the town's landmarks, unique architecture and local attractions without the crowds, then early autumn or spring is a great time to visit.

September and October are perfect for experiencing local holidays such as the Virgen de la Peña festival, which honours the patron saint of Mijas. 

In the autumn you'll also find cheaper travel tickets, great accommodation deals and a more relaxed atmosphere, which is ideal for appreciating the area.

As both seasoned travelers and locals, we’ve carefully selected the best hotels in La Cala de Mijas to suit a range of budgets and preferences.

We've decided to divide our hotel accommodation recommendations into two categories: luxury hotels and budget-friendly options. 

This way, you can easily find the perfect place to stay, whether you're looking to indulge in upscale amenities or prefer a more economical choice.

Here are our top recommendations for luxury hotels in La Cala de Mijas:

1. The Orange House Boutique Hotel

For those seeking a charming stay with a touch of elegance, The Orange House Boutique Hotel is an excellent choice. Priced at £2,464 for a 2-week stay from August 1st to 14th, this 3-star hotel offers a cozy ambiance and personalized service, ensuring a memorable visit.

2. Macdonald Doña Lola Resort

Offering great value for money, the Macdonald Doña Lola Resort is available for £2,564 for a 13-night stay for a one bedroom apartment with balcony and sea view.

This resort offers spacious accommodations, stunning beach views, three swimming pools, a tennis pitch, a billiard room, ping pong, and more. It's also well-connected to Marbella and Malaga, reachable in under 30 minutes by car.

3. Los Amigos Beach Club - Our winner! 🏆

Their excellent 2-bedroom apartments will make you feel right at home. Priced at £2,081 for a 13-night stay, it combines comfort and convenience with easy access to the beach and local attractions.

Guests can enjoy the beautiful garden and are just a 6 minute walk from the El Faro lighthouse with stunning views of the Mediterranean. The nudist-friendly Marina Beach is a 5-minute walk away.

The family-friendly Las Casitas restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and the Blue Diamond poolside bar serves refreshing drinks. Children will enjoy the mini golf, playground and games room. A convenience store and free parking are also available.

For a budget friendly stay in La Cala de Mijas, the VIK Gran Hotel Costa del Sol is the best value for money option.

With high guest ratings on Booking.com, you can enjoy a 2-week stay for just £2,042. 

The hotel has direct access to the beach and a wellness centre. Breakfast is included, making your stay comfortable and enjoyable.

We've made it as easy as pie for you! We've divided the options into two simple categories: Apartments/Villas (Booking.com) vs. Family-friendly rentals (from Idealista):

1. Apartments: Searching for the best apartments for a 14-day stay in La Cala Mijas, we found four options, only one of which is cheaper than a hotel.

The standout is the Vitania La Cala de Mijas one-bedroom apartment, which costs just £1,482 for 13 nights. It offers garden views, a communal swimming pool, a fully equipped kitchen, a terrace and is just 4.4km from the La Cala golf course.

2. Villas: Our thorough research has led us to two exceptional villas in La Cala Mijas. 

One of them truly stands out, offering the best value for money: Bohemian house (The Keil house). This 300 m² villa can accommodate up to 10 people, making it possible to enjoy an unforgettable holiday in a private luxury villa for just £70 per night per person. There is no better deal for a 14-day stay in 6 rooms than this: £9,215.

Highlights of the Bohemian house:  

📍Location: 250m from the beach, close to La Cala Golf course

🪩Amenities: 300 m² , outdoor pool, private garden, kitchen, balcony

🏨Rooms: 6 rooms for maximum of 10 people, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, terraces with garden views

For families looking for accommodation in La Cala de Mijas, a 2 bedroom apartment typically costs around £1,850 for a 2-weeks-stay.

• These family-friendly options offer the ultimate in convenience, with child-friendly amenities such as cot beds and fully equipped kitchens. 

• Most are also pet-friendly and located in quiet, well-connected neighbourhoods, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all.

1. Unique Stay:

2. Highly Rated Listing: Airbnb Condo in La Cala de Mijas

This highly rated Airbnb condo in Mijas boasts a 4.83-star rating and is marked as a Guest Favorite. Accommodating up to 4 guests, it features 2 bedrooms, 3 beds, and 2 baths. 

Located in the heart of La Cala Golf Resort, it's perfect for golf enthusiasts and those seeking a luxurious stay in a natural, quiet environment. Just a 5-minute drive to La Cala de Mijas and 30 minutes to Malaga Airport, it offers both convenience and tranquility.

Enjoy a beautiful apartment with top-notch amenities and stunning views, perfect for a peaceful getaway or a golfer's retreat.

Direct link to the unit here. 

In La Cala de Mijas, you'll find a wide array of dining options to suit every taste. 

We've narrowed down the choices to restaurants with at least 4.5 stars and convenient parking.

Here are our top picks:

El Torreón is a gem! It's rated 4.4 stars on Google and is a Mediterranean delight in La Cala de Mijas, often referred to as "A classic in Cala".

This lovely restaurant has a gorgeous terrace where you can enjoy a cool drink and delicious seafood. Try the grilled octopus for €19.95 (~£17). It's the best! You'll find this lovely spot on the promenade with sea views. And the best part? Pets allowed!

Our mission to find a local favourite restaurant that would tick all the boxes, took us to El Olivo de La Cala, which is known for its delicious cuisine and inviting atmosphere. You simply have to try the John Dory served in a wild mushroom and asparagus cream sauce – it's to die for!

The restaurant is tucked away in a lovely side street (maps location) with plenty of free parking, so it's easy to find. 

It's a great place to enjoy a meal with a lovely atmosphere and a fantastic choice of wines from the bodega, as well as live music. 

La Cala de Mijas has a lively bar scene with options ranging from traditional Spanish cafeterias to lively Irish pubs and charming piano bars. 

Its proximity to the beach adds to its appeal, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the local nightlife. 

Whether you're looking for a relaxing seaside drink or a night out, La Cala has something for everyone.

You simply have to check out the amazing Johnny's Bar & Grill in La Cala de Mijas!

This lovely spot is known for its fantastic food and prime location, and it's so easy to get to with lots of parking available. 

Just a short, seven-minute walk from La Cala Beach and a lovely, leisurely 10-minute stroll to the Sendero Litoral La Cala de Mijas, it's the perfect spot for a delicious meal in a vibrant area.

Menu highlights:

Johnny's Bar & Grill boasts an extensive menu that goes far beyond starters and main courses. 

You simply have to try their amazing cocktails, including the refreshing watermelon cocktail and the outstanding Cuba Libre. 

You simply have to save room for dessert! Try the zesty lemon cake or their special brownie variation before you leave.

Customer reviews:

Johnny's Bar & Grill boasts an outstanding 4.9-star rating, with guests praising its cocktails, atmosphere, food, and top-notch service.

La Cala de Mijas has some fantastic beach bars. 

There are so many great spots, but some of our favourites are Lounge El Tropico, ÚNICO BEACH CLUB and Bar Lo Del Nanet. They're all super popular for a reason! You'll get amazing service and a truly memorable experience right by the sea. 

It's the perfect place to enjoy a drink while watching the sun dip below the horizon.

Just a 3 minute walk from Butibamba Beach, RetROCK BAR is a must-visit piano bar in La Cala de Mijas. 

Opening at 6pm and closing at 1am, it's the perfect place to unwind in the evening. 

Enjoy unique beers such as Samuel Smith's organic chocolate stout and challenge a friend to a game of pool in this cosy, lively environment.

Calanova Golf Club is the standout par 72 course in Mijas within Malaga's New Golf Valley. Its blend of challenge and beauty makes it a favourite among golfers.

The course's strategic layout encourages strategic play throughout the round, while the stunning views of the sea and mountains set it apart as one of the most picturesque spots on the Costa del Sol.

Membership Rates:

The club has special rates for members of affiliated Golf Clubs, including:

• Affiliated Clubs: Club de Golf Marbella, Torreblanca G.S., Club de Golf San Pedro, El Faro G.S.
• Calanova collaborations: Cabopino Club de Golf, Antequera Club de Golf, Valle Romano, Granada Club de Golf.

The Calanova Golf Club's seasons are:

• Low Season: Jan 1-14, Jun 15-Aug 31, Dec 1-31
• Mid Season: Jan 15-Feb 14, May 25-Jun 14, Sep 1-14, Nov 22-30
• High Season:Feb 15-May 24, Sep 15-Nov 22

Below are the fees for each season:

• Green Fee (Buggy included): £59-£88
• Early Riser/Twilight: £63-£80
• Voucher 10 GFS: £463-£547
• Voucher 20 GFS: £842-£1010
• Member guest/Correspondence: £46-£71
• Green Fee 9 Holes (After 15:00): £38-£50
• Green Fee Junior 18 Holes:£34-£42
• Extra Buggy: £25
• Golf Set Rental: £38/day or £59/2 days or £84/week
• Unlimited Golf: £4,040/year individual or £6,059/year couple (all seasons)

La Cala de Mijas beach is a beautiful, public, semi-urban beach, avg 38 metres wide and almost 1300 metres long, facing south and south-west. 

Just a stone's throw from Buganvillas Beach and Butibamba Beach, you'll find WATERFUN MIJAS, where you can have a blast in the water for just £13 for 45 minutes between 11:00 AM and 8:00 PM.

The lovely Sendero Litoral La Cala de Mijas coastal path is just a hop, skip and a jump away – only three minutes on foot! It's the perfect spot for a relaxing, scenic stroll.

If you're looking for something a little different, why not try scuba diving lessons? A month ago, Izi and I had the most incredible scuba diving experience with Nic, our wonderful professional diving instructor. We absolutely loved it and can't wait to do it again – maybe next time in Gibraltar! 

We highly recommend checking out Nic's diving academy here for more information.

In just two minutes on foot, you can explore the 18th-century Watchtower of Cala de Mijas, declared a Site of Cultural Interest, which offers a glimpse into the area's rich history.

Our family loves La Cala Playground, just 200 metres from the beach, with a well-designed play area for children. 

For a relaxing break, head to Butibamba Park, a 6-minute walk away. This shaded oasis is ideal for a leisurely stroll or sipping a refreshing iced coffee under the canopy of trees. 

With these convenient amenities, La Cala de Mijas Beach ensures a fulfilling and enjoyable experience for everyone.

In conclusion, La Cala de Mijas is the perfect escape from bustling cities.

It offers a serene coastal retreat ideal for digital nomads and families alike, just about 25 min by car from Malaga Airport.

You can explore the historic Watchtower, enjoy the lively La Cala Playground, or relax in the shaded tranquility of Butibamba Park with a refreshing iced coffee, all within just a short walk. 

You'll never be bored with so many exciting activities nearby, including the WATERFUN MIJAS water park, scenic coastal path Sendero Litoral la Cala de Mijas, and exhilarating scuba diving lessons with Nic’s academy.

If you're looking for a peaceful getaway, cultural exploration or engaging in outdoor adventures, La Cala de Mijas is the perfect choice. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind, with plenty of activities to enjoy too! 

As a digital nomad family, we absolutely adore this hidden gem! It's so comfortable and adventurous! That’s why we just keep coming back to this gorgeous little corner of Spain!