Costa del Sol location guide
Living in Mijas
From white mountain village to coastal life
A region with two faces: authentic Mijas Pueblo in the mountains and Mijas Costa along the coastline.
Mijas is not a classic town, but a sprawling municipality stretching from the mountains to the sea. While some buyers fall for the white mountain village of Mijas Pueblo, others focus on the coastal areas known as Mijas Costa.
Just this spread makes Mijas particularly interesting. Within one region you will find different styles of living: panoramic tranquility in the hills, residential coastal life around La Cala and international urbanizations closer to Fuengirola.
For many buyers, therefore, Mijas is less about one location and more about a lifestyle. You don’t just choose a home here, you choose a rhythm.
Why Mijas is so versatile
Mountain & sea in one community
From white mountain village to coastal life within one zip code.
Authentic Andalusian village
Mijas Pueblo with whitewashed houses and panoramic views.
Vast coastline
Beaches and residential areas along Mijas Costa.
Golf and resorts
La Cala Golf, Miraflores Mijas Golf and several resort communities.
20 min from Málaga airport
Central location between Málaga and Marbella.
Living in Mijas: zones and character
Mijas consists of several living worlds within one municipality, each with its own rhythm and appearance. From the authentic mountain village of Mijas Pueblo to the extensive coastal strip of Mijas Costa and residential zones around golf resorts, the variety is striking.
Some buyers fall for the character and views of the mountain village, while others deliberately choose the coastal life around La Cala or quiet residential areas near golf courses and nature. It is precisely this diversity that makes Mijas so interesting to international buyers.
The right choice here depends less on distance from the sea and more on lifestyle, orientation and daily living experience.
mijas pueblo
Authentic white village with a view
Set against the mountainside, Mijas Pueblo is known for its whitewashed houses, narrow streets and panoramic views of the coast. The village has a distinct Andalusian character and attracts both artists and international second residents.
The offer here consists mainly of charming village houses, small residences and villas in the surrounding hills. The atmosphere is quieter and more timeless than on the coast, making it particularly attractive to those seeking authenticity.
la cala
The lively heart by the sea
On the coast, La Cala forms the social and residential center of Mijas Costa. Here everything is within walking distance: beach, restaurants, stores and promenade. This compact character makes La Cala particularly popular with international buyers.
New construction projects and modern urbanizations have continued to strengthen the zone in recent years. For those who want coastal living without the scale of Marbella, La Cala remains one of the references within Mijas.
MIJAS COSTA
Residential coastal zones with international mix
The Mijas Costa area includes several coastal zones between La Cala and Fuengirola, such as Riviera del Sol, Miraflores and Calahonda. These areas consist mainly of urbanizations with apartments, golf resorts and vacation rentals.
Prices here are often more accessible than in La Cala itself, making it interesting for second homes and investors seeking a wider choice.
MIJAS INTERIOR
More spacious living inland
Further inland, you will find residential areas such as Mijas Golf and Valtocado. Here are detached villas and more spacious plots, often with views of mountains or golf courses.
These areas especially appeal to permanent residents who seek peace and quiet, yet want to stay within reach of the coast and airport.
Smaller areas within Mijas
Within Mijas there are still numerous smaller urbanizations, each with its own character. Consider areas such as Miraflores, Sitio de Calahonda or Valtocado, which differ in architectural style, location and target population.
Some areas are closer to the sea, others higher up in the hills with more space and privacy. This is precisely why it pays to look beyond the name Mijas.
For many buyers, the right match is in those nuances between views, accessibility and pace of living.
Lifestyle in Mijas: between mountains and sea
Quieter than Marbella, more versatile than many buyers expect
Mijas combines different rhythms of life within one region. In the mountains, tranquility and views prevail, while the coastal zones have a more international and lively character.
That combination makes the region particularly attractive to buyers seeking flexibility. You can live in an authentic village setting and still be by the sea within twenty minutes, or choose coastal living with quick access to Málaga and the airport.
For many international buyers, therein lies precisely the appeal: a broader lifestyle choice within a single zip code.
Real estate in Mijas: broad market with lots of nuance
The real estate market in Mijas is remarkably diverse. Whereas Mijas Pueblo offers mostly charm and character, on the coast modern apartments and resort-like urbanizations dominate. That variety creates a wider price range than in many other parts of the Costa del Sol.That spread makes Mijas interesting for both second homes and investments, with price levels varying widely between coastal, village and hillside zones.
For second homes, Mijas has been popular with Belgian and Dutch buyers for years, partly due to its accessibility and climate. At the same time, certain areas, such as La Cala, remain stronger in price due to scarcity and location.
For buyers who want to look outside the most exclusive hotspots, Mijas often offers an interesting balance between quality of life and budget.
Find out which place on the Costa del Sol suits you
Every buyer starts from a different rhythm, budget and view of the future. That’s why we don’t start with homes, but with insight. With our lifestyle check you will discover which region on the Costa del Sol really suits you, from Estepona to Málaga and beyond.
Those who start from lifestyle rather than supply tend to make the most sustainable choices.
