Luxury In La Cala

Places to visit

Mijas Pueblo/Old Mijas (20 min drive)

Nestled amongst the mountains directly above the Mijas coast is Mijas Pueblo (Old Mijas). This traditional white village is situated right at the centre of the Costa del Sol, reached through a changing landscape of urbanisations, pine groves and hills. An old Roman ‘watch tower' village from which its inhabitants could see the much feared coast through which the enemy arrived, Muslim reign dominated from the 8 th Century extending the village defense walls, finally becoming Christian territory in the year 1487.

Donkey Rides
Donkey Taxis in Mijas Pueblo

Mijas Pueblo displays a typical Andalusian charm; immaculate whitewashed buildings, hilly cobbled streets, beautiful churches and wrought iron balconies with flower pots of cascading red geraniums. This is a village steeped in a tradition of art – Malaga being the birthplace of many artists and poets such as Pablo Picasso and Vincente Aleixandre and this is still evident in the ubiquity of handmade quality jewellery, pottery and paintings for sale by local artists.

Bullring
The bullring with Major Church behind, Mijas Pueblo

Highlights include:

Rooftop Restaurant
Mijas restaurant

Eating in Mijas

Since this village was first discovered in the sixties, many nationalities have made Mijas their home and the impact can be appreciated through the diversity of food to be found here. There are many Spanish restaurants and bars serving the traditional local fare including ‘gazpachuelo' (an egg soup) and pastries; ‘hornazos', 'bunuelo'; fried milk or honey cakes. 'El Mirlo Blanco', just down from the bullring, is a family run Spanish restaurant with a beautiful shady terrace serving such delicious puddings as 'leche frite' (thick cut fried custard squares). We personally recommend Café Bar Porras for authentic inexpensive tapas, on the corner at Plaza de la Libertad opposite the pretty whitewashed San Sebastian Church. Try and get a seat at the bar and you'll get talking to the locals. Owing to the magnificent views over the surrounding mountain range, many of the upper-end restaurants in Mijas offer al fresco dining from panoramic roof terraces.

Other mountainous areas of interest include the Alpujara Mountains, Mendoza Peak and Cabezo de las Cruces (both more than 1000 metres high).

Puerto de Cabopino (10 min drive)

To reach this small harbour and beach, turn right off the A7 to Marbella just after the Calahonda exit. Park at the top of the hill by the big villas, as parking can be tight in the summer months, or drive down to the entrance of the harbour and park in the hotel car park. As you come down the hill there is a small square to the left Plaza Los Javieres where you'll find a variety of places to eat and drink. Walk around the marina and admire the yachts but be careful not to miss the beach Playa de Artola which stretches beyond the upmarket restaurant 'El Puerto'.


Cabopino Marina

The beach is wide and sandy and the water calm. There are good facilities with sunbeds and parasols to hire. There are one or two ‘chiringuitos' serving fish and chips, pizza, pasta and ice cream on the beachfront but more formal eating can be found in restaurants on the marina. If you take a walk around the marina to the left past the boats and restaurants and up the stone steps over the bank, this path will lead you to another quieter beach Playa Calahonda , which is served by a further ‘chiringuito'; 'El Realajo', more Spanish in style. Please note that the sea can be rougher here as there are no sea breakers. Parasols and sun loungers are available.

Regional towns

Historic Ronda – The birthplace of the bullfight. 105 km from Malaga. One hour's drive.

Antequera – Great churches and architecture. One hour's drive.

Markets

La Cala de Mijas – Saturday and Wednesday mornings. A variety of stalls selling clothing, leather, ceramics, linens, sweets and spices.

Fuengirola - Tuesday at the Recinto Ferial ( town fairground).