Living in La Cala de Mijas
Why move to La Cala de Mijas
La Cala de Mijas is the perfect combination of affordable eating and drinking and blue flag beach.
Until the 1960’s La Cala de Mijas was a tiny fishing village hosting a few houses and a local church. With the influx of tourists came the apartment buildings that now stretch down the twelve kilometres of the Mijas Costa with upscale Marbella to the West and Fuengirola to the East. The town itself has a main promenade full of shops, international restaurants and community services. Although it’s very family friendly, like many places in Spain, it comes alive at night with residents and tourists alike looking to socialise.
La Cala Golf, Santana Golf, El Chaparral and Mijas Golf are all within the easy reach of the beach and offer excellent conditions for a round or two. There is a popular local market every Saturday and fiestas and celebrations throughout the year. The three Kings festival, for example, held in early January, is when Christmas gifts are given and opened. There is a street procession with the three kings on floats throwing sweets out for the local children. Nearby Marbella has a true 12-month season and offers one of Spain’s largest shopping centres, 15 golf courses, four marinas, 600 plus restaurants.
The town has a long tradition of sea views, with incumbent powers from the Moors to the Catholics using the location to look out for enemy ships. In fact, four fortified watchtowers remain intact around the town, including a recently restored Moorish example.
Property
Malaga province was among fastest province to revive after the 2008 crash, with 20% growth in 2015-6 and a 15% increase on that in 2016-7. Although prices are rising there are still good value properties to be found and less investment means fewer new developments in the area (so apartments with a view are likely to remain that way). You can find better for value for money if you’re prepared to move away from the beach to one of the hillside, inland developments. Nearly all the properties on offer are apartments, many in serviced blocks with communal pools and gardens.
Transport
With Malaga airport just 20 minutes’ drive away and regular bus and coach services running between the major urban areas, it’s easy to get around without a car. Catch a bus to Fuengirola and get a train from there to Malaga and you’ll arrive in just under an hour and a half.
Employment
Cala de Mijas is a town dedicated to tourism services. If you’re willing to travel, commutable Marbella offers more diverse options.
Health
There are plenty of medical practitioners in Cala de Mijas, from paediatricians to osteopaths. Marbella offers numerous clinics and hospitals, including the Costa Del Sol Hospital, within a short driving distance.
Schools
There are several bilingual schools in Cala de Mijas, the public IES La Cala de Mijas and the El Chaparral & Los Claveles schools covers infants through to secondary education. Many offer adult Spanish language lessons too. There are a further 10 international schools in Marbella and St Anthony’s College in nearby Mijas Golf.
Living expenses
Cala de Mijas is one of the most popular and expensive areas on the Mijas Costa and prices fluctuate with the strength of the pound.