If you’ve done all the busy resorts on the Costa del Sol, like Fuengirola, Torremolinos and Marbella, it’s time to try a slightly more quiet and less travelled spot on that gorgeous coastline. La Cala de Mijas is perfect for a sun, sea and sand holiday. Originally a small and typically white-washed Andalusian village, La Cala de Mijas has grown into a great holiday destination.
La Cala de Mijas is located between Fuengirola to the east and the upmarket Marbella to the west and has a relatively small population of around 24,000 inhabitants. The town is dedicated mainly to tourism, but on a smaller scale that its neighbours and offers plenty in the way of excellent holiday homes and apartments.
There is a glorious stretch of golden, sandy beach offering every kind of water sport or just a comfortable sunbed under a thatched parasol for a day of total relaxation.
The beach is approximately 35 metres wide and almost two kilometres in length with a delightful promenade. To add to the attraction, the Torre de La Cala, dating back from the Moorish occupation of Andalusia, makes a stunning photographic point along the coast. A relatively new addition is a pleasant, wooden walkway along the beachfront.
For those who love the beach, this is a perfect destination and even better, for those involved in scuba diving or snorkeling, the sea floor here has a rich biodiversity, including a large number of African, Atlantic, European and Mediterranean species. This makes the area of high ecological importance and also of great interest.
While there are plenty of good restaurants in town, sometimes it’s good to enjoy a fresh fish lunch directly at the beach itself. There are several “chiringuitos,” or beach bars and restaurants, dotted along the coastline and the following are just a couple of highly recommended spots for a tasty lunch or refreshing cold drink.
Chiringuito La Familia is located at Playa El Bombo in La Cala de Mijas. The restaurant is only available for lunch and daytime drinks but has been well-rated by Tripadvisor members, who say that the sunbeds are waiter-serviced and you even get a free drink while using them. The menu includes the latest fresh sea food along with salads, burgers and even English breakfast. Of course, everything can be washed down with the coldest beers, cool drinks or an excellent Spanish wine.
Chiringuito Arroyo is another worthwhile visit, situated on the beachfront in Calle Torremolinos. The restaurant offers a wide range of snacks and seafood dishes, as well as an excellent barbecue. Many reviewers recommend their cocktails and of course they have all the normal drinks. Visitors can relax on the sunbeds offered by the chiringuito or bring their own and for those who prefer to get off the sand, the restaurant also has a pleasant garden seating area. Another reviewer did mention that everything here is freshly cooked on an open fire, so don’t expect “fast” food – just relax with a drink until that plate appears before you.
In conclusion, La Cala de Mijas is an excellent choice for your next holiday, whether in spring, summer or autumn.
