If you’re planning a villa holiday in La Cala de Mijas, Costa del sol this year, then here’s a little information about what you’re going to find.
La Cala de Mijas is just a 45 minute drive west of Malaga airport, and is ideally located between the bustling resorts of Fuengirola and Marbella. La Cala de Mijas is one of the few remaining traditional seaside towns where visitors will still find what you’d describe as a true Andalusian atmosphere. The word ‘la cala’ means bay, so it should come as no surprise to find that La Cala de Mijas is set on a sweeping bay. The pueblo was once a tiny fishing village. Fishing is not quite as flourishing as it once was, but you can still see the sun-bleached boats putting out to sea each morning in search of sardines and other local delicacies.
La Cala de Mijas is part of the municipality of Mijas, an area which includes Mijas Pueblo and Mijas Costa. Naturally the population has increased steadily over the past 30 years with the advent of tourism and greater access to travel, but the heart of the town remains typically Andalusian. Its wide attractive boulevard is lined with a mix of modern and traditional bars, bodegas, shops and restaurants. The recently refurbished paved areas have seats and shaded areas, where you can relax and watch the world go by.
The beach area has been improved recently too, and now boasts a paved paseo with pavement cafes and bars that are always lively and packed with visitors in the summer months, but retains the impressive Moorish watchtowers that now house the tourist office. There are also lots of beach restaurants and chiringuitos to choose from where you can sample the delicious freshly- caught sardines that are cooked on wooden skewers, or espetos.
Entertainment
La Cala beach hosts all kinds of entertainment during the peak summer months including open air cinema, music concerts, sea food festivals, Flamenco dancing and more. There is a night market also during the summer months. There’s also a galleon play area and bungee trampoline for the children which is located next to the beachside plaza.
Eating out
There are numerous restaurants in the village catering for all tastes and budgets. All restaurants are family friendly and children are made especially welcome. Whether you prefer African, Asian, Caribbean, Chinese, Indian or traditional Andalusian food, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Two traditional Andalusian restaurants come highly recommended: El Gusto and El Cortijillo.
El Gusto
El Gusto Restaurant on La Cala Boulevard serves superb quality British and Spanish favourites. Seafood and steaks are highly recommended and there’s a really great wine selection too. El Gusto is a hugely popular Restaurant because of their top quality Food and reasonable prices. It serves great breakfasts, a special lunchtime meals and snacks, early doors specials, and a Sunday all-day-carvery which is exceptionally popular.
El Cortijillo restaurant
This very Spanish Restaurant is situated in the centre of La Cala boulevard, and offers great food and exceptional value. Affectionately known to the regulars as “Alonso’s”, El Cortijillo is a family- run Restaurant with seating inside and out.
