Mijas-Costa

Some slanderous comments mark Mijas-Costa as a real British ghetto located in the heart of the Costa del Sol; This is in actual fact restrictive and also might be a slight overstatement. Because Mijas Costa is much more than that; socially, commercially and culturally, the area is thriving, thanks in small part to the property boom, when thousands of British and Irish property investors and lifestyle buyers flocked to the area, though with the Spanish influence somewhat diluted, but still very noticeable.

The area of Mijas Costa is rather vast and includes amongst others Riviera del Sol, Calahonda Torrenueva, El Faro, EL Chaparral and La Cala de Mijas, but basically, the swathe of land between Fuengirola and Marbella is pretty much Mijas Costa.

Mijas Costa has plenty of excellent Spanish restaurants, where some of the best tapas and paella dishes on the coast can be found. With a varied nightlife, superb beaches, easy access to the neighboring cities and an excellent sense of community, Mijas Costa is an expat heaven.

Golf is a big feature of life for the Mijas Costa residents who can find several world-class courses within a short radius.

Alongside the coast, the endless beaches each have their own character, from the rockier, more deserted beaches to the east of the region to the more popular, softer and wider affairs that are located in La Cala and Riviera del Sol. Along the promenades of these resorts carries on the breeze the memorable aroma of grilled fish, freshly caught that morning and delivered to your plates with the minimum of fuss and expense, and the most authentic taste.

Residentially, the peaceful streets and palm tree-lined avenues of Mijas Costa are suburbia personified: delightful homes hide behind high walls and shaded gardens; dog walkers patrol the streets; joggers pound the pavement and children ride their bikes in good safety. All amenities and services will always be close by.

The Mijas Costa's property catalog goes from older blocks of apartments, villas and townhouses mainly located at the lower part or around the golf courses in the urbanization, to numerous properties constructed throughout the property boom period, some of them low quality blocks of apartments many of which built very close by or even above the toll highway and priced accordingly.

Mijas Pueblo

Mijas Pueblo or the Village of Mijas, often called 'The White village', can be found high on the hillside along the A-7 highway near Fuengirola, right between Malaga (30km) and Marbella (30km ). If you intend to visit a typical Spanish village, then this is the one.

Make your way up the winding, narrow road towards the village and see the white-washed houses arranged in tiers, clinging to the hillside. The road narrows as you enter the village that, despite its popularity with the tourists, has managed to retain most of its Spanish individualism and character.

All over the village are view-points and resting places, one of the most visited is situated close to the bullring, which strangely enough is of oval construction; Within the village there are many beautiful streets, that it would be unfair to mention any one of them, well, maybe one: "Calle San Sebastian", I'm told that it is the most photographed street in Spain. Tiny shops line most of the streets, all brimming with souvenirs. The local wares such as ceramics and leatherwork, jewellery and top paintings, etc…

One way to see the village is by the local taxi service, a donkey ride... For 10 € you can take a donkey ride around the streets, or indulge in luxury and spend 15 € for a small cart pulled by a donkey.

So many sights to see in this adorable little village, such as the Sanctuario de la Virgen de la Pena, carved out of solid rock and a tribute to the patron saint of Mijas. The shrine dates back to 1586 when an image of the Virgin miraculously appeared there. Mijas is truly picturesque as a post card yet within very easy reach from the coastline.

Properties offer within Mijas village is somewhat limited and actually quite dear, but for the genuine Andalucia lifestyle lovers' the perfect retreat is may there… Also, we find some charming urbanization of villas, most of them rustic style surrounding the village. A few kilometers out of the village, on the old Coín – Alhaurin road hidden below pine trees grove, Valtocado stands as up-market, tidy neighborhood with elegant villas boasting panoramic views to the valley toward the sea.