Mijas is a scenic trio of neighborhoods, each with its very distinct personality, but all particularly picturesque, dazzling white and truly Spanish. Mijas Pueblo – carrefully preserved Andalucian White village – steeped in the old Andalucian traditions and customs , is layered in the heart of the mountains, with spectacular sea views, narrow streets between white walls with blue flower pots and local boutiques, cozy little restaurants and bodegas, a main square with regular flamenco shows, its very own plaza de torros and even a chocolate factory. Las Lagunas de Mijas is half distance between mountain and sea, an extensive, more commercial area, with some local industry and shopping centers, but still white, close to the Andalucian spirit and architecture and covered in green, purple red flowers and palm trees. Mijas Costa – with its central point La Cala de Mijas – covers 12 km along the coast, joining (from East to West) El Chaparral, La Cala, El Combo and Calahonda and takes in the two major urbanizations, Riviera del Sol and Sitio de Calahonda.
La Cala de Mijas is one of the original fishing villages on the Costa del Sol, a charming place with a restored Moorish tower, a friendly atmosphere and lots of appeal. From its small “fishing village” roots, La Cala flourished into a beautiful beach resort, with a population of 10,000 – mostly British. All the amenities for family life are here: schools, a health center, public library, post office, shops, a cultural center, as well as many excellent bars and restaurants. In the hot summer months of July and August, every Saturday night the promenade of La Cala turns into a fairytale: classical music, flamenco dancing, with the Tower bathed in light and the moon reflecting into the sea.
The area of Benalmadena – Costa and Pueblo – is equally reach in beaches and chirrinquitos, as it is in historical landmarks and unique pieces of architecture. It is home to the Colomares Castle, the 33 meters tall Buddhist Benalmadena Stupa – the biggest Buddhist temple in Europe, the famous Moorish-style Benalmádena Marina, the stunning La Paloma Park – a themed garden with exotic birds and Selwo Marina – a sealife park modeled around different locations in South America. The original village is Benalmadena Pueblo – still with a traditional Spanish appearance – where one can enjoy fine dining in picturesque squares and awe-inspiring views of the coast and across the sea. Having a lot of activities and housing options to offer to families with children, golf-lovers and people in their golden years alike, Benalmadena and Mijas are usually high up on the list of preferred locations for permanent or second home buyers.
