Discover Mijas Costa: Sun, adventure and unmatched comfort
It’s that time of year when the days start stretching out again, and one realises just how done they are with damp pavements and layering strategies.
There’s a shift in the air – more light, a hint of warmth – and suddenly, staying put feels like a waste. It’s also the tactical moment for travel: early enough to dodge the summer crowds, late enough to feel like a proper break. Prices are lower, flights aren’t packed, and the beaches haven’t been claimed yet.
The Mediterranean is the no-brainer. It’s close, reliable, and still full of spots that fly under the radar. Everyone flocks to the same two or three names – Barcelona, Ibiza, maybe Mallorca – but there’s plenty more going on along the coast for those who know where to look.
Mijas Costa is one of those places. A 12-kilometre stretch tucked between Fuengirola and Marbella, it’s technically part of the Costa del Sol but doesn’t scream for attention. It leans casual – coastal paths, quiet beaches, small bars serving local wine. It’s not undiscovered, but it’s not overdone either. It’s close to the action for those who want it, but just far enough to properly switch off.
The beaches
Mijas Costa’s beaches are about ease. Playa de Calahonda is spacious and gently sloped, good for families, solo swimmers, or anyone who just wants to stretch out without bumping elbows. There are long runs of soft sand, calm water, and the kind of atmosphere that makes everyone forget what time it is. Over at Playa Riviera, there’s a more lived-in feel – locals walking their dogs, people chatting at beachfront cafés, the odd paddleboarder drifting past. It’s not silent, but it’s relaxed. These aren’t beaches engineered for selfies – they’re for actual swimming, for reading under an umbrella, for walking until the feet ache slightly. The chiringuitos are solid too: grilled sardines, cold beer, nothing fancy. Just what is needed, when it is needed.
With a wide range of holiday accommodation in Mijas within convenient distance of the shoreline, the coast stays accessible without ever feeling overdeveloped.
Charming villages and mountain adventures
Just inland from the coast, Mijas Pueblo offers a different rhythm. Perched on the hillside, this traditional Andalusian village is defined by its whitewashed façades, narrow cobbled streets, and bursts of bougainvillaea spilling from balconies. It’s not untouched – cafés, galleries and artisan shops fill the central square – but it retains a sense of place that hasn’t been polished into something generic. The air is cooler up here, the pace slower, and there’s a kind of clarity that comes with the altitude. Beyond the village, the Sierra de Mijas opens up into a network of hiking trails – some gentle, others more ambitious – cutting through pine forests and offering wide views over the coastline. Waymarked routes guide walkers through landscapes that feel unexpectedly remote given the proximity to the coast. For those looking to break up beach days with something more active, this combination of village charm and rugged terrain delivers. There’s history and geography in equal measure, both accessible without much effort but far enough off the main strip to feel like a shift.
Why Alfresco Stays is a perfect home base
Accommodation often dictates the tone of a trip, and Alfresco Stays has positioned itself as a calm, functional base that quietly supports whatever kind of holiday is on the cards. Their holiday homes Mijas Costa apartments are well-equipped without veering into resort territory – there’s Wi-Fi, air con, pools, and kitchen space, but no forced entertainment or corporate décor. Locations are practical: close to shops, walking distance to beaches, with connections to local transport. For longer stays or working holidays, the set-up supports flexibility. It’s not about luxury as spectacle, but comfort that’s consistent and considered. Families, remote workers, or groups planning mixed itineraries can make use of the space without stepping on each other’s plans. Morning swims, day trips into the mountains, evenings in – everything’s within reach. And unlike some of the larger hotel options, Alfresco Stays allows guests to dip in and out of local life rather than being buffered from it. It’s a base that enables both rest and movement, depending on the day.
Activities for every kind of traveller
Mijas Costa is built for contrast. One stretch of coastline might host jet skis and banana boats, while a few bays down, yoga mats and novels set the tone. It’s this mix that gives the area its broader appeal. Adventure types can head out early for paddleboarding, paragliding or hiking routes that start near the beach and wind into the hills. Golfers have several courses nearby – some known for their views, others for their challenge – while food-focused visitors can move between local markets, beachside chiringuitos and more refined spots inland. Families benefit from the flat coastal paths and beach facilities, while those travelling without kids have no shortage of places to escape into quieter rhythms. Seasonal events – like local festivals, night markets or pop-up art installations – add texture throughout the year, meaning no two weeks feel quite the same. Whether the goal is activity-packed or blissfully slow, the infrastructure supports both. The result is a destination that doesn’t push one idea of what a holiday should be, but quietly accommodates many.
The editorial unit
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