Family Vacation in La Cala De Mijas On The Costa Del Sol In Spain

At the beach

Once a tiny, traditional Spanish fishing village nestled in a sandy cove on the Costa del Sol, La Cala de Mijas has grown up. The town still retains its historic center but has spread out to include excellent golf courses, modern villa and apartment complexes and luxurious hotels. Read on to find out more about La Cala de Mijas as a family vacation destination in Spain.

La Cala de Mijas Blue Flag beaches

Sail on a catamaran

One major attraction is the almost four-mile Boardwalk, taking strollers from La Cala all the way to Cabopino Beach. Those who dare to walk the entire Boardwalk can catch a taxi or public transport bus back to La Cala.

The well-kept sand is backed by a number of chiringuitos (beach bars and restaurants), each with its own piece of beach. Visitors can settle down on a sunbed under a thatched parasol and enjoy a day at the beach. Meanwhile, various small catamarans are available to take visitors out on the blue Mediterranean Sea. Alternatively, there is an option to hire a paddleboard to go out on the water.

Lifeguard station and accessible beach

During the spring and summer months, lifeguards have stations all along the beach. For those traveling with elderly or disabled family members, there is a specially adapted beach, with shaded loungers and easier access to the water.

In the town square next to the beach, there are a number of restaurants and bars, as well as souvenir and beachwear shops. Those looking for cooling ice creams will find plenty of options close to the beach and further into the town center.

Traditional town center

With all the modern developments in La Cala, strolling the streets of the traditional town center stands in beautiful contrast. The narrow, one-lane streets feature colorful flowering plants, regularly maintained by the local municipality. Unlike some of the larger Costa del Sol resorts, here the locals are friendly and always happy to welcome you to their town.

While the small town doesn’t have a huge array of shops, visitors will find all the popular supermarkets here, including Mercadona, Carrefour Market, Aldi and Lidl.

El Torreon, La Cala

El Torreon

However, the town’s history goes back to Moorish times, with a fascinating tower, located in the town square on the beachfront. The tower has been beautifully restored and now stands as a museum, offering the small town’s history. Meanwhile, the fortification, along with various smaller towers along the coast, protected the Moors from incoming attacks. Nowadays, it is a fun visit for the kids.

Climbing the narrow stairway takes visitors to the tower’s roof, which offers spectacular views across the town, the sea and the surrounding mountains. On a clear day with no haze, it is even possible to see the Rif Mountains of Morocco across the Mediterranean Sea.

Dining in La Cala

El Tropico chirinquito and beach

When it comes to restaurants, La Cala has become famous for its incredible choice of eateries. Here, you can enjoy the traditional Spanish cuisine at restaurants and chiringuitos (beach restaurants/bars). However, there is a choice of international cuisine, including Indian, Thai, Chinese, French, Italian flavors and more.

A fairly recent addition is Unico Beach Club, right on the sand and with its own swimming pool. Admittedly, this option is a little expensive, but you can relax on a day bed while enjoying ice-cold Cava (sparkling wine).

Unico Beach Club

Have a look at the extensive range of eateries on the town’s Tripadvisor page here.

Other attractions at the beach

Exercise at the beach

An outdoor gym is available right on the beachfront, where locals and visitors can keep up with their fitness regimes.

Meanwhile, La Cala offers plenty of fun for the kids, with one small playground right at the beach for the little ones. However, just around the corner is a more popular playground – La Cala’s Galleon. Here, the older kids can climb, swing, slide and generally have loads of fun playing pirates.