Mijas Costa
Málaga, Spain

Mijas Costa

Mijas Costa stretches from Fuengirola to Marbella, encompassing popular enclaves such as La Cala de Mijas, Calahonda and Riviera del Sol – with apartments from €180,000 and a stable international community.

Quick facts Mijas Costa

Population

40 000

2024

Source: INE (del av Mijas kommun)

Foreign residents

40%

Source: Estimate

Estimated Swedes

500

Stort svenskt community, nära Fuengirola

Distance to airport

25 min

Malaga (AGP)

Price per m²

3 000 €

Source: Idealista

Sunshine hours per year

3200

Average temperature

19°C

Average temperature

Lifestyle in Mijas Costa

Relaxed family life with beach and golf. Strong international community without being as touristy as the larger towns. Good schools and amenities.

Why Swedes love Mijas Costa

  • The La Cala charm: The old fishing village has become the favourite village for Swedes – cosy, flat and with a fantastic beach in the centre.
  • Close to the airport: 25 minutes to Malaga airport makes it one of the most convenient destinations for weekend trips.
  • In between everything: Fuengirola 10 min, Marbella 20 min – you have all facilities without living in them.
  • Affordable beach living: Compared to Marbella and central Fuengirola you get more for your money without compromising on quality.

🤔Who is it NOT suitable for?

  • Those who want buzz and city life (choose Fuengirola or Marbella instead).
  • Those seeking an authentic Spanish village (this is primarily urbanisations, except La Cala).
  • People without a car who live in Calahonda or Riviera (hilly and spread out).

Districts in Mijas Costa

La Cala de Mijas

3 500 €/m²

Charming Coastal Village

Families with childrenBeach loversFood enthusiasts

Pros

  • +Old fishing village with authentic charm and Saturday market
  • +Fantastic beach and promenade
  • +Flat and walkable – unusual on the Costa del Sol

Cons

  • Prices have risen sharply in recent years
  • Parking problems in summer
  • Limited supply of apartments

Riviera del Sol / Miraflores

2 800 €/m²

Popular & Residential

Year-round residentsRetireesBudget-conscious

Pros

  • +Wide range of apartments in all price ranges
  • +Own commercial centre with restaurants and shops
  • +Miraflores Golf – popular 9-hole course

Cons

  • Hilly terrain (car recommended)
  • Can feel like an "expat bubble"
  • Older buildings in parts of the area

Calahonda

2 500 €/m²

Established & Affordable

Budget-consciousHoliday homeownersRental investment

Pros

  • +Large urbanisations with pools and gardens
  • +Own "shopping centre" (El Zoco) with restaurants and bars
  • +Lowest prices along this stretch of coast

Cons

  • Very hilly – car required
  • Can feel isolated and "foreign"
  • Older buildings (70s-80s) in some areas

Climate in Mijas Costa vs Stockholm

2800

Sunshine hours/year

50

Rainy days/year

28°C

July avg

25°C

Sea temp July

MonthMijas CostaStockholmDifference
Jan13°C-2°C+15°C
Apr19°C5°C+14°C
Jul27°C18°C+9°C24°C
Okt22°C8°C+14°C

Property market in Mijas Costa

Price trend (5 years)

+33%

Steadily increasing trend since 2020

Estimated Rental Yield

5.2%

Gross yield for long-term rental

Tourist license

Possible

Generally possible to obtain a short-term rental license.

What does a property cost?

Average price ranges for standard properties in good condition.

Studio / 1 room
130 000 €-180 000 €
Apartment 2 rooms
180 000 €-300 000 €
Apartment 3 rooms
280 000 €-480 000 €
Townhouse
350 000 €-600 000 €
Detached Villa
400 000 €-2 000 000 €

* Prices are estimated averages and may vary depending on location, condition and view.

Attractions & experiences in Mijas Costa

La Cala Golf, Miraflores Golf, beaches, Sunday market in La Cala, close to Fuengirola and Marbella.

Transport & getting around in Mijas Costa

Málaga airport 35 min. Car necessary outside La Cala centre. Good roads along the coast.

The best of Mijas Costa

Golf

Flera banor

Stränder

Familjväänliga

La Cala

Mysigt centrum

Urbanisationer

Ordnat boende

Practical for Swedes

Travel from Sweden

Stockholm

SAS, Norwegian

Dagligen (AGP)

Göteborg

Ryanair, Norwegian

Flera i veckan

Köpenhamn

SAS, Norwegian

Dagligen

Transfer to the area:

Taxi approx. 25 min (~€40). Train to Fuengirola (30 min), then bus or taxi onwards.

Healthcare & Health

Health centre in La Cala de Mijas. Hospital Costa del Sol is in Elviria (15 min).

Accepts EU health card

NIE number & Legal

Applied for at the Policía Nacional in Fuengirola.

SverigeSwedish services on-site

Swedish associations in Fuengirola (10 min)Swedish estate agents in La CalaNordic shops in Calahonda and Fuengirola

Compare with nearby areas

AreaPrice/m²CharacterSuitable forRead more
Mijas Costacurrent3 000Coast, FamilyBeach life
Fuengirola2 900Town, BuzzConvenience
Benalmádena2 700Entertainment, MarinaHoliday
Marbella4 200Luxury, StatusPrestige seekers

💡
Tips for buying in Mijas Costa

La Cala for amenities and beach, Riviera del Sol for golf, El Faro for tranquillity. Check the condition of the urbanisation and its fees.

Watch out for

"Those who want buzz and city life (choose Fuengirola or Marbella instead)., Those seeking an authentic Spanish village (this is primarily urbanisations, except La Cala)., People without a car who live in Calahonda or Riviera (hilly and spread out)."

Location

RegionCosta del Sol
ProvinceMálaga
Airport distance25 min

Common questions about Mijas Costa

Mijas Costa is the coastal strip with beaches and urbanisations. Mijas Pueblo is the white mountain village 400 metres up in the mountains – completely different character but the same municipality.

In La Cala you can manage well without a car. In Riviera del Sol and Calahonda a car is strongly recommended – the terrain is hilly and services are spread out.

La Cala beach is one of the coast's best – wide, fine sand and Blue Flag. Butibamba and El Bombo are also popular. Calahonda has smaller coves.

Just 10 minutes by car. From La Cala you can even walk along the promenade (approx. 30 min). Fuengirola has a train connection to Málaga.

NIE + bank account → Find property → Preliminary agreement + 10% deposit → Final deed at notary. Total time: 2-4 months.

Expect around 10-13% in additional costs: stamp duty (ITP) 8-10%, notary fees, registration and legal advice.

On purchase: ITP 8-10% (resale) or VAT 10% (new build). Ongoing: IBI €200-600/year, wealth tax and any rental income tax.

Yes, a NIE number is mandatory for all property purchases in Spain.

Properties in Mijas Costa

No properties available in this area right now.

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