Mijas is a fairytale mix of Mediterranean mountains dotted with whitewashed houses and sleek Costa del Sol beach resorts. Living in Mijas gives you the choice to live in the traditional hilltop village of Mijas Pueblo, or along Mijas Costa in popular expat destinations like Cala de Mijas. Each place offers something distinct for those looking to relocate to Costa del Sol.
Mijas Costa, Mijas Pueblo, and La Cala de Mijas
Mijas is, in fact, a municipality in Costa del Sol that comprises three main urban areas, Mijas Pueblo, La Cala de Mijas and Las Lagunas. Mijas Pueblo is the pretty whitewashed ‘centre’ perched in the lowlands of the Sierra de Mijas. It is around a twenty-minute drive from the sea and preserves the traditional Andalusian lifestyle with a more local population. La Cala de Mijas, on the other hand, is located on the seafront. It is a small resort comprising traditional Spanish houses and new-build apartments with a mix of locals and international residents. The coastline where La Cala de Mijas is located is known as Mijas Costa and is dotted with residential developments largely geared towards tourists and expats.
Is Mijas a good place to live?
Living in Mijas provides a harmonious balance of idyllic scenery and modern comforts. The region enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate with over 300 sunny days a year. In the mountains, Mijas Pueblo has semi-tropical temperatures, with warm and pleasant winter days.
With its diverse areas, Mijas caters to a range of preferences for those seeking the right place to settle. Mijas has approximately 90,000 residents, a significant number of whom are foreigners, primarily British, Scandinavian, and German. This results in a well-established expat community with services tailored to them.
Mijas is also a golfing paradise, attracting many enthusiasts, and provides a peaceful respite from the bustling city of Malaga. However, Malaga Airport is only a 30-minute drive away, making it convenient for travel and visitors. Additionally, it is more affordable than nearby Marbella.
Is Mijas expensive?
Property prices can vary, with Mijas Pueblo generally offering cheaper options compared to the coastal properties along Mijas Costa. In February 2025, property prices in La Cala de Mijas averaged €4,050 per m2, while renting an 80m2 apartment typically cost €1,200 per m2. Property for sale in Mijas Golf is more affordable at 2,844 €/m2.
Overall, the cost of living in Mijas is not too high. The area provides a comfortable lifestyle with fairly priced amenities. A typical meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs about €50, providing plenty of options for eating out. Sipping on a cappuccino costs roughly €2, although prices may vary during peak tourist seasons.
Living in Mijas Pueblo
Mijas Pueblo is one of the famous Andalusian pueblos blancos, or white villages. It is a dreamy place with cobbled streets of white Spanish houses lined with colourful hanging flowerpots. Views of the Mediterranean Sea in the distance greet you around every corner. Life here is slow and peaceful, with a smaller expat community compared to the more internationally populated Mijas Costa. The Mijas area is also very safe, with a low crime rate and an active local police force. This makes it an attractive place to live, especially for young families and seniors.
Mijas Pueblo: restaurants
Though small, Mijas Pueblo has a diverse culinary scene, with restaurants offering everything from traditional Andalusian dishes to international cuisine. Local specialties include chilled soups such as salmorejo and ajoblanco, as well as fried fish and espetos—grilled sardines on skewers. The area is home to some award-winning dining establishments, and you’ll also find a variety of restaurants serving cuisines such as Argentinian, Indian, and steakhouses, among others.
Mijas Pueblo: property
The property market in Mijas Pueblo is diverse, featuring townhouses, rustic fincas, and modern villas with views of the Mediterranean Sea. Families seeking a more scenic environment, those looking to retire, and young professionals interested in properties with potential for value appreciation all consider Mijas Pueblo. The property market has shown notable fluctuations but is currently experiencing an upward trend. However, property prices in Mijas Pueblo are generally lower than those in the nearby coastal areas, averaging €3,351 per m2, with rent around €1,000 per month for a property of 80 m2.
Living in Mijas Costa
If you prefer being in the midst of the action and closer to amenities like shopping centres, then living in Mijas Costa might suit you more. This 12-kilometre stretch of coastline comprises various exclusive residential complexes like Las Farolas and El Chaparral. The pretty town of La Cala de Mijas and the more modern, commercial Las Lagunas de Mijas are also found along Mijas Costa. Las Lagunas area is an ever-growing community that is great for young families. This area of Mijas is popular with foreigners like Brits and Germans. This coastal tourist area is a good place to live for those who enjoy the convenience of urban living while located near the beautiful coastline.
Golf in Mijas
Mijas is a golfer’s paradise, with a variety of excellent golf courses, communities, and some of the best golf resorts for buying property in Spain. The area is home to La Cala Resort, Santana Golf, and Mijas Golf Club, all offering impeccable courses and quality facilities. With a strong golfing community, residents enjoy access to world-class amenities and frequent tournaments, making Mijas an ideal location for golf enthusiasts.
Moving to Mijas
The established expat community in Mijas provides a welcoming environment where newcomers can easily integrate and find their niche. Yet, property for sale in Mijas can be snapped up quite quickly, so it’s a good idea to start looking in advance if you’re thinking of relocating to the area.
The Mijas Foreigners Department offers a range of services to foreigners in the municipality, whether they are full-time residents, residential tourists, or visitors.
Free language exchange workshops are available in various centres throughout Mijas and Mijas Costa. Additionally, the area boasts several international schools, such as St. Anthony's College, the oldest British college on the Costa del Sol. Living in Benalmádena, a nearby coastal town, is a popular choice, especially for young families, due to its wide selection of educational institutions and attractions like Tivoli World theme park.
Mijas is also home to numerous English-speaking businesses, including law firms and home care agencies. For entertainment, venues like the Las Lagunas Theatre, Mijas Bullring, and Mijas Auditorium regularly host a variety of shows.
