The beaches of Mijas are among some of the best options for sun and beach tourism on the Costa del Sol. They are one of the lesser-known and more surprising destinations for visitors.
With nearly 12 kilometres of coastline, these beaches are characterised by their fine sand and crystal clear waters which attract tourists from all over the world, as well as locals from nearby towns. In addition, the sea bed of the Calahonda coastline has a large biodiversity, being declared as a Site of Community Interest (SCI).
On the other hand, the town of Mijas, known for its large municipal territory, offers travellers a multitude of attractions to enjoy after a day on the beach, with incredible scenery and restaurants that will amaze people with their Mediterranean and innovative culinary offer.
For that reason, people wanting to discover the beaches of Mijas and enjoy everything this beach and mountain town has to offer, will be able to hire a car with full to full policy in Malaga. That way, they can travel around its 150 square kilometres in search of the area’s best beaches and scenery.
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The best beaches in Mijas
The beaches of Mijas offer all types of services to visitors, from the hiring of hammocks and parasols to nearby restaurants and leisure activities for the whole family. However, depending on the visitor’s plans, they could choose between quieter beaches to relax on and others which offer a variety of activities to enjoy a day out as a family.
Urban beaches in Mijas
There aren’t many urban beaches in Mijas, but they are famous among visitors. Situated in the heart of the town, they offer all types of services to guarantee visitors’ comfort, in addition to leisure activities, restaurants or sports areas, which makes them the ideal destination to suit all tastes, especially if travelling with family or friends.
La Cala de Mijas Beach
La Cala de Mijas Beach is one of the most popular in the area. Stretching 4 km, this fine sand beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing and doing water sports like paddle surfing and water skiing.
In addition, La cala de Mijas has a wide variety of tapas bars to enjoy a meal or cooling drink. This beach is accessible for people in wheelchairs and has showers and toilets, in addition to nearby parking.
Information of interest
Location: La Cala de Mijas
The best thing: Quiet and family-oriented beach with parking
The worst thing: Difficulty parking in August
La Butibamba Beach
Separated from La Cala Beach by the Arroyo de Cala del Moral stream, Butibamba Beach is one of the most popular beaches among travellers to Mijas. This urban beach has held the Blue Flag award since 2017, because it offers all types of services so visitors can enjoy a perfect day with all of the comforts, even having a water park with inflatables for young children.
In its vicinity, you can find all types of restaurants in Mijas to enjoy the area’s delicious gastronomy. Additionally, in summer this beach is the setting for numerous evening entertainment events, including concerts and other music events.
Information of interest
Location: Next to La Cala Beach
The best thing: All types of leisure activities and easy to access on foot or by car
The worst thing: Crowded in summer
Calahonda Beach
The Calahonda Beach, bordering the beaches of Marbella, is a semi-urban beach ideal for those looking to relax without giving up the most sought-after services of urban beaches. Its crystal-clear waters and soft golden sand, combined with its moderate waves, make it a perfect beach for a day out with family or friends. It boasts the Blue Flag distinction, guaranteeing its quality.
Information of interest
Location: Between Cabopino Port (Marbella) and El Bombo beach
The best thing: Free parking with surveillance and option of catching the urban bus
The worst thing: Stone beach
El Chaparral Beach
With dark sand and a moderate swell, El Chaparral Beach is a semi-urban beach which, along its more than 4km length, has an urban area with restaurants and leisure options. It also has a quieter and more private area, with one section even being considered a nudist beach.
Information of interest
Location: El Chaparral urbanisation
The best thing: Leisure, quiet or naturist areas
The worst thing: Areas with houses very near to the beach
Relaxing beaches in Mijas
Travellers looking for a destination to enjoy the sea and sand in peace and quiet, far from the hustle and bustle of the urban beaches, will be able to choose from a long list of beaches in Mijas that are further away from the urban centre. Some have basic services and some are virgin beaches.
El Charcón Beach
This small beach is perfect for those looking for a calm and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for families. El Charcón Beach is characterised for its clean and crystal clear shallow waters and for offering basic services such as showers, bins, or parasol and hammock hire.
Additionally, it has a small chiringuito (beach bar) where you can enjoy a quiet meal or drink. In summer, it usually offers live music, creating the ideal atmosphere for watching the sunset by the sea.
Information of interest
Location: Mohana urbanisation
The best thing: Beach isn’t very crowded and is clean, with parking.
The worst thing: Rocky area in the water
Las Doradas Beach
This medium size beach usually has an average occupancy all year round, so it is ideal for those looking for a corner of the coast which is away from the hustle and bustle, with calm and clean waters to enjoy a refreshing dip.
This beach offers hammock and parasol hire, toilets and access for people with reduced mobility, as well as restaurants to enjoy a meal in the surrounding area. Visitors will be able to arrive by car, with parking in the area, and also via the intercity bus.
Information of interest
Location: Alcántara urbanisation
The best thing: Medium-low occupancy
The worst thing: No lifeguard service
El Bombo Beach
El Bombo Beach is a picturesque and quiet beach, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. With its crystal clear waters and fine sand, this beach with a Blue Flag and Q for tourist quality is the perfect place to enjoy a day of relaxation. There are also various bars and restaurants in the surroundings for those wanting to enjoy a nice meal or drink, in addition to all types of services for the visitor’s comfort.
Information of interest
Location: Next to Puerto de Cabopino (Marbella)
The best thing: Its own free car park
The worst thing: High occupancy
Algaida Beach
This beach is ideal for those looking for a calm and relaxed atmosphere. It has a small area of light sand and clean waters, in addition to areas of vegetation that add a charming touch.
Information of interest
Location: Algaida urbanisation
The best thing: Its own free car park
The worst thing: Crowded in summer
Luna Beach
This is one of the quietest beaches in Mijas. To reach it, visitors will need to enter via a small tunnel that will take them to the sea, so there aren’t usually a huge number of people swimming there. That’s why its waters are usually clean which, together with the vegetation surrounding this beach, makes it one of the most natural in the area.
Information of interest
Location: Next to Cabopino beach (Marbella)
The best thing: Green areas with vegetation and intimate atmosphere
The worst thing: Hard to reach if you don’t know the area
Playamarina
For lovers of naturism, Playamarina is one of the best options. Located near to Fuengirola, this dark sand beach is easy to access on foot or by car. With a private atmosphere, Playamarina has a nudist chiringuito (beach bar) and services like hammock hire. The clarity of its waters make it a perfect place for diving.
Information of interest
Location: Between El Charcón Beach and La Cala Beach
The best thing: Nudist beach with all types of services
The worst thing: Proximity to the road
Map of the best beaches in Mijas
The beaches of Mijas have options to suit all tastes, each with their own characteristics and personality. Whether you are looking for a place to swim, sunbathe or enjoy water sports, there is a beach for every taste in Mijas.
