La Cala de Mijas Beach
Playa de La Cala is a broad Blue Flag beach with calm water, a good line of chiringuitos and noticeably fewer crowds than the strips in Fuengirola or Torremolinos. Here is what to expect, what it costs and where to park.
Playa de La Cala runs for about a kilometre and a half along the Mijas coast, backed by a seafront promenade rather than the hotel blocks you get further west. The sand is coarse and golden, the water generally calm in summer, and the beach holds a Blue Flag rating most years. It is not a secret, but because La Cala de Mijas sits between the bigger resort towns of Fuengirola and Marbella, it rarely feels as crowded as either.
Top La Cala Activities & Tours
Playa de La Cala
The main beach stretches from the old fishing quarter at the western end to a rocky point below the Avenida del Golf. The western half, closest to the village centre, has the bulk of the sun lounger concessions (around 6 to 8 euros per bed per day) and most of the chiringuitos. The eastern half is wider and slightly less busy, preferred by local families who tend to arrive before 11am in peak season and claim the free spots near the water's edge.
The sea is generally safe for swimming. There is a modest swell on windy days but nothing that would concern a competent swimmer. The beach has lifeguard cover from mid-June through September, a beach shower line, and disabled access ramps at two points along the promenade.
Playa El Chaparral
A 15-minute walk east of La Cala, or a short drive, Playa El Chaparral is worth knowing about. It is quieter than the main beach and backed by a low cliff and pine trees rather than a built-up promenade. There is a decent chiringuito on the sand that serves a good grilled fish menu at reasonable prices (expect to pay around 14 to 18 euros for a main). Popular with Fuengirola locals on summer weekends, so arrive early if you want a spot.
Chiringuitos and Beach Bars
Where to Stay
Where to stay in Mijas Costa
La Cala has a solid row of chiringuitos along the main beach. Prices are a notch below Marbella: a cold beer runs about 2.50 to 3 euros, a fresh orange juice around 3.50 euros. Most serve espetos (sardines grilled on a cane rack over wood embers) from about midday. If you want a full meal on the sand, the chiringuitos at the western end tend to have the best fish; those near the promenade lean more towards snacks and drinks.
Parking and Getting There
Parking behind the beach is pay-and-display from June to September (typically 1.20 to 1.50 euros per hour, maximum 5 euros per day). There is a larger free car park about 10 minutes' walk from the beach at the northern end of town. Arrive before 10am in July and August if you want a spot anywhere near the front.
By bus: the M-221 from Fuengirola stops on the Avenida de la Cala, a 5-minute walk from the beach. Buses run every 20 to 30 minutes in summer. By car from Malaga airport: take the A-7 west and follow signs for La Cala de Mijas off the MA-426 junction; allow 35 to 40 minutes.
Playa de La Cala at a glance
| Beach detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Length | ~1.5km |
| Sand type | Coarse golden sand |
| Flag status | Blue Flag (most years) |
| Lifeguards | Mid-June to September |
| Sun lounger hire | 6–8 euros per bed per day |
| Nearest bus | M-221 from Fuengirola |
| Parking | Pay-and-display Jun–Sep (max 5€/day) |
| Where to stay | Find hotels in La Cala → |
Frequently Asked Questions
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