Known previously as La Cala del Moral, ‘Bay of the Mullberries’, La Cala de Mijas is one of the many tourist resorts providing relaxing holidays in Costa del Sol. This former fishing village offers visitors to the region to enjoy its many delights, from beautiful beaches to historic sites – everything that the tourist traveller has come to expect from holidays in Costa del Sol.
History
La Cala de Mijas was only given its current name in the 1970s, to avoid confusion with the similarly named settlement just outside of Malaga. At the time, this place as still a small fishing village, typical of the Andalusian region of Spain. In the early days of tourism the place consisted of around 30 fishermens cottages, a couple of bars, an open air cinema and a couple of basic shops. Until the tourism boom of the 1960s, La Cala de Mijas made its living from the fields and the sea, in ways that had changed little for centuries. In the ancient past, the people living on this stretch of coast were subjected to regular attack from Berbers. Fortified towers were erected to protect them and the towers, dating from the 16th to 19th Centuries, can still be seen today.
Attractions
The four fortified towers along the coastline are reminders of the turbulent history experienced by this stretch of the Costa del Sol. Though the experiences of those enjoying holidays in Costa del Sol today can hardly be compared to the lives of those who lived and worked here over the centuries before the tourists arrived. The most modern tower is the ‘new’ tower of La Cala de Mijas, dating from the 19th Century. There is also another tower of La Cala de Mijas, dating from the 16th Century. Aside from these historic monuments, this is largely a modern resort, with all the tourist facilities visitors on holidays in Costa del Sol have come to expect and a range of beaches on which to relax and recreate by the waters edge.
Shopping
When it comes to shopping, La Cala de Mijas has a little bit of something for everyone. As well as the usual selection of shops and supermarkets, La Cala de Mijas also has a popular and lively street market which takes place every Wednesday and Saturday. There, visitors and locals alike can but a range of fresh food, local crafts, clothing, ceramics, pottery and gift and souvenir items.
Food & Drink
No one will be disappointed with the food and drink offerings in La Cala de Mijas as in this arena too, there is something for everyone. This is a relatively small settlement and yet it has a number of good places to eat and drink and a lively nightlife centred around a number of bars that are popular with expat locals as well as with the many people who come here to enjoy the Costa Mijas each year.