La Cala de Mijas Things to Do: Beaches and Days Out
Resort · Costa del Sol · Spain
Most La Cala de Mijas things to do begin and end at the water's edge. This Costa del Sol resort sits on a run of sandy beaches, with Playa de la Cala barely half a mile from the centre and Playa del Chaparral, Playa de las Doradas, Playa Marina and Calahonda all within about two miles. For British travellers, that makes it an easy place to spend a fortnight moving from one stretch of sand to the next. Summer highs reach 33°C in July and August, while April, May, June, September and November offer warm, gentler days for exploring. Below, I've grouped what to see by stretch of coast and noted which beaches work best with children.
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- Playa de la Cala lies about half a mile away, so the sea is a short stroll.
- Calahonda, around two miles along the coast, is the best-known beach in the area.
- July and August reach 33°C with barely any rain, ideal for long beach days.
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See tours & tickets (opens GetYourGuide in a new tab)What the coast offers
The honest answer to what to do here is the beaches, and there are plenty of them close together. Playa de la Cala is the resort's own beach, around half a mile from the centre, and it is the natural starting point for a morning swim or an evening walk along the sand.
Within roughly a mile and a quarter you reach Playa del Chaparral and Playa de las Doradas, and at around two miles there is a further cluster: Calahonda, Playa Marina and Playa Naturista de Playamarina. Having six beaches within this distance means La Cala de mijas activities can change by the day without ever needing the car.
Beaches by stretch of coast
Closest to the resort is Playa de la Cala, the beach most visitors use day to day. A little further, at around a mile and a quarter, Playa del Chaparral and Playa de las Doradas are good choices if you want a change of scene while staying within walking or short-drive distance.
At about two miles out, Calahonda is the most widely recognised name on this stretch and a popular pick for anyone asking about the best beaches near La Cala de Mijas. Playa Marina sits at a similar distance, as does Playa Naturista de Playamarina, which, as its name indicates, is a naturist beach, so worth knowing about before you set off.
Days out with children
Families will find the short distances the biggest advantage. Playa de la Cala is close enough for little legs, and Playa del Chaparral and Playa de las Doradas are only a little further, which keeps beach days simple and avoids long journeys in the heat.
In July and August highs of 33°C mean shade and the cooler hours matter with young children, so mornings and late afternoons on the sand tend to work best. Families may prefer to skip Playa Naturista de Playamarina and head to Playa Marina or Calahonda instead.
When to go and booking
April, May, June, September and November are the most comfortable months, with highs between 22°C and 28°C. April is especially dry, with just 8mm of rain on average. October is the wettest month, at 117mm over around ten rainy days, so pack a layer if you travel then. Anyone planning La Cala golf breaks will find spring and autumn the most pleasant for long days outdoors.
You can see tours and tickets for the area directly on this page, alongside options to check hotel prices, compare car hire and browse package holidays from Jet2holidays, TUI, loveholidays and On the Beach.
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Questions people ask
What are the best beaches near La Cala de Mijas?
Playa de la Cala is the closest, around half a mile from the resort. Playa del Chaparral and Playa de las Doradas are about a mile and a quarter away, while Calahonda, Playa Marina and Playa Naturista de Playamarina are roughly two miles along the coast.
When is the best time to visit La Cala de Mijas?
April, May, June, September and November are the best months, with daytime highs from 22°C to 28°C. April is the driest month of the year, while July and August are hottest at 33°C.
Is La Cala de Mijas good for families?
Yes, mainly because several beaches are close together. Playa de la Cala is about half a mile away and Playa del Chaparral and Playa de las Doradas are a little further. Note that Playa Naturista de Playamarina is a naturist beach.
Which is the wettest month in La Cala de Mijas?
October is the wettest, with around 117mm of rain over roughly ten rainy days, based on figures from nearby Fuengirola. March is also fairly wet, while July and August see almost no rain.
Can I book tours and activities for La Cala de Mijas here?
Yes. This page shows tours and tickets you can browse, plus hotel prices, car hire comparisons and package holiday deals from several providers, so you can plan your activities and stay in one place.