Mijas and Fuengirola are two of the Costa del Sol’s most popular residential and tourist destinations, combining stunning Mediterranean views, diverse property options, and easy access to Malaga airport. Mijas offers a blend of traditional Andalusian charm and modern resort-style living, while Fuengirola is a bustling seaside town with a vibrant atmosphere and excellent amenities. Together, they cater to a wide range of buyers—from retirees and families to investors and holiday home seekers.
Mijas and Fuengirola together offer an unbeatable mix of coastal and inland living, combining modern convenience with traditional charm. Whether you’re seeking a beachside apartment, a quiet golf property, or a character-filled mountain retreat, this area of the Costa del Sol has a perfect match for every lifestyle and budget.
Mijas and Fuengirola
Geography: Mijas is located on the southeastern coast of Spain and includes Mijas Pueblo (the hillside village center), La Cala de Mijas (a coastal village with a seaside resort), and Las Lagunas (integrated into Fuengirola). Mijas Costa refers to the coastal area of Mijas, especially Calahonda, Riviera, and La Cala de Mijas, combining inland mountain scenery with a peaceful coastal setting. Fuengirola is located on the central coast of the Costa del Sol, with 8 km of beaches, a castle, a large promenade, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle..
Known For: Mijas: Whitewashed village streets, artisan shops, and panoramic views. Fuengirola: Beachfront living, lively nightlife, a strong international community, and Bioparc Zoo.
Properties: The Mijas–Fuengirola area offers a unique combination of authentic Spanish charm and modern amenities. Buyers can choose between Mijas Pueblo, offering a peaceful, traditional atmosphere with cultural heritage, or Mijas Costa and Fuengirola, offering coastal living with beaches, shops, restaurants, and entertainment on your doorstep.
Amenities: International schools, shopping centres and supermarkets, renowned golf courses, public and private healthcare, and direct transport links to Málaga and Marbella.
Attractions: Mijas Pueblo: Donkey taxis, handicraft markets, stunning viewpoints. Fuengirola: Bioparc Zoo, Sohail Castle, lively marina, annual festivals and concerts.
Pros & Cons: Prime location between Málaga and Marbella, warm climate year-round, excellent rental and investment potential, wide choice of property types and prices / Busier during peak summer months, higher prices for prime coastal properties.
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Geography & Lifestyle
Mijas Pueblo is a picturesque hillside village with white streets, panoramic sea views, and authentic Spanish character. Mijas Costa offers modern villas, beachfront apartments, and properties near golf courses.
Fuengirola is a dynamic coastal town with golden sandy beaches, a lively promenade, a marina, and a wide range of restaurants, shops, and leisure activities. Its proximity to Málaga airport and other major towns makes it attractive for both permanent residents and holiday home buyers.
Real Estate Market in Mijas & Fuengirola
The property market offers a wide variety of options for every budget and lifestyle:
- Apartments & Penthouses: Sea or golf views, fully equipped with modern amenities.
- Villas & Townhouses: From traditional Andalusian style to contemporary luxury villas.
- Investment Opportunities: High rental demand makes the area ideal for buy-to-let investments.
Services & Facilities
Mijas and Fuengirola feature modern infrastructure and high-quality services:
- Healthcare: Public hospitals, private clinics, and dental centres.
- Education: International schools, bilingual schools, and local educational centres.
- Transport: Easy access via A-7 and AP-7 highways, local buses, and nearby train connections.
- Shopping & Dining: Supermarkets, weekly markets, tapas bars, and beachside chiringuitos.
- Sports & Leisure: Golf courses, tennis and padel courts, gyms, hiking trails, and cycling routes.
Attractions & Activities
- Beaches: Fuengirola Beach, Mijas beaches, and hidden coves.
- Historic Heritage: Sohail Castle, churches, and cultural monuments.
- Nature & Hiking: Trails in the Mijas hills and coastal paths.
- Festivals & Culture: Traditional fiestas, fairs, and music events throughout the year.
Pros & Cons of Living in Mijas & Fuengirola
Pros:
- Authentic Andalusian lifestyle
- Stunning beaches and mountain scenery
- Wide range of properties and prices
- Safe, family-friendly areas
- Investment potential and strong rental demand
Cons:
- Higher footfall during peak season
- In some areas, a car is recommended
- Nightlife more limited compared to bigger towns
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Mijas and Fuengirola good places to live?
Yes. Both towns offer a high quality of life, relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, excellent climate, and a mix of traditional and modern amenities. Mijas is quieter and more scenic, while Fuengirola is livelier and beach-focused.
Which is better for families, Mijas or Fuengirola?
Mijas provides a more peaceful environment with spacious villas, green hills, and good schools. Fuengirola is ideal for families seeking easy access to beaches, parks, and international schools. Both offer safe neighborhoods and family-friendly activities.
How expensive is property in Mijas and Fuengirola?
Prices vary by location and type. Coastal apartments start around €180,000, while luxury villas can exceed €2 million. Overall, prices are generally more affordable than Marbella or Puerto Banús.
Can I buy property as a foreigner?
Yes. Non-residents can purchase property in Spain without restrictions. Many international buyers choose Mijas and Fuengirola for accessibility, amenities, and rental potential.
Is English widely spoken?
Yes. English is commonly spoken in expatriate areas, real estate offices, restaurants, and shops, though learning some Spanish helps with daily life.
Are Mijas and Fuengirola good for retirement?
Absolutely. Both towns offer mild winters, a relaxed lifestyle, quality healthcare, and an international community, making them ideal for retirees.
What types of properties are available?
Apartments, penthouses, townhouses, traditional Andalusian villas, modern luxury villas, and beachfront properties. Mijas Costa and Fuengirola offer sea views, golf properties, and family homes.
How is transport and connectivity?
Both towns are well connected via the A-7 and AP-7 highways. Fuengirola has a train line to Málaga city and the airport. Buses and local transport are convenient, though a car is recommended for exploring Mijas Pueblo and nearby hills.
What amenities are available?
Healthcare, schools (including international and bilingual options), shopping centers, supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, sports facilities, golf courses, marinas, and leisure activities.
Are Mijas and Fuengirola good for investment?
Yes. High rental demand, tourism appeal, and property value growth make both towns excellent for buy-to-let investments or long-term capital appreciation.
Final Thoughts
Mijas and Fuengirola perfectly combine Andalusian charm, modern amenities, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. Whether you are drawn to the white streets and panoramic views of Mijas Pueblo, the golf and beachfront properties of Mijas Costa, or the lively beaches and marina of Fuengirola, these towns offer options for families, retirees, and investors alike.
With stunning beaches, cultural attractions, top golf courses, and a wide variety of properties, Mijas and Fuengirola are ideal for living, retiring, or investing on the Costa del Sol.
At Marbella Estates, we offer a carefully selected range of properties for sale in Mijas and Fuengirola, from modern apartments and penthouses to luxury villas with sea or golf views. Our team of experts will be delighted to show you the best properties and help you find your perfect home.
Latest properties for sale in MIJAS / fuengirola
Fuengirola Centro
Discover this stunning top-floor, south-facing apartment, sold fully furnished and ready to move into—just 100 meters from the beach in the very heart of Fuengirola. Set within an extraordinary residential complex of contemporary architecture and sustainable design, this home offers modern living at its finest. Spacious interiors flow seamlessly to generous terraces, creating the perfect…
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 92 m² Built
Fuengirola Centro
An extraordinary residential complex of contemporary architecture and sustainable construction, located in the heart of Fuengirola center. The concept of this complex has been thoroughly studied to offer all the facilities required in contemporary living, modern facilities, spacious terraces and excellent communal areas that invite you to enjoy the authentic Mediterranean lifestyle. Facilities include outdoor…
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 71 m² Built
