Costa BridgeSpain Relocation Preparation

Mijas

The heartland of British Costa del Sol — 7,600 British nationals, established community and more affordable than Marbella.

Suited to: Retirees · Families · Second-home owners · Remote workers

Costa
Costa del Sol
Province
Málaga
Population
~94,320
British Community
~7,626
Airport
Málaga–Costa del Sol (~25 km)
Train
Cercanías Málaga

About this place

Mijas is often described as the quintessential British destination on the Costa del Sol. With over 7,600 British nationals — the highest absolute count of any municipality in Málaga province — it has the community infrastructure, social clubs and English-speaking services that many British retirees seek.
The municipality is large and varied, stretching from the whitewashed hillside village of Mijas Pueblo down through the coastal developments of Mijas Costa (including Calahonda, Riviera del Sol and La Cala). Most British residents live in the coastal urbanisations rather than the village itself.
For British relocation planners, Mijas offers a middle ground: more affordable than Marbella, more established than emerging towns like Estepona, with a genuine sense of community among long-term residents. It is particularly strong for retirees and families seeking a safe, sunny environment with English-speaking support readily available.

Explore Mijas

Healthcare

Health centres, hospitals, pharmacies, how to register, English-speaking doctors

Coming soon

Admin & Documents

Town hall, NIE office, empadronamiento, police station, gestoría recommendations

Coming soon

Housing

Rental market, buying, neighbourhoods, estate agents, typical prices

Coming soon

Cost of Living

Monthly budget, rent, utilities, groceries, eating out, IBI

Coming soon

British Community

Expat groups, social clubs, Facebook groups, where to meet other Brits

Coming soon

Integrating Locally

Spanish classes, markets, fiestas, sports clubs, how locals socialise

Coming soon

Daily Life

Supermarkets, transport, parking, broadband, banks, post office

Coming soon

Things to Do

Beaches, restaurants, hiking, day trips, seasonal events

Coming soon

Schools & Families

State schools, international schools, nurseries, extracurricular

Coming soon

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Last updated: 04/07/2026

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