SunnyCoast Homestays
Holiday rental management for owners on the Costa del Sol. Bookings, guest support, cleaning coordination, inspections and owner reporting. Based in Mijas.
Property
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
- Fuengirola line
Updated 11 Oct 2026 · Facts checked against INE and the padrón · How we check
Decide
Is Mijas right for you?
Who it suits
- FamiliesGood
International schools nearby (St. Anthony's, Laude). Safe urbanisations. Active family community. British clubs and activities.
- RetireesExcellent
The classic British retirement hub. Established community, social clubs, healthcare, warm climate, golf courses.
- Remote workersGood
Good broadband in most urbanisations. Growing community. Co-working in nearby Fuengirola and Málaga.
- Second-home ownersGood
Active rental market, especially in summer. Good property management infrastructure. Easy airport access.
- Holiday-rental investorsGood
High summer demand from British and Irish visitors. VFT licence required under Andalusian law.
Costs
What it costs in Mijas
Typical figures, each with its source and date. Prices move, so check before you commit.
- Typical rent
- ~€1,320 a month
- 70 m² flat, Málaga province average (€18.8/m²)
- Source: idealista, September 2026
Guides
The Mijas guides
The place
About Mijas
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.
Practicalities
Practicalities
Getting there
- Large municipality in western Málaga province, between Fuengirola and Marbella.
- Coastal plain (Mijas Costa) plus hillside village (Mijas Pueblo).
- Málaga Airport ~25 km (25–30 min drive). AP-7 and A-7 motorways.
- Cercanías train at Fuengirola. Buses connect Mijas Costa to Fuengirola and Marbella.
Renting and buying
Active mid-to-upper market. Wide range from €100,000 apartments in older urbanisations to €500,000+ villas in prime developments. More affordable than Marbella, more expensive than inland towns. Strong rental demand in summer. 7,772 British purchases in Málaga province (2025).
Looking for an estate agent, lawyer or gestor? Browse local businesses in Mijas
First admin steps
- Padrón: Register at Mijas town hall (Mijas Costa or Mijas Pueblo office).
- NIE/TIE: National Police in Málaga city or Fuengirola. Many gestors offer assistance.
- Healthcare: Register at local health centre after padrón. Hospital Costa del Sol for major care.
- Tourist rental: VFT registration required under Andalusian law.
- Language: Spanish in administration. English widely spoken in commercial and service settings.
Not sure which visa or residency route fits? Compare the routes for British movers
Map
Mijas on the map
Pins show the town, its nearest airport and the towns nearby. Positions are approximate.
Stay
Where to stay in Mijas
Hotels, apartments and holiday lets for a scouting trip, with live prices. Zoom out to see the towns nearby.
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Get help
Get help in Mijas
English-speaking businesses and the offices you will deal with.
Local businesses
Featured listings are paid placements.
Zenith Concierge
Buyer-side property advisory in Spain for buyers from abroad. We work only for the buyer, never the seller. Published fees.
Property
Tradupla
Estepa-based online agency providing professional and sworn translations remotely across Spain. No public-facing office in Malaga.
Translators & Sworn Translators
Town finder
Not sure Mijas is the one?
Answer three questions to see how Mijas fits, and which towns to look at as well.
Questions
Mijas: common questions
Is Mijas a good place to retire from the UK?
Excellent. The classic British retirement hub. Established community, social clubs, healthcare, warm climate, golf courses.
Is Mijas good for families?
Good. International schools nearby (St. Anthony's, Laude). Safe urbanisations. Active family community. British clubs and activities.
How much does property cost in Mijas?
Active mid-to-upper market. Wide range from €100,000 apartments in older urbanisations to €500,000+ villas in prime developments. More affordable than Marbella, more expensive than inland towns. Strong rental demand in summer. 7,772 British purchases in Málaga province (2025).
Which airport is closest to Mijas?
Málaga–Costa del Sol (~25 km); Gibraltar (~110 km)
Can you get to Mijas by train?
Cercanías Málaga — Fuengirola line (nearest stations at Fuengirola or La Cala)
How big is the British community in Mijas?
~7,626
How do I register on the padrón in Mijas?
Register at Mijas town hall (Mijas Costa or Mijas Pueblo office).
Compare
Compare Mijas
Nearby towns
Fuengirola
~10 km east · Larger town with train station, services, high street and more affordable property.
Marbella
~30 km west · Luxury destination with premium amenities, restaurants and nightlife. More expensive.
Benalmádena
~15 km east · Established resort town with marina, aquarium, cable car and strong tourist infrastructure.
Last updated: 11 Oct 2026