HOLIDAY VILLAS ON THE COSTA DEL SOL
TO RENT FOR A LUXURY HOLIDAY

The Mijas municipal district extends from the foothills of Sierra de Mijas all the way to the coast, divided into three main areas: the mountain village of Mijas Pueblo, the coastal strip of Mijas Costa, and Las Lagunas, the modern commercial side of town. Mijas Pueblo is a traditional Andalusian village with charming squares and historical buildings such as the resplendent 17^th century chapel of San Sebastián, the atmospheric 16^th century Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña carved into the rock, and the picturesque Plaza de Toros, reportedly the smallest bullring in Spain. Don’t miss the less-visited neighbourhood of Barrio Santa Ana, with its beautiful little Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios on Plaza de los Siete Caños, a typical white Andalusian village square that has remained unchanged for decades.

For an insight into the Andalusian rustic way of life, the Museo Histórico-Etnológico has twelve brilliantly set out rooms displaying agricultural and artisan tools and trades, household objects, two old olive mills, a bakery, a beautiful plant-filled patio and a wine cellar. And for a museum with a difference, pay a visit to the Carromato de Mijas, a museum of miniatures collected over forty years by the Spanish-born “Professor Max” during his travels, displaying over 300 weird and wonderful exhibits, including Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper painted on a grain of rice! If you’re a fan of Picasso or Dalí, the CAC Mijas contemporary art museum is for you, with a floor dedicated to each artist; it also has the second largest ceramics collection by Picasso in the world. All these sites can be travelled to using an alternative mode of transport: you could hail a “burro-taxi” – a donkey-drawn cart or just the donkey’s back – or rent a 100% electric-powered tuk-tuk.

Mijas Costa is a 12km stretch of coastline boasting several beautiful beaches, including Playa Calahonda and the lovely semi-urban La Cala de Mijas, with excellent facilities and many water sports on offer. Las Lagunas is for shopping, sports and culture, with a modern and versatile theatre proposing a varied calendar of cultural events. The Mijas golf valley is home to excellent clubs, including Calanova and La Cala, which is the largest golf complex in the area. For nature lovers, there are some stunning walking routes around the Mijas mountains; from Mijas Pueblo, seasoned hikers can take the Pico de Mijas trail, a 14.5km circular route to the highest peak towering 1,150 metres above the village.

Mijas Pueblo has a flourishing arts and crafts scene, with many annual festivals and events that celebrate its cultural heritage. The “Vivemijas de Noche” is a varied programme of events held throughout July and August; the 4-day Festival de Teatro puts on performances at the open-air Municipal auditorium in July; the Virgen de la Peña pilgrimage is a major event honouring the town’s patron saint on the 15^th of August; and the 5-day Feria de Mijas in September rounds off the summer festivities. Kids will love the Aquamijas water park in Mijas Costa and will go choco-loco for the Mayan Monkey Mijas chocolate factory in Mijas Pueblo, where they (and you!) can learn about the origins of cacao and the world of chocolate, sample their delicious ethically sourced artisan chocolates, or try out their chocolate-making workshops.

Just 15km east of Mijas, Benalmádena is nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra de Mijas mountain range and, like Mijas, is divided into three main areas: Benalmádena Pueblo, Benalmádena Costa, and Arroyo de la Miel, the commercial and residential area. Another perfect example of an Andalusian white-washed village, Mijas Pueblo is steeped in history dating back to the Bronze Age, with highlights including the lovely 17^th century Santo Domingo church – the oldest in the municipality with its lush Jardines del Muro gardens – and the Castillo Monumento de Colomares, an intricately carved stone castle-monument dedicated to Christopher Colombus, which holds the Guinness World Record for the smallest church in the world.

With 10km of coastline and several Blue Flag awards, Benalmádena Costa has a beach for everyone: the popular promenade-lined Playa Malapesquera, Santa Ana and Arollo de la Miel with their excellent facilities, Playa Bonita with its two sheltered coves and swimming pool, the palm-backed Playa de La Viborilla and nearby secluded coves, and even a naturist beach Playa Benalnatura. The 1,100-berth Puerto Marina is an award-winning port, named “best marina in the world” in 1995 and 1997 for its outstanding facilities and unique architecture, and since 1987 it has consistently been awarded the Blue flag. With over 50 restaurants, countless cafés and bars, shops, a nautical centre, and numerous nightlife venues, the marina is a lively hub for social and sporting life in Benalmádena. It’s also a paradise for kids with Sea Life aquarium, and Prison Island and Laser Island entertainment centres, as well as Selwo Marina park, just a short drive away. For unrivalled views of the Mediterranean and surrounding countryside, step into the Teleférico Benalmádena, a cable car that will whisk you the three kilometres from the coast to Monte Calamorro at 800 metres above sea level. From there you can continue the adventure with equestrian and bird of prey shows, or a hike or bike ride. Benalmádena’s annual festivals and events include the week-long Feria de San Juan in June, the Benalfest music festival in October, the FICCAB International short film and alternative film festival in November and the Festival Internacional de la Navidad fair in December, celebrating Christmas traditions from different countries and cultures throughout the world.

Located between Benalmádena and Málaga, Torremolinos is a popular seaside resort known for its beaches and vibrant nightlife. In the 1920s and 1930s, several wealthy families chose to have their summer residences built in the area. Subsequently, hotels started to spring up, including the iconic 5-star Hotel Pez Espada in 1959, which became the hub of glamorous events and famous guests. Torremolinos was the first town on the Costa del Sol to be extensively developed, transforming it into the bustling tourist centre it is today. The original village still retains some elements of its traditional Andalusian heritage, including the quaint 18^th century neo-classical San Miguel ArcángeI church and the 14^th century Torre de Pimentel watchtower. The beautiful Casa de los Navajas, built in 1925 in Neo-Mudéjar style, stands out magnificently above the town’s modern architecture.

Torremolinos has 8km of beaches joined by a pretty promenade lined with restaurants and offering a wide range of water and beach sports and leisure activities. The central Playa del Bajondillo and Playa de la Carihuela to the west are separated by a natural landmark known as El Morro or Punta de Torremolinos; and to the east, Playamar and Playa los Alamos are popular with the younger cosmopolitan set for their beach clubs and buzzing nightlife. The charming neighbourhoods of El Bajadillo and La Carihuela offer a more traditional village atmosphere, with narrow streets such as Cuesta del Tajo, with its pretty mosaic-tiled floors, flower-filled balconies, bodegas and tapas bars emblematic of Andalusian life. Parque de la Batería is considered the “green lung” of Torremolinos, covering 74,000 square metres in a prime location above the town, with a large artificial lake with fountains and paddle boat rental, a 15m-high observation tower, a small amphitheatre, gardens with over a thousand trees of 25 different species, and great vistas. Molino de Inca botanical gardens are a tranquil oasis barely two kilometres from the town centre, with over a thousand plant species, water features, a gorgeous Japanese garden, and even a replica of the old mill; it’s also home to twelve bird species, including owls, hawks and eagles.

For mountain bikers and hikers, the foothills above Torremolinos comprise a network of trails running through dense pine forests leading to several viewpoints offering some of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Costa del Sol, including La Cañada del Lobo (Wolf’s glen) complete with a statue of a howling wolf. Back in town, the Ruta de los Murales is an initiative started in 2022, with street art gracing many of the town’s walls and buildings, including paintings of stars such as Frank Sinatra and Brigitte Bardot, and artists like Dalí and Picasso and other celebrities who have a connection with the town. Torremolinos’ Príncipe de Asturias Municipal Auditorium is the largest in Andalucía, regularly putting on concerts, ballets and other cultural events. For kids there’s Aqualand Torremolinos, one of the largest water parks in Spain, and next door at Crocodile Park, they’ll get the chance to meet these present-day dinosaurs alongside other reptiles and even pet the baby crocs! Like the rest of the Costa del Sol, Torremolinos hosts various annual cultural festivals and events, including the Torremolinos Carnival in February, the 4-day Feria de San Miguel and the long-standing Flamenco Festival in September.

Once a simple fishing village, Marbella has become a glamorous cosmopolitan city, attracting jet-setters, celebrities and wealthy vacationers from all over the world. But Marbella remains a city of contrasts. The picture-postcard historic quarter represents the authentic Marbella, with its pretty white-washed buildings and narrow cobblestone streets, inviting Andalusian squares and diverse architectural styles. Marbella’s glamorous side is epitomised by the famous Golden Mile and Puerto Banús marina, with its luxury yachts, high-end restaurants, and designer boutiques, as well as its prestigious gated developments such as Nueva Andalucía and Los Monteros on the coast, and Sierra Blanca and La Zagaleta in the hills.

Marbella’s 27km of coastline has no less than 24 glorious beaches dotted with chic beach clubs and chiringuitos providing refreshment and entertainment, as well as many water sports and sea-based activities. It’s no surprise that Marbella is considered one of the most desirable golf destinations in the world, with ten of the Costa del Sol’s 70 golf clubs located here, most with championship courses designed by celebrated architects. Marbella is also a paradise for nature lovers, with the stunning Sierra Blanca mountains providing the perfect backdrop for hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and other outdoor pursuits. Marbella’s vibrant cultural scene encompasses religious celebrations, and national and international events including regattas, motor shows, music and food festivals. Marbella Arena, the former bullring, also puts on musical, theatrical and sporting events throughout the year. Art lovers can admire the collections of European and Latin American works at the Ralli Museum, history buffs can visit the ruins of Villa Romana de Río – a 1^st century Roman villa with incredibly well-preserved mosaics – and architecture aficionados can visit the contemporary Andalusian-Arabic-style Marbella Mosque (also known as the King Abdul Aziz Mosque), with its beautiful gardens and extensive library. You can do a spot of open-air shopping on Saturdays at the bustling street market Mercadillo de Puerto Banús, next to Marbella Arena, but if it’s the designer experience you’re looking for, Puerto Banús has it in spades: boutiques galore line the marina with all the leading names in fashion and luxury apparel. Marbella is renowned for its culinary excellence and diversity; there’s something for every taste and occasion, from traditional Spanish tapas to international haute cuisine served at informal beach chiringuitos, cosy eateries, chic diners or Michelin-starred restaurants. Kids can take their pick of awesome activities, like Costa Water Park – a floating inflatable playground next to the marina – as well as animal and theme parks, karting and buggy rides, treks on horseback and so much more.

The municipality of Estepona is one of the largest on the Costa del Sol, nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra Bermeja mountains. This charming coastal town, aptly known as the “Garden of the Costa del Sol”, is a picturesque locale with wide tree-lined avenues, pretty white-washed buildings and stunning floral displays. Estepona is a place steeped in history, its beautiful Old Town dotted with historical buildings, traditional Andalusian squares, and family-run shops, bodegas and tabernas. With no less than 17 beaches, chic beach bars, a lovely palm-tree lined promenade with gardens, children’s playgrounds, cafés and restaurants, as well as a lively marina, and many cultural venues and events, Estepona has a lot to offer!

Estepona puts an accent on art, providing beautiful spaces for temporary and permanent collections, both inside and outdoors. Works by local artists are shown at Casa de las Tejerinas in Plaza de las Flores, which also has a beautiful patio and an exquisite stained glass window, and Centro Mirador del Carmen puts on exhibitions by Spanish and international artists. Three designated routes throughout the town showcase both Spanish and International artists: you can admire 40+ murals on the Ruta de Murales Artísticos, 50 sculptures on the Ruta de las Esculturas and yet more at the Playa del Angel open-air museum, and 40 poems – many engraved on tiles around the town – by Spanish poets and writers and international wordsmiths such as Shakespeare. Flamenco holds a special place in Estepona’s heart: Peña Flamenca de Estepona, one of the province’s 50 federated clubs, hosts its weekly Friday night Flamenco Gala and teaches this amazing Andalusian art form at the Flamenco Academy, while several other venues hold flamenco dinner nights. You can dig into Estepona’s history at the Museo Arqueológico de Estepona or discover its bullfighting past at the Museo Taurino, in the Plaza de Toros. The former bullring is also home to the Museo Etnográfico where you can gain an insight into the daily lives of Estepona’s past residents, and the Museo Paleontológico, which has replicas of Patagonian reptiles and original fossils from local and national excavations. And just a 15-minute drive northwest, the Dólmenes de Corominas museum is the setting for incredibly well-preserved cave tombs and graves from 5,000 years ago, as well as the magical venue for a host of jazz, soul, flamenco and classical concerts. Some of the highlights of Estepona’s cultural calendar include the colourful Carnaval in February; Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week), the Cruces de Mayo (May Crosses) festival, and the patron saint San Isidro Labrador pilgrimage in May; and the Noche de San Juan festival in June, where juás (effigies) are burned on beach bonfires. A jam-packed July continues the celebrations with the Feria (summer fair), La Virgen del Carmen pilgrimage, and Espeto Fest, three nights of free concerts on the main Playa de La Rada.

When it comes to markets, Estepona has you covered: Wednesdays are for browsing the 250+ stalls at the Mercadillo de Estepona, whilst on Sundays you can go market mad at the Mercadillo del Puerto on the marina, the farmer’s market for organic local produce on Plaza ABC, and the flea market at the bullring. Through the “Estepona Natural” initiative, visitors can find information on the wealth of trails through its landscapes, with highlights including hiking routes around the spectacular Sierra Bermeja mountain range and walking or cycling along the Senda Litoral de Estepona coastal path. And for a paragon of plant paradise, Estepona’s dazzling Orchidarium is home to the largest collection of orchids and tropical plants in Europe, boasting over 5,000 plants and 3,000 species! Estepona’s wide range of children’s activities include Fun Beach Park Estepona, the Pony Club at Escuela de Arte Ecuestre, and Selwo Aventura Safari Park.

Istán is another gem in the Costa del Sol’s crown, a traditional pueblo blanco 15km north of Marbella in the heart of the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, known for its stunning natural beauty, traditional Andalusian architecture, and rich cultural heritage. A stroll through the village reveals treasures such as the ruins of the 15^th century Torre de Escalante of Arabic origin, the 16^th century San Miguel Arcángel church, and La Ermita de San Miguel, a unique shrine carved into the rock 3km from the village housing a statue of Istán’s patron saint. The “Estaciones del Vía Crucis” is a route through the village displaying twelve crosses in vaulted niches in the facades of houses and the church; legend has it that during Lent penitents would kneel at each cross to repent.

Istán is famous for its pure spring water which flows down from the Sierra de las Nieves mountains, feeding the many fountains dotted around the village, as well as the Embalse de la Concepción reservoir which supplies water to most of the west coast. El Coto de Istán is a beautiful natural site with an ancient network of Moorish irrigation channels known as Acequias Moriscas that transported water from the Río Molinos source to irrigate the orchards below. There are several walking trails through this lovely shaded natural site, with stunning views you can enjoy to the sound of flowing water. The Fuente y Lavadero El Chorro is a fountain with seven jets, fed by one of these Arabic water channels. Embellished with brick arches and beautiful blue and white tiles, the lavadero was historically used as a public wash house and this tradition continues among some of the villagers today. Istán’s Museo del Agua showcases the vital role of water in the region, including exhibits on the Moorish irrigation channels and La Concepción reservoir, and a small-scale canal leading to a glass-enclosed pool.

Istán is known as the “Green Mile” or “Green Lung” of the Costa del Sol, with its rugged landscapes, lush forests, natural springs and breathtaking views. There are hiking routes for every level, from short and accessible circular walks to higher difficulty trails, including the challenging 5.6km (one way) Pico de la Concha that takes you to the highest peak in the Sierra Blanca at 1,215m. The Camino Rural de Istán a Tolox is a mountain trail that runs the 30km to the white-washed village of Tolox. Along this route, at 6.8km from Istán, you’ll come across the Charco del Canalón, a stunning gorge carved out by the Río Verde river, with natural pools and a waterfall. There are many viewpoints around the area, including Mirador del Tajo Banderas and Mirador de la Herriza II, offering amazing vistas of the mountains, the Río Verde valley, the reservoir and the sea beyond, as well as back towards the village itself. Just 28km northwest of Istán is the Castaño Santo (Holy Chestnut), an ancient chestnut tree 30m tall and five metres in diameter thought to be between 800 and 1,000 years old.

Throughout the year, Istán celebrates various cultural festivals and events that showcase its heritage and traditions. These include the Semana Santa celebrations in March, and the 3-day Feria de San Miguel at the end of September, preceded by the “Tomillería”, a procession in honour of the patron saint to La Ermita de San Miguel, where villagers congregate to enjoy paella, tapas and music. Two initiatives celebrating Istán’s culinary heritage are held every year in May, along with live music and performances in the central square. The Muestra Gastronómica de Istán y Día de la Naranja is a feast for the senses, with villagers offering visitors recipes passed down through the generations, washed down with freshly squeezed orange juice made from local orchards. The Ruta de la Tapa is the foodie version of a pub crawl: participants are given a tapas “passport” (“tapaporte”) gaining them entry into the village’s restaurants and bars to try authentic local fare.