EAT, EXPLORE, EXPERIENCE, ENJOY!
Only the best of La Cala gets onto our list
Dining (and drinking)
Albahaca
A beautiful family owned Spanish restaurant. A ten minute walk and well worth trying.
Biddy Mulligan's
If big breakfasts and steak pies are your thing, this is the place for you!
Casa Barella
A lovely lively cafe for breakfast and lunch. Close to the beach.
El Gusto
One of our La Cala favourites. They have a great menu, including a great traditional Sunday lunch.
El Oceano
A lovely restaurant with stunning sea views. Fabulous entertainment. 15 minutes walk or a taxi.
El Olivo
A typically Spanish authentic dining experience. Enjoy the 'old fashioned' feel of this great restaurant.
El Pikoteo
If you're looking for a taste of Andalucia and tapas with a twist, this is the place to go.
El Torreon
A contemporary Mediterranean menu with fabulous views of the ocean.
La Canasta
This fabulous bakery and cafeteria is footsteps away from the Lemon Tree, so you don't have to go far for great for fresh bread and croissants as well as a cool cafe to enjoy a coffee
Pura Cepa Gin Bar
This is a very popular Gin Bar in the heart of the village, with the feel of a 'cocktail lounge'. Under 5 minutes.
Rose Box Wine Bar
A typical Spanish wine bar, which is literally a 5 minute walk from the house. A must visit!
Konfusion
This bar and restaurant has recently relocated and expanded. Less than 5 minutes walk for lush cocktails!
Legends Showbar
A great night out! They have a variety of tribute acts playing nightly. You need to book in advance as they are very popular.
Martirio Limon
Another relatively new Gin Bar. It gets good reviews in the village. Under 5 minutes walk.
The Big Fish
Great fish 'n' chips, either eat in or take away. The best on the coast! 15 mins walk.
Trattoria Angelo
This traditional Italian restaurant is one of our favourites! The food and ambience is lovely. Under 5 minutes walk.
Sai
Arguably, the best Indian restaurant in La Cala. It's only a few minutes walk but they also deliver!
The Terrace
Italian restaurant overlooking the sea front. The pasta here is great!
Pad Thai Wok
If you fancy grabbing a noodle box take away and settling down for a night in front of the telly, this one's for you.
Vida
Another lovely cafe open for breakfast and lunch where you can sit close to the beach and watch the world go by.
Days Out
Mijas Pueblo
Located just a 20 minute drive inland, this village has remained relatively unspoilt by tourism maintaining its Spanish charm and offers spectacular panoramic views of the coast. Wander the cobbled streets and sample the local delicacies. Every Wednesday the town hall puts on a popular flamenco show at midday in the main square. And make sure you visit the world's smallest chocolate factory, where you can make your own chocolate. Our children love their workshop!
Malaga City
In the capital, you can do a million things. You could visit the port and walk along the promenade where you will find shops and restaurants. You can visit the cathedral or the Roman theater. You could go to Gibralfaro and enjoy one of the best views in Málaga. You could go to Larios Street for a stroll and maybe a bite to eat. Or you could just go to one of the many museums on offer: Picasso museum, Thyseen museum, Pompidou museum, etc.
Marbella Old Town
A twenty minute taxi ride away, this old neighborhood is full of romance, with narrow winding cobblestone streets and quaint little boutiques and shops. We enjoy the beautiful cafes and restaurants to sit in and watch the world go by.
Caminito del Rey
If you want to add some adventure to your holiday, then a day trip hike to Caminito del Rey is a must. There is a combination of gentle hiking through stunning scenery, with the amazing suspension bridge spanning the gorge. The route is around 7.5k and is fairly flat. It normally takes 2.5 hrs and is suitable for people of all fitness levels and for children over 8 years old. An experience not to be missed!
Nerja
With its lovely beaches, scenic seaside promenade and astonishing fairy-like caves, the picturesque seaside resort of Nerja makes a wonderful day trip. Our favorite is the river walk up the Chillar river. It’s a great outdoor family oriented activity. It’s a 16km (there and back) walk, but you don’t have to go all the way. If you do go all the way, you will be rewarded with a crystal clear waterfall which is great for a quick dip in the heat. It’s well worth the walk, you won’t regret it.
Gibraltar
With tax-free shopping, impressive caves and the spectacular monkey-studded upper rock nature reserve, Gibraltar is definitely worth a visit. Take the cable car or climb up the steps to the top of the rock for some fantastic views across Africa.
Granada
Simply unmissable. A little over an hours' drive, you can visit one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in Spain. In addition to the famous Alhambra, there is the brilliant Albaycin district. Flamenco & cave houses sit in the Sacromonte district. And there's art and culture at every turn.
Seville (Sevilla)
Seville is likely to be one of the most romantic and attractive cities you’ll ever experience. Named by Lonely Planet as the best city to visit in 2018, the Andalusian capital is made up of some of the most enchanting neighbourhoods in Spain, such as the old Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz and the former gypsy barrio of Triana. Historic monuments include the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, an elegant bullring and a Moorish palace that starred in “Game of Thrones”.
Cordoba
Cordoba is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Andalusia, a melting pot of Islamic, Jewish, and Christian cultures with a decidedly Spanish soul. Its UNESCO-listed historic center is a pleasure to wander around, and so are the winding, whitewashed streets of the old Jewish quarter or its ubiquitous flower-filled patio gardens. Nevertheless, if you only have time for one attraction in Cordoba, let it be the glorious Mezquita, a stunning work of Islamic architecture.
Ronda
Ronda is less than an hour and a half drive from La Cala de Mijas, up a spectacular mountain road with lots of twists & turns. Enjoy the extraordinary bridge, the stunning countryside, the beautiful Old Town with it's white washed houses and see the Roman baths. It's a 'must see'. We should also mention the wonderful vineyards & wine tours.
Tarifa
If you like white sand dunes, kite surfing and horse riding on the beach, then you'll love Tarifa. Most people go there for the beaches and the water sports. If water sports aren't your thing, there's still a lot to love about Tarifa. It's relatively small, with a pretty old town with deifinite North African influences. We particularly love horse riding along the beach with our children during the winter months.
Sierra Nevada
What many people don’t realise is that Andalucía as a region also offers Europe’s southernmost ski resort, with great skiing from December to the beginning of May. This winter wonderland is just a stone’s throw from La Cala de Mijas and on a good day you can even see the sea from the slopes.
Shopping
La Cala market
Going to the market whilst you're on holiday is a lovely thing to do. The La Cala market is on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. It's a five minute walk and you can buy nearly everything. If you're looking for gifts to take back home, this is a great place to buy and really good value for money.
Miramar shopping centre
A five minute taxi ride will take you to Miramar Shopping Centre. It's big, with 106 stores, including Primark and a great selection of other retailers. There's also a wide range of leisure activities, including a large cinema, with English speaking films, plus cafe's and restaurants to suit all tastes.
Activities
Aquamijas Water Park
Just a 5 minute taxi ride away, this water park is a great day out. Wave pools and waterslides galore.
Selwo Aventura
This is a wonderful family day out - make sure you wear comfy shoes though, it's a bit of a walk.
SeaLife Aquarium
An aquatic adventure that will bring a smile to mums, dads, childrens' and grandparents' faces.
Aventura Amazonia
Ziplines and adventure galore for all ages. An unforgettable adventure throughout the year.
Quad & Buggy Safari
What a great way to explore the area and the 'real' inland Spain. It's a fantastic adventure. www.quadsafaricostadelsol.com
Adventure Golf
Test your skills on this 19 hole miniature golf course just ten minutes away from La Cala.
Bioparc Fuengirola
A fabulous day out for the whole family, with a variety of wildlife.
The Butterfly Park
Walk amongst the butterflies. Experience the 'zen' of this wonderful attraction.
Crocodile Park
We've never seen so many fierce looking crocs. Make sure you're there for feeding time.
Selwo Marina
Selwo Marina is a small marine park located in Benalmádena. Only park of its kind in Andalusia.
Go Carting
Just ten minutes away at the top of the Miramar Shopping Centre, this is a big family favourite.
Parque La Paloma
El Parque de la Paloma or 'Dove Park' is one of the most beautiful on the coast. Free entry.
