Calahonda
This is the longest of the Mijas Costa beaches at over 4,500 meters long and 25 meters wide. Since it is right at the foot of the large Sitio de Calahonda urbanization, it is a very popular beach, with ramp access, many beach bars and lots of activity, but it also has some quieter corners for those who prefer a bit of piece and quiet. This beach is perfect for the whole family and caters for sunbathers, scuba divers and fishermen alike. It is a fairly straight line beach with light sand and plenty of beach beds and parasols for rent and a good choice of lively beach bars for refreshment and entertainment. The west end of the beach is wider and straighter and quieter, nothing to do with it actually being in Marbella municipal district, the beach terminates with Cabo Pino Marina.
Riviera del Sol
This beach is clearly defined by the ancient watchtower which marks natural border between Calahonda and La Cala de Mijas. The beach is next to the Torre Nueva urban complex and it is somewhat quieter than the other Mijas Costa beaches, probably due to the rocks at the water’s edge. This is a very pleasant beach for morning walks all year round and is also frequented by those who like to snorkel or go underwater swimming and surfing. As well as the hire of such watersports equipment, there are beachbeds for hire and a Spanish typical Restaurant where have a drink, eat snacks, or fresh fish or great paellas, also there is a Beach Club with Balinese beds, natural smoothies, cocktails, bottles, besides enjoying a spectacular lunch or dinner, on the upper floor they have a gym suitable for all people. There is lifeguard service, showers, and it is very advisable for small children.
Butiplaya
Along from La Cala Beach is Butiplaya (sometimes referred to as Torrevieja Beach) at 35 meters wide and over 1,500 meters in length. Its orientation is southwest and, like La Cala, Butiplaya has lifeguards during the summer months. This is a safe beach and is in a semi-urban area, where there are usually holidaymakers or residents around during the whole year. This beach was awarded the Blue Flag in 2012 (but not since), for its high level of cleanliness and good facilities. There are showers all along the beach, as well as public toilets and changing facilities. The beach is accessible to the disabled and there is a parking area reserved for beach goers.
The usual beach beds and sunshades are available for rent, as well as lots of fun watersports from the humble ‚pedalo‘ to the more exciting jet skis, water-skiing and all the latest in marine activities.
Playa La Cala de Mijas
This 35 metre wide and almost 2,000 metre long beach, with south and south-west orientation. It is a lovely semi-urban beach in summer and winter alike, with a delightful promenade and plenty of good beach bars and restaurants. La Cala de Mijas has a village feel about it. The beach used to be called Cala de Moral. There is always parking somewhere. The Torre de La Cala fort adds interst.
There are beachbeds and parasols for hire, public toilets and changing facilities available, and showers at various points along the beach, as well as numerous public telephones.
In the summer period there is a lifeguard service and the beach is accessible to the disabled. There is plenty of parking, but it can sometimes become difficult and congested at the peak of the high season in July and especially August. The hire of watersports gear is in abundance in summer, but less evident in from the end of October to Easter, when the beach is quieter. However, a warm December day sees many Christmas holidaymakers and residents soaking up the pleasant sunshine after a fine turkey lunch!
El Bombo
This 320 metre-long beach is wide and curves round slightly into a large bay. El Bombo beach ends in a small (130-metre) rocky cliff which is ideal for scuba, snorkeling and underwater swimming. You can hire sunbeds and there is a beach bar for snacks and drinks.
Playa del Chaparal / playa naturista de Playamarina
In the next sandy cove oposite Urb Playa Marina is Playa del Chaparal. It is about 300m long and hidden from the road, which is a good thing as this beach was selected by Mijas town hall as their Playa Naturista (Nudist beach). A large blue sign by the road declaires the nature of the beach. it is now called Playa Naturista de Playamarina. It is actually a nice spot and a good place for snorkelling. There as a friendly beach bar which serves food and rents the sunbeds down on the beach. There is parking on the other side of the busy coast road and a footbridge to cross over.
El Faro
At the Calaburra point, El Faro beach has two steep rock face areas and over 1,000 meters stretch of sandy beach. You can see most of the beach from the main road. It is popular with underwater swimming enthusiasts. There is a beach bar and sun beds for hire. This is also a favourite beach for people who like to fish from the shore and you will often see the long fishing rods set up late into the night and tents set up for an all night vigil, ensuring a fresh fish breakfast. Like other beaches in along Mijas Costa, this one is kept as clean as possible with regular collection from the litter bins.
El Charcón / Playa de la Campana
This quiet 940 metre stretch of beach where you can hire a beach bed to enjoy a quiet corner of sun is just to the east of El Faro. There are litter bins, with regular collection, but it is always appreciated if you take away as much rubbish as you can to keep up the high standards of cleanliness. The beach is sandy and is south facing.
Playa Peñon del Cura / PLaya mare nostrom
This is a rugged, rocky part of the coastline and leads into the El Faro beach to the west. It is 195 meters long and is a very popular area for scuba divers and underwater swimming. The conditions are excellent for this type of sport, but it is always advisable to take safety precautions, using the correct apparatus and never swimming alone. The beach is well maintained and kept clean by regular rubbish collection from the litter bins available.
El Egido / Playa del Castillo
The beach which meets up with the mouth of the river Fuengirola (below the castle Sohail) is the Egido Beach. It is 300 meters long, with safe swimming conditions, a beach bar and the hire of beach beds. There are litter bins and the beach is kept clean and tidy by the Mijas Town Hall authorities.