Mijas Costa area guide: expat heaven
Naysayers will claim that, should the UK ever develop a Mediterranean-style climate, the entire country would go into meltdown, almost literally. Beer gardens would grow while tempers shorten; lunch breaks would expand while productivity plummets; and skin cancer cases would go through the roof while the entire NHS system goes into meltdown from having to deal with millions of cases of sunburn, wasp stings and brainfreeze (that horrible sensation one gets at the back of their throat if they eat ice cream too quickly).
'But look at Gibraltar,' one might argue. 'That's part of the UK and that has a Mediterranean climate and it does just fine'. Ignoring the potential to dispute just how 'fine' Gibraltar is actually doing, there's some truth in that, although the strong Spanish influence that undoubtedly courses through the veins of all Gibraltarians undoubtedly helps.
No, to truly argue the adage that Brits just aren't cut out for life in a sustained hot climate (the two weeks of the year when Bournemouth tops 80ºF do not qualify as 'sustained') one only has to point to the example set by Mijas Costa, a truly British ghetto located in the heart of the Costa del Sol.
Alright then, maybe that's an ever-so-slight exaggeration. Mijas Costa is far from a ghetto; socially, commercially and culturally, the area is thriving, thanks in small part to the property boom that hit in the early to mid noughties, when thousands of British and Irish property investors and lifestyle buyers flocked to the area, pushing the expat population past 40%, the majority hailing from the British Isles.
The area of Mijas Costa includes amongst others Riviera del Sol, Calahonda and La Cala de Mijas, but basically, the swathe of land between Fuengirola and Marbella is pretty much Mijas Costa. As a result of the British and Irish presence in the region, the Spanish influences are somewhat diluted, but still noticeable, particularly in the new-build architecture. After all, a mock-Tudor mansion would look distinctly out of place on the Costa del Sol, so most private villas and large apartment complexes have stuck true to their Andalusian origins.
So too have the roads – where the driving is authentically haphazard – and dining out: Mijas Costa has plenty of excellent Spanish restaurants, where some of the best tapas and paella dishes on the coast can be found. With a varied nightlife, superb beaches, easy access to the neighbouring cities and an excellent sense of community, Mijas Costa is British expat heaven.
Golf is a big feature of life for the inhabitants of Mijas Costa. The Costa del Sol is renowned for being one of the best golfing regions in Europe, and Mijas Costa boasts four world-class courses within a short radius, including Tamisa Golf and La Siesta Golf Course. The climate and beautiful landscape make golfing a pleasure even for beginners, with the ever-inviting 19th hole at the clubhouse the perfect way to wrap up a round.
Along the coast, the endless beaches each have their own character, from the rockier, more deserted beaches to the east of the region to the more popular, softer and wider affairs that are located in La Cala and Riviera del Sol. Along the promenades of these resorts wafts the memorable aroma of grilled fish, freshly caught that morning and delivered to your plates with the minimum of fuss and expense, and the maximum taste. Of course, for something a little less, well, foreign, the ubiquitous Irish bars and British cafés serve up every comfort from home you can imagine.
Residentially, the peaceful streets and palm tree-lined avenues of Mijas Costa are surburbia personified: delightful homes hide behind high walls and shaded gardens; dog walkers patrol the streets; joggers pound the pavement and children ride their bikes in complete safety. The international schools in Marbella and Benalmádena are close by, and all other manner of amenities are easy to come by too, including shopping centres, supermarkets and sports facilities, including the superb Miraflores Golf and Lawn Tennis Club. Marbella's Costa del Sol hospital is also located conveniently close by, too.
In the evening, Mijas Costa's diversity of choice makes it a fabulous place for all ages. Children will enjoy the chance to stay up late and enjoy a pleasant family meal either along the beach or at one of the numerous commercial centres that are located all over Mijas Costa. Everything from authentic Spanish cuisine to Mexican, Argentinian, Oriental, British and Indian dishes can be enjoyed.
The Hipódromo Race Course in La Cala is a brilliant option for a night out, boasting a family-friendly atmosphere, live horse racing, large bookmakers and entertainment shows in-between races. Then there are the bars...there are plenty of bars; karaoke bars, Irish pubs, Spanish tapas bars, sleek disco bars, nightclubs and everything in-between – night owls are certainly spoilt for choice in Mijas Costa.