Calahonda Guide

Where is Calahonda in Spain?

Calahonda is a charming urbanisation situated on the Costa del Sol in the Málaga province of Andalusia. Located within the municipality of Mijas, it is positioned between the popular towns of Fuengirola in the east and Marbella in the west. This expansive residential area perfectly blends Mediterranean lifestyle with modern amenities, making it a popular choice for both permanent residents and holidaymakers.

Note: There is another Calahonda located on the Costa Tropical in the Granada province. This guide focuses on the Calahonda located on the Costa del Sol in Málaga, just 30 minutes from the airport (AGP), and which is a convenient destination for international visitors and residents alike.

What to Do in Calahonda

Shopping

Calahonda offers a range of shopping options, from local markets to convenient commercial centres. Every Thursday from 10am-2pm, the weekly market in Calypso Urbanization brings together more than 70 stalls, selling everything from handcrafted ceramics and leather goods to clothing, accessories, and traditional flamenco outfits.

For day-to-day shopping, the El Zoco Commercial Centre is Calahonda’s main retail and services hub, offering a mix of shops, cafés, beauty services, and essential conveniences. Across the area, residents and visitors are well covered for groceries, with Aldi, Lidl, Carrefour, and Mercadona all operating supermarkets in Calahonda, making food shopping easy and accessible.

Whether you’re stocking up for your stay or hunting for local treasures, Calahonda provides everything you need within close reach.

Attractions for Families

Families visiting Calahonda will find no shortage of things to do. The area features several clean, well-maintained playgrounds and outdoor spaces, including the popular Parque de las Familias, which offers modern play structures, shaded seating, and safe areas for younger children. Calahonda’s beaches are also ideal for families, with gentle shorelines and calm, clear waters that make them perfect for little swimmers.

Just a short drive from Calahonda, families can explore a variety of attractions. Bioparc Fuengirola remains a favourite for its immersive, conservation-focused animal habitats, while the Butterfly Park of Benalmádena offers a colourful indoor rainforest filled with exotic species. Water lovers can enjoy Aquamijas in Mijas or Aqualand Torremolinos, both offering slides and pools for all ages.

For active kids, the area is home to several activity centres and holiday clubs, where children can join supervised sessions in football, tennis, padel, swimming, and more, making it easy for families to stay entertained throughout their stay.

Watersports

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing are among the most popular activities at Cabopino Beach, but the real magic begins just below the surface.

For a different kind of ocean adventure, nearby Cabopino Marina hosts regular sea safaris. Whether you choose a daytime outing or a picturesque sunset cruise, excursions typically begin at around €40, providing a memorable way to explore the coast from the water.

Golf

Calahonda is a fantastic destination for golf lovers, offering easy access to a wide range of high-quality courses along the Costa del Sol. The closest and most iconic is Cabopino Golf Club, located on Calahonda’s western side. Known for its elevated tees, scenic coastal views, and thoughtfully designed courses, it provides an enjoyable challenge for players of all experience levels.

Within just a few minutes’ drive, golfers can choose from several other well-regarded facilities. La Siesta Golf Club offers a friendly nine-hole par 3 layout ideal for a relaxed round, while Miraflores Golf features a modern Toptracer driving range that makes practice fun and interactive. Additional options include Santana Golf, set in a peaceful valley, and Mijas Golf International, home to two renowned 18-hole courses: Los Lagos and Los Olivos.

For rainy days or evening practice, golfers can head to iGolf in La Cala de Mijas, an indoor facility equipped with TrackMan bays, a bar and restaurant showing live sports, and pool tables.

Tennis and Padel Tennis

Calahonda continues to be a strong hub for racquet sports, offering excellent facilities for both tennis and the rapidly growing sport of padel. Club del Sol remains the main destination for tennis players, with a mix of hard and clay courts and a busy schedule of social mix-ins throughout the week. Miraflores Tennis Club, only a short drive away, also provides well-maintained courts and regular social play, making it easy for visitors and residents to join in.

Padel players have an equally impressive selection. Finca Naundrup offers four quality courts, while Oxygen Sports & Wellness Club features five more, including its distinctive rooftop “sky court” for those who enjoy a match with a view. Close by in Riviera del Sol, R11 Sports Club expands the options even further with seven courts, professional coaching, and frequent mix-ins for all skill levels and the Miraflores tennis club has 2 floodlit courts with play available until 10pm.

Gym & Fitness

The recently built Oxygen gym is the ideal location for gym goers of all ages and abilities. There are both indoor and outdoor machines on numerous floors and is the most up to date gym on the coast and as a result, one of the busiest. Other local gyms are the R11 gym, Marbella Fitness Camp, and Max Fitness gym at Max Beach.

Nightlife

Calahonda’s nightlife is primarily situated on The Strip, behind the El Zoco shopping centre near the seafront. From karaoke to cocktails and sangria, it’s a lively spot where you’ll be sure to have a great time. If you want somewhere more relaxed and laid-back, why not head to one of the lounge bars in the area or go dancing? Millenium bar at the top of Calahonda frequently feature live music and karaoke in the evenings and the Cazbah in Torrenueva also have acts and bands on every weekend throughout the year.

If you want a wider choice of venues, then Marbella, Puerto Banus or Fuengirola will be more your scene.

What to Eat in Calahonda

Calahonda’s dining scene offers a mix of British classics alongside crowd-pleasing Chinese and Italian cuisine. But there’s plenty of local flavour too—think fresh seabass, rich paella, and an array of delicious tapas. For a variety of dining options, explore the beachfront and marina area for more great places to eat with a view.

Best Restaurants in Calahonda

Mesón de Calahonda

Situated in the El Zoco Shopping Centre within Urbanización Calahonda, Mesón de Calahonda boasts a charming rustic Spanish ambiance. The menu fuses traditional Spanish flavours with a Mediterranean twist, reflecting more than 20 years of culinary expertise in an authentic and welcoming setting. It also serves the best fillet steak in the area, cooked to perfection and with a selection of sauces to choose from.

Cafetería Los Olivos

Renowned for its immaculate setting, Cafetería Los Olivos features a spacious interior, a large terrace, and ample parking. Guests can enjoy a menu that includes English and continental breakfasts, tapas, as well as lunch and dinner options.

Miel y Nata

Located near the top of Calahonda, this institute of a restaurant has been operating since the early 1990’s and gets bigger it seems every year. On Sunday’s and every evening in the summer, there are queues outside the door by locals and holidaymakers who love the friendly service, extensive menu and plentiful moderately priced food. Pizzas, pastas, salads, burgers, meat and fish are all on offer but the savoury pancakes are also hard to beat.

Places of Interest Near Calahonda

Calahonda Chapel

Perched on top of the hill, Calahonda Chapel offers breathtaking panoramic views. The locals of Calahonda took inspiration from remnants of a film set to create this beautiful sanctuary. Today, it serves not only as a peaceful retreat but also as a stunning vantage point, perfect for witnessing spectacular coastal sunsets.

Senda Litoral (Coastal Path)

A highlight in the area is the Senda del Litoral, a scenic coastal trail featuring a wooden walkway in some sections, allowing visitors to take in the breathtaking seascape. If walking long distances isn’t your preference, the Calahonda tourist train provides a convenient alternative, connecting various urbanisations in the area.

Along the path, informative panels showcase the region’s rich biodiversity. This easy, comfortable trail is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, requiring minimal effort. As part of a broader project to connect the entire Malaga coastline, this particular stretch links Calahonda with Cala de Mijas, making for a highly recommended route.

Calahonda Park

Located close to the starting point of the Senda Litoral, Calahonda Park is a peaceful green escape perfect for relaxing, strolling, or letting children burn off some energy. Each year, the park hosts the lively Calahonda Day festivities, bringing together residents and visitors for an evening of music, dancing, food, and family-friendly activities.

The park itself features gentle walking paths, open grassy areas, and a well-equipped playground for younger children. It is easily accessible, with two main entrances—one from Avenida de España and another directly from the beginning of the Coastal Path near Luna Beach—making it a convenient stop whether you’re exploring the area on foot or simply looking for a quiet place to unwind.

Day Trip Options

The surrounding area offers numerous opportunities for memorable day trips. The historic city of Málaga, birthplace of Pablo Picasso, is just 30 minutes away and boasts numerous museums, including the Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou. The charming mountain village of Mijas Pueblo, meanwhile, with its whitewashed buildings, provides a glimpse into traditional Andalusian life.

Puerto Banús is famous for its luxury shopping and super-yachts, making it a perfect way to sample a taste of glamour and high-end lifestyle for the day. For nature enthusiasts, the Caminito del Rey hiking trail provides an exhilarating experience through stunning gorges, while the Sierra Nevada mountains are accessible for day trips during both summer and winter seasons.

What’s on in Calahonda 2026

Calahonda hosts a variety of traditional Spanish festivals throughout the year, bringing the community together with colourful processions, music, and celebrations.

Cabalgata Reyes Magos

On the evening of 5th January, the Three Kings procession fills the streets with lively parades, floats, and sweets thrown to children, marking the arrival of the Magi.

Semana Santa

Holy Week processions take place in the lead-up to Easter, with beautifully decorated floats making their way through the town in Calahonda and surrounding areas in the region. The dates for this event vary each year, but in 2026 are expected to take place from 29th March to 5th April.

Fiestas Patronales en Honor a la Virgen del Carmen y San Joaquín

Held on the first weekend of August, this festival honours the town’s patron saints with religious processions, live music, traditional dance, and fireworks, creating a vibrant summer celebration.

Where to Stay in Calahonda

Calahonda has a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences, both in the heart of the town and surrounding areas including luxury resorts, cosy apartments and villas.

Best Beaches in Calahonda and Surrounding Areas

Calahonda is surrounded by some of the most inviting stretches of coastline on the Costa del Sol, offering everything from untouched dunes to lively, well-serviced shores. Here are the standout beaches in and around Calahonda:

Cabopino Beach

The nearby Cabopino Beach, considered one of the best in the area, features protected dunes and a pristine natural environment. Each beach is serviced by numerous chiringuitos (beach restaurants) offering fresh seafood and cold drinks. Water sports enthusiasts can find equipment rental facilities for activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. The beaches are connected by a wooden boardwalk, perfect for evening strolls and cycling.

Calahonda Beach

Calahonda Beach pulses with an infectious energy that sets it apart from the more tranquil La Cala de Mijas nearby. Its expansive golden shoreline beckons both those who prefer a leisurely stroll from town and drivers seeking quick beach access. Local equipment vendors and instructors cater to everyone, from complete novices taking their first splash to experienced water aficionados seeking their next challenge. A thriving underwater ecosystem makes this beach a paradise for snorkellers who want to glimpse the colourful fish and marine life that call these waters home.

Buying Property in Calahonda

Types of Property

Those looking for property for sale in Calahonda will find a diverse selection of property options. From contemporary apartments with modern conveniences to elegant villas with stunning sea views, Calahonda offers properties to suit different tastes, budgets, and lifestyles.

Houses

Houses in Calahonda are highly sought after, particularly among families and those seeking extra space and privacy. These homes often feature multiple bedrooms, private gardens, and, in many cases, their own swimming pools—making them perfect for both year-round residence and holiday getaways.

Many houses are located in tranquil residential areas, providing a peaceful living environment while still being close to beaches, shops and restaurants. The architectural styles vary, with some homes showcasing traditional Andalusian elements like whitewashed walls and tiled roofs, while others embrace a more contemporary aesthetic.

Villas

Villas in Calahonda offer the perfect blend of luxury, privacy and comfort. These high-end properties often include expansive plots, private swimming pools, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Many also boast panoramic sea or mountain views, making them ideal for those seeking an upscale lifestyle.

The villa designs in Calahonda range from modern, minimalist styles with sleek finishes to classic Andalusian homes with charming courtyards and terracotta rooftops. Many come equipped with spacious terraces, open-plan interiors, and outdoor areas designed for entertaining or simply enjoying the Mediterranean sun.

Apartments

For those looking for a convenient and low-maintenance property, apartments in Calahonda are an excellent choice. They cater to both permanent residents and holiday homeowners, offering easy access to communal facilities such as swimming pools, gardens and gyms. Many developments are located within walking distance of the beach, supermarkets, and restaurants, providing a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.

Country Homes (Fincas)

For those who dream of a more rural retreat, country homes—known as fincas—can be found in the surrounding countryside near Calahonda. These properties offer a peaceful escape from the busier coastal areas, often situated on large plots with plenty of space for gardens, orchards, or even small-scale farming. Fincas typically feature rustic charm with traditional elements like exposed wooden beams, stone walls, and shaded terraces.

Holiday Rentals

If you’re planning a short stay, you’ll find an impressive selection of holiday rentals in La Cala de Mijas to suit any preference from apartments and townhouses to spacious villas, there is a wide range of property types to choose from.

Car Hire in Calahonda

If you want to explore the surrounding areas and nearby attractions on the outskirts of Calahonda, it’s easy to hire a car from one of the many reputable car hire companies located in area or from the airport. There are fantastic transport links here, with the A7 motorway offering an easy connection to the rest of the Costa del Sol, and the N-340 coastal road linking the smaller towns.

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