The area governed by the Town Hall of Mijas takes in three very different neighbourhoods – the village high up in the mountain, a more modern built-up area and a 12 kilometre stretch of little villages by the sea – each area having its own distinct characteristics:
- Mijas Pueblo (Andalucian white village)
- Las Lagunas (modern, commercial area with some local industry)
- Mijas Costa (covering 12 kilometres of villages along the coast)
Mijas pueblo
One of the jewels of the Costa del Sol is the beautiful little village of Mijas, which nestles comfortably 428 meters above sea level on the mountainside at. It is a superb choice for either holiday or full time living.
There are so many foreign and English-speaking residents among the 7,500 residents in and around the pueblo that the Town Hall has a very helpful Foreigner’s Department, which caters for the many needs of those who do not speak Spanish.
When you wander through the narrow cobbled streets of this Andalucian village, you can understand what has attracted foreigners to settle here over the years. Many artists and writers have made it their home, enjoying the benefits of an excellent all year climate, without being part of the busier, more commercial coastal towns just 7 kilometres down the mountain side.
Despite its huge popularity with tourists, Mijas Pueblo has somehow managed to retain much of its traditional Andalucian way of life, with the locals displaying their unabashed passion for all things festive and their unmistakable relaxed ‘mañana’ outlook on anything that can be put off for another day. The craft shops have some wonderful hand made pottery and often offer affordable paintings and prints by acclaimed local artists, such as Don Clarke and Michele Lehmann. A holiday memento could turn out to be a sound investment. 
Mijas Costa
Mijas Costa is the part of the municipality of Mijas which covers the 12 kilometre stretch of coastline joining (from east to west) El Chaparral, La Cala, El Combo and Calahonda and takes in the two major catchment areas, Riviera del Sol and Sitio de Calahonda. Although just a twenty minute drive from little village of Mijas, which is still steeped in the old Andalucian traditions and customs, the residential and beach life of the coast is very much 21st century. The properties available range from small studio apartments for holiday lets to major villa developments with a sea and mountain view from the private pool. The beach life offers water sports ranging from jet skis, waterskiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, parapenting and more.
Sitio de Calahonda and Riviera del Sol are catchment areas forming large villages in their own right and have all the amenities for every day living, such as commercial centres, supermarkets, golf course, sports centres, bars and restaurants. Many British and other foreign residents live here permanently and, in the summer, it is also very popular with holidaymakers in hotels and rented properties. Due to the great number of English-speaking residents and visitors, it is easy to find English medical centres where most people can speak English. The main A7 motorway divides the seaside from the mountain side, but the outlook is the almost-always blue horizon onto a sparkling Mediterranean.
