Home And Away Guide: Mijas Villas Costa Del Sol Spain

Spain features many holiday destinations but Costa del Sol is the preferred location due to a unique blend of mountainous terrain, beautiful rural landscape and lovely sandy beaches. The region extends for most of Andalucía’s Mediterranean coast, between Almeria in the east and Tarifa to the west. Its transport and commercial hub is the city of Malaga. Eastwards, the main resorts are Nerja and Torrox while westwards, Torremolinos and Benalmádena are popular spots for Costa del Sol holidaymakers. Further west, Marbella and Estepona are home to boutique Costa del Sol hotels. Inland, whitewashed villages like Ronda and Mijas dot the landscape. With over 300 days of sunshine days a year, the Costa del Sol’s beaches are the main attraction here.

There are markets along the Costa del Sol every day in summer except Sundays and these usually operate from about 9/10am until about 2pm. You will find a wide range of goods on sale such as clothes, shoes, towels and blankets, ceramic pots and dishes and remember to barter well. If you enjoy sport then you will love the Costa del Sol. With a year round sunny climate the opportunities for outdoor activities are unlimited and the region boasts more than 40 golf courses.

Mijas Villas based at Mijas Pueblo was established in 2004 by Ian & Jill Fishwick who along with their family run the finest villa rental business on the Costa del Sol. All their villas are privately owned by discerning individuals - friends and family - and appointed and maintained to a high standard, they are very much ‘homes’ and not just ‘holiday lets.

They have a wide range of beautifully furnished and well equipped Spanish villas, fincas, & apartments in rural Andalucía. We stayed at La Huerta Vieja a fabulous old (late 1800’s/early 1900’s) farmhouse which has been sympathetically converted and extended over the last 20 years. Built on a 3,400m2 completely private and terraced south facing plot with extensive south views to the coast & North Africa, La Huerta Vieja has extensive mature gardens laid out on 4 terraced levels & a large heart shaped swimming pool (heating optional) with its own palm tree topped island! In addition to the swimming pool, there is a Jacuzzi on the front lawn that has stunning views and a games area with an American pool table & a table tennis table ... this is located on the terrace just below the main living room patio / terrace.

La Huerta Vieja is perfect for large family gatherings & multi-family holidays. The enchanting village of Mijas is situated in the lowlands of the Sierra de Mijas mountain range surrounded by pine forest. The village nestles in the mountainside at 428 meters above sea level and has a population of 7,500. The nearest main town is the Spanish sea-side resort Fuengirola (8km), Malaga airport is 25 mins by car. Mijas has managed to retain much of its “white village” charm, with cobbled, narrow winding streets, dazzling and whitewashed walls. Fuengirola Miramar Shopping Centre off the N340 situated close to the Castle on the west side of town near ‘Dunne’s’ store. Open Monday - Saturday from 10am. The Miramar has many shops including, fashion stores, home and garden, sports and jewellery. There is also a large supermarket on the ground floor. The Miramar centre has a food court and a Cinema complex, which shows a film in English every day. 

Aer Lingus fly to Malaga from Dublin and George Best Belfast City airport daily for summer 2017.

For best fares, visit the Aer Lingus Website.

Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio in Northern Ireland.