Now one of the most sought after resorts on the Costa del Sol for ex-pats to buy property, La Cala de Mijas is thriving.
In these early years Mijas also suffered from intense pirate activity along its coastline, lasting well into the 19th century. The fortified towers were a place of defence, with four towers along the regions Mediterranean coastline. Their function was to give notice of the presence of enemy ships to the garrisons of Fuengirola, Benalmádena and Marbella.
During the 19th century, the economy of Mijas was mainly based on agriculture and fishing. Grape vines also added wealth to the Mijas economy but this came to an abrupt end when the vines were destroyed by the Philloxera plague.
A road was opened between Mijas and Fuengirola in 1873, this ended the segregation that had existed between the two towns since 1841. However the village remained isolated until the arrival of "Second Republic", which was its first newspaper.
This was also the start of tourism, and thus the early years of what is now known as the Costa del Sol started to grow in popularity, with the first small hotel being built.
Properties for sale in La Cala de Mijas are popular with ex-pats looking for holiday homes in a thriving Costa del Sol resort.
The four towers include the Torre de Calahonda (dating back to the 16th century), the New Tower of La Cala de Moral (16th century), the Battery Torre La Cala del Moral (16th century) and the Calaburras Tower, built in 1515.
Once known as La Cala del Moral (The Bay of Mulberries) due to the vast number of mulberry trees in the area, the name was changed to La Cala de Mijas (The Bay of Mijas) in the 1970’s to avoid being confused with Cala del Moral near Malaga.
Situated just a 30 minute drive from Malaga International Airport, La Cala has evolved from a small fishing village into a vibrant town with a beautiful beach and stunning attractions.
Properties for sale in La Cala de Mijas include townhouses, apartments and villas which offer excellent rental potential.
Situated in the province of Malaga, La Cala de Mijas forms part of the coastal zone of the municipality of Mijas, between Fuengirola and Marbella.
With a population of over 24,000 inhabitants, the town is now dedicated to tourism and boasts a rich history. Once an agricultural, white-washed fishing village, until the Spanish tourist boom of the 1960’s, La Cala de Mijas has grown over the years but is still not overly-commercialised.
Back in the days of early tourism on the Costa del Sol, La Cala de Mijas was home to just 30 fishermen’s cottages, two bars, a chapel, a grocer’s shop and a butcher’s.
Today, business continues to boom. Several luxurious new developments in La Cala de Mijas are being constructed, and selling quickly, around the town.
A 6km long boardwalk along the seafront from La Cala to Calahonda was opened in 2014 and attracts people from all over the coast. A fabulous choice of restaurants, bars and cafes include typical Spanish fish restaurants, fine dining and tapas bars.
