CALAHONDA

Calahonda is probably the worst hit by the recent property boom over the last decade. Does it still have its pockets of resistance or is it "green free" these days?

Whilst strictly being an area of the Costa del Sol in its own right, this town is actually part of the Mijas municipality. Located just 20 minutes from Malaga airport, it has easy links to road and bus routes and is found mid-way between Fuengirola and Marbella.

Despite the relatively high population of Calahonda, the area has maintained large ‘green’ areas made up of woods and parkland, which disguises a lot of the urbanisations around. This also makes for a refreshing change to the coastlines sometimes saturated building projects.

There are a few large hotels here in Calahonda and a lot of private rentals are available due to the number of urbanisations in the area. Most of the local amenities can be found in one of the three main Centro Commercials, the biggest being ‘El Zoco’ where you can find pretty much everything.

It has great supermarkets and boutiques, along with a huge number of bars, restaurants and clubs.

Calahonda has around ten golf courses in the immediate vicinity…more than enough choice!! And its own delightful port area called Cabopino.

This unassuming port has an air of tranquillity about it. On a much smaller scale than many of the local marinas it has a fantastic range of bars and restaurants, and is completely pedestrianised.

The beach area of Cabopino has wonderful laid back Chiringuitos (beach bar restaurants) and because strict enforcements on building work, the area is still very low key. It even boasts its own nudist beach…which is well signposted!!

There are, of course the usual compliment of water-sports available around the marina and beach areas, making it a great place to spend the day.

The Artola sand dunes are a protected natural area and with the restored Moorish lookout tower and look very pretty indeed. One thing about Calahonda is that it has more than enough beach space for everyone!

There is a small market near the Dona Lola resort on Wednesdays, the larger markets being in Fuengirola and Marbella.

Other useful information:

Calahonda Tourist Office: located in the ‘El Zoco’

Centro Commercial: 952 930 440

Cabopino Marina: 952 831 975