Living in Calahonda
Affordable beachfront living with strong expat community.
What it's like
Calahonda stretches along the coast and up into the hills between Mijas and Marbella. It's not a town in the traditional sense—more a collection of urbanisations, shopping centres, and beaches. The area has a strong British presence, with familiar shops, English-speaking services, and active social clubs. It's unpretentious and practical. The beach is long and pleasant, the commercial centre has everything you need, and there's a friendly community feel. It lacks the glamour of Marbella but also the prices and pretension. For many expats, that's exactly the point.
Who it's best for
- Budget-conscious expats
- Retirees
- Beach lovers
- Those seeking community
Walkability & Getting Around
Commercial centre is walkable. Beach accessible on foot from many areas. Hilly terrain means a car is useful for the urbanisations further from the coast.
Local Amenities
- Long sandy beach
- Commercial centre with shops and restaurants
- British supermarkets (Iceland, etc.)
- Cabopino golf nearby
- Active social clubs
- Medical centres
- Banks and services
- Beach chiringuitos
Pros
- Excellent value for beachfront living
- Strong, welcoming expat community
- Beach on doorstep
- English widely spoken
- Established infrastructure
- Good for retirees
- Less pretentious than Marbella
- Easy access to A-7
Cons
- Not a traditional town
- Can feel like an expat bubble
- Hilly terrain in places
- Less authentic Spanish feel
- Infrastructure ageing in parts
- 20-25 mins from Marbella centre
Nearby Facilities
Schools
- Spanish public schools
- English International College nearby
- Other international schools require commute
Supermarkets
- Mercadona
- Iceland (British goods)
- Local supermarkets
- Commercial centre shops
Calahonda FAQs
Price Range
€800-1,500/month rent | €150k-400k to buy
Prices are approximate and vary by property type and condition.
Map coming soon