Sendero Litoral La Cala de Mijas

The Sendero Litoral between La Cala de Mijas and Cabopino is one of the most pleasant and accessible coastal walks on the Costa del Sol. This 5-kilometre section of the larger Senda Litoral — a long-distance coastal path that aims to connect the entire Málaga coastline — offers an easy, flat walk with continuous views of the Mediterranean Sea. The path runs along the edge of red sandstone cliffs, passing through pockets of coastal scrub and pine forest, with frequent access points down to small coves and beaches. It is popular with local joggers, dog walkers, and families for its gentle grade and consistent sea breezes.

The route starts at the eastern edge of La Cala de Mijas, where the urban promenade transitions into a natural coastal path. It heads east past the Cabopino marina and the protected dunes of Artola, ending at the Cabopino beach area with its distinctive sand dune system and protected pine grove. Along the way, you'll pass several coves with crystalline water, including Cala de la Luna and Cala del Tejar, where the cliffside has been eroded into interesting formations. The path is mostly paved or compacted gravel, making it suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs in most sections. Interpretation panels along the route provide information about the local coastal ecology and geology.

The best time to walk is in the morning or late afternoon, particularly between October and May when the temperatures are mild and the sun is not too intense. Summer walking is possible but best done very early to avoid the midday heat. There are several beachfront chiringuitos (beach bars) along the way for refreshments, notably at Cabopino beach and at the halfway point near the Cala del Tejar. The path is also a great choice for combining hiking with a beach day — you can walk one way, spend time on the beach, and return by the same route or catch a local bus. The sunset views from the cliffs over the Mediterranean are spectacular, with the coastline stretching west toward Fuengirola and the mountains of Mijas rising inland.