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Alt text: Hillside room with scenic view, featuring yellow flowers and distant blue sign.

Costa del Sol · Spain

Calahonda

Calahonda is a sprawling residential enclave situated strategically between Marbella and Fuengirola on the Mijas Costa. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and elevated position, the area offers a mix of urbanizations, commercial centers, and golf courses, making it a popular choice for expatriates and holidaymakers seeking convenience and community.

3889
Sunshine hours/year
55m
Elevation
30
AQI (Fair)
6
Blue Flag Beaches
A swimming pool with clear blue water and a turtle swimming in it.
White building with balcony, scenic mountain view, construction cranes in background.
Cozy apartment with sea view, balcony, and modern amenities.
Alt text: "Room with sea view, balcony, and ocean scenery.

Living & Lifestyle

Life in Calahonda is defined by convenience and a strong international community. Unlike traditional Spanish towns, it is a modern residential area composed largely of urbanizations, housing over 94,000 residents in the broader municipality. Daily life here is self-sufficient; the area hosts 39 restaurants and 14 cafes, providing diverse dining options without the need to travel far. Essential services are robust, with 9 banks and 7 pharmacies available locally. The area is particularly family-friendly, evidenced by the presence of 15 primary schools and 10 secondary schools within the municipality. For investors and business owners, the local economy is active, supporting nearly 5,800 registered businesses.
Alt text: Outdoor bus stop with map, bench, and trash bin, scenic view of buildings and greenery.

Climate & Weather

Calahonda enjoys a privileged Mediterranean climate with an impressive 3,889 hours of sunshine annually. The weather is warm and dry for the majority of the year, averaging only 62 days of rain. Summers are hot, with July and August seeing average temperatures of 25.3°C and 25.8°C respectively and almost no rainfall. Winters remain mild, with January temperatures averaging around 12.1°C, making outdoor activities possible year-round. The UV index is generally high in summer but lower in winter, maintaining an 'AQI 35 (Fair)' air quality rating that is generally considered good for health.
Month °C gem. °C max°C min Rainfall mm Sun hours
January 12.5° 16.0°9.7° 61 mm 252h
February 13.3° 16.6°10.4° 41 mm 265h
March 14.4° 17.8°11.2° 125 mm 299h
April 16.2° 19.4°12.9° 59 mm 336h
May 19.2° 22.7°15.6° 23 mm 392h
June 22.8° 26.4°18.9° 7 mm 401h
July 25.5° 29.2°21.6° 1 mm 407h
August 26.0° 29.7°22.5° 7 mm 391h
September 23.2° 26.7°20.0° 26 mm 337h
October 20.0° 23.4°17.0° 72 mm 295h
November 15.8° 19.3°12.8° 71 mm 262h
December 13.6° 16.9°10.9° 66 mm 252h
White building with red-tiled roof, balcony, and clear blue sky view.

Getting Around

Calahonda is exceptionally well-connected for both travel and commuting. The Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is the closest international gateway, located just 28.2 km away, allowing for quick transfers to major European cities. Alternatively, Gibraltar Airport is 68 km away. Local public transport is efficient, with the CTAN network operating 4 bus lines and serving 52 stops throughout the area. For those who prefer driving, the coastal A-7 motorway runs adjacent to the urbanization, offering direct access to Marbella to the west and Malaga to the east. The terrain features a gradient of 5.1% at an elevation of 58m, making it moderately suitable for cycling, particularly for recreational purposes rather than steep mountain climbs.
Oceanfront balcony, spacious room, modern amenities, stunning sea view.

Malaga-Costa del Sol (AGP)

28.0 km

Gibraltar (GIB)

68.3 km

Alicante-Elche (ALC)

417.8 km

Lines

4

Stops

52

Cycling: Moderate (5.5%)

Nature & Beaches

Calahonda serves as a gateway to the eastern Costa del Sol's stunning coastline, featuring nearly 3 kilometers of beaches. The local shores are segmented into distinct areas such as Playa de Calahonda, La Luna-Royale Beach, and the scenic Rocas del Mar. A highlight of the area is the Puerto Cabopino marina, a charming harbor located on the eastern edge of Calahonda, offering a more secluded and natural setting compared to larger ports. The beaches in the broader region are highly rated, with 6 nearby Blue Flag beaches including Torrenueva Costa and Playa Granada, guaranteeing high standards of water quality and cleanliness.

Blue Flag Beaches (2026)

Viewpoints

Marinas

Sports & Recreation

Sports and outdoor leisure are central to the Calahonda lifestyle, particularly golf. The area is surrounded by prestigious courses including Santa María Golf & Country Club, Cabopino Golf, and El Soto Golf. Beyond the fairways, residents have access to facilities such as the Club del Sol, Riviera 11 Sport Club, and Miraflores Bowling Club. The proximity to the coast allows for a variety of water sports, while the moderate terrain invites hiking and cycling. The nearby La Siesta Golf Club and Finca Naundrup also provide additional options for social and sporting activities within a short distance.

Golf Courses

Amenities

Restaurants

38

Pharmacies

7

Banks

9

Cafés

15

Dentists

1

Official Statistics

Health Centres

2

Businesses

5.787

Housing transactions/year

3.800

Hotel Beds

2.131

Air Quality

PM2.5

14.0

µg/m³

PM10

26.3

µg/m³

NO²

2.6

µg/m³

Ozone

74.0

µg/m³

UV Index

0.0

Education

Families in Calahonda have access to a broad range of educational institutions. The municipality supports a network of 15 primary schools and 10 secondary schools, catering to Spanish and international students. For those seeking an international curriculum specifically, the English International College is a notable option located in the vicinity. This availability of diverse schooling, from local public to private international, makes the area highly practical for expatriate families relocating with children.

Primary Schools

15

Secondary Schools

10

International Schools

Economy & Income

The economy of Calahonda is driven by tourism, real estate, and services. With a population of nearly 94,320 and over 5,700 registered businesses, the economic activity is vibrant and diverse. The real estate market is particularly dynamic, recording approximately 3,800 transactions recently. The area attracts a mix of permanent residents and second-home owners, supporting a robust hospitality sector. Household incomes average around 33,868 EUR net, with a median of 16,450 EUR per person, reflecting a solid middle-class demographic typical of the Costa del Sol residential belt.

Net income/person

€12.950

2023

Net/household

€33.868

Median income

€16.450

Gross/person

€15.602

Local Holidays (32)

2026-01-01

Año Nuevo

2026-01-06

Día de Reyes / Epifanía del Señor

2026-02-28

Día de Andalucía

2026-03-01

Dia de les Illes Balears

2026-04-02

Jueves Santo

2026-04-03

Viernes Santo

At a Glance

  • Strategic location between Marbella and Fuengirola on the Mijas Costa.
  • High sunshine hours: 3,889 hours annually with only 62 rain days.
  • Close proximity to Malaga Airport (AGP) at just 28.2 km.
  • Extensive amenities: 39 restaurants, 7 pharmacies, and 9 banks.
  • Golf-centric community with 5 nearby courses including Santa María Golf.
  • Current real estate market averages 602,523 EUR with 168 active listings.
  • Access to international education via the English International College.

Browse by Property Type

New Build
6 real estate
→

Available Properties

The real estate market in Calahonda offers a wide inventory of 168 properties currently available, catering to various lifestyles and budgets. Prices range from 175,000 EUR for entry-level apartments to 2,950,000 EUR for luxury villas, with an average price of approximately 602,523 EUR. The market is diverse; Middle Floor Apartments are the most common listing (41 units), followed by Detached Villas (25 units), providing options for both investors and those seeking permanent family residences. The mix includes penthouses, townhouses, and studios, ensuring a fluid market for buyers and renters alike.
New Build (6)
Browse all properties in Calahonda →

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Calahonda from the airport?
Calahonda is very conveniently located just 28.2 km from Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), making it roughly a 25-minute drive by car or taxi.
Is Calahonda a good place for golfers?
Yes, Calahonda is a prime location for golf enthusiasts. It is surrounded by several courses including Santa María Golf & Country Club, Cabopino Golf, El Soto Golf, and Club del Sol.
What is the average property price in Calahonda?
The current average property price is approximately 602,523 EUR. The market offers a wide range, from apartments around 175,000 EUR to luxury villas priced up to nearly 3 million EUR.
What are the beaches like in Calahonda?
Calahonda features nearly 3 km of beaches, including La Luna-Royale and Playa de Calahonda. It is also adjacent to Puerto Cabopino, a marina known for its natural sandy beach and clear waters.
Are there international schools in Calahonda?
Yes, the area is home to the English International College, and the wider municipality offers a total of 15 primary and 10 secondary schools catering to various educational needs.
What is the climate like during the winter?
Winters in Calahonda are mild compared to Northern Europe. The average temperature in January is 12.1°C, with plenty of sunny days making it a popular year-round destination.
Is the terrain suitable for walking and cycling?
Calahonda sits at an elevation of 58m with a moderate gradient of 5.1%, which makes it suitable for moderate cycling and walking, though some areas may be hilly.
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Worth knowing

Buying Process steps to buy apartment Costa del Sol → Costs & Fees buying costs property Spain percentage → Tax & Legal non-resident property tax Spain explained → Living in Spain living on the Costa del Sol as British expat → New Build new build Costa del Sol 2025 completion overview → Rankings Blue Flag Beaches Costa del Sol 2026 →