Area guide
Up into the hills just behind La Cala de Mijas, built around one of the area's most popular golf courses, this is Calanova Golf.
Calanova Golf sits about five minutes inland from La Cala de Mijas. The area was built around the Calanova Golf course, which opened in 2006. Compared to some of the much more established urbanisations around Mijas Costa, this is a newer area, and the properties found here reflect that.
You'll mainly find two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses, but there are also a few villas and new villa developments ongoing.
Many of the properties have large comfortable terraces overlooking the golf course, mountains and ocean. The amenities are also great across the different developments, with pools, underground parking, storage space, and some also have gyms and social areas. That's mainly what living here is all about — impressive views, lots of amenities and modern standards.
The golf course is also a big part of living here. Calanova Golf Club is an 18-hole course, with a great driving range, a popular restaurant, and the landscape and views when playing here are really special — so if you're a golfer, this is right on your doorstep.
Most of the developments in the area were built within the last 10 years, attracting buyers looking for modern properties in a quieter setting while still being close to the coast. You'll find a mix of international owners, most from northern Europe, where the properties are used as second homes. There are also year-round residents living here, and some properties are owned purely as holiday rental investments.
The earliest developments in the area were built around the time the golf course opened in 2006, before Spain's housing crash began in 2008. These properties have a more traditional Andalusian style, with either whitewashed façades or the classic terracotta-coloured buildings that were popular at the time. So if that's the architectural style you prefer, the area has that too.
And a bonus for this area — just behind Calanova, you'll find plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails, if that's something you enjoy.
For everyday life, you will head down to La Cala de Mijas for supermarkets, restaurants, the beach and other shopping. Fuengirola is also close by, about 15 minutes by car.
And that's probably the biggest thing to understand about Calanova Golf: you need a car. You're up in the hills, so this isn't a walk-to-the-beach or walk-to-the-restaurant type of area. But that's also part of the appeal — you're away from the traffic and density of the coast, while still being only a few minutes from everything you need.
On that note, let's move on to the trade-offs.
There are no shops in Calanova Golf at all, not even a small convenience store.
Secondly, Calanova Golf consists of several large developments, built at different times, with different quality standards, amenities and community fees. So when you're buying here, don't just look at the apartment — pay just as much attention to the community.
And the area is still growing, with new developments under construction and more planned for the future. So pay close attention to the exact position of the property. The orientation, floor level and what you're looking at can make a huge difference, especially since a new development could be built in front of your property.
For buyers looking for an off-plan property, Calanova Golf is a great option because the area is growing fast. But if you're looking for an established area where almost everything is already built, most parts of Calanova Golf probably won't be right for you.
And finally, because there are so many similar apartments in the communities, pay attention to what makes a property different from others. A great view, a private large terrace, maybe a short-term rental license in place — these can make a big difference when it comes time for you to sell.
For buyers who want modern properties, great amenities, golf, and views, while being just a few minutes from everything, Calanova Golf could be just right. Get in touch — I represent buyers only, so my job is to work for you, not the seller.
Questions
Yes. It's a hillside, car-dependent area — there are no shops, and everyday errands mean driving down to La Cala de Mijas or Fuengirola.
Yes. The area is still actively developing, making it a strong option for off-plan purchases, though less suited to buyers wanting an already-established neighbourhood.
The specific community's build quality, amenities and fees (since developments vary a lot), plus the exact position, orientation and floor level of the property, since new developments could affect the view.
Mostly two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses, with some villas, ranging from Andalusian-style units built around 2006 to more modern developments built in the last 10 years.
Looking at more than one area? Compare them all in the Costa del Sol area guides, or see how buying works.