When I first moved to Mijas-Golf in 2006, I had always thought of it as something of a sleepy backwater.  More a haven for golf enthusiasts than a mecca for the party crowd who frequent Marbella and Puerto Banus.  Mijas-Golf was known for only one thing ….. golf!

Situated only 3 kilometres from the coastal town of Fuengirola, Mijas-Golf is close enough to the bars, restaurants and beaches on the Costa del Sol without being stuck in the middle of town.  Living here provides the best of both worlds.  Peace, calm and tranquillity on the one hand, and all the amenities of a busy resort town just ten minute´s drive away.

Only a year or so ago, you would have to take the car if you wanted a morning newspaper, a pint of milk or groceries to get you through the weekend.  Things have started to change, slowly, and there are now some super bars, cafés and local shops within easy walking distance.

Looking out over the 16th hole of Mijas Golf Course from my terrace on a sunny Sunday morning, there is no place I would rather be on the Costa del Sol.

My favourite bar of all is the Esparragal, which is situated in the public park opposite my house – and is better known locally as the ´Pub in the Park.´ With credit crunching prices, including €1 for a small beer, and delicious tapas and snacks, such as sliced tomatoes with garlic and olive oil, and pork or chicken pinchitos for just €2 each, this is the best place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the sunshine.
Just 100m from the pub in the park, new shops have opened below the Hacienda del Golf Apartments, and include a paper shop and tobacconist, a laundry and dry cleaner´s, a gift shop and a café bar called ´Mon to Sun´ which is fast becoming famous for its tasty home-made pizzas.

Just 50m up the road from here, is the unbeatable Venta La Torre.  Very Spanish, very busy and offering some of the best food you will find in the Mijas-Golf area.  Try their molletes with carved ham off the bone, tomato and garlic for breakfast, or pitufos with Spanish omelette.  You get the feeling here of a good, home-cooking kitchen, and half expect mama to make an appearance at any moment.  The reason local ventas are so good, is that they are usually owned by families, who greet guests warmly and offer traditional food at great prices.  If you visit La Torre at lunchtime or in the evening, try the Estofado – lamb stew served with home-made chips.  Delicious.  Ventas are not five-star restaurants and they don´t pretend to be – but if you are looking for good, honest food – these are the places to come.

Hoyo 19 is another favourite, just 2km towards Fuengirola from La Torre.  The breakfasts are superb, and the set menu for only €11 per head for three courses is incredible.  Particular lunch and dinner favourites include casseroled leg of lamb and braised oxtail.  Both are often included on the set menu which is served at lunchtime and in the evening, and which changes every few days.  Including half a bottle of wine per person, this offer is unbeatable.

Not forgetting the golf enthusiasts (yawn), Mijas Golf is one of the most popular courses on the Costa del Sol.  Los Lagos and Los Olivos courses, were both designed by Robert Trent Jones, and offer golf enthusiasts some interesting challenges.  Los Lagos was founded in 1976, and Los Olivos in 1984.  Although both courses are the work of the same designer, they are both quite different.  Los Lagos incorporates several water and sand hazards, where as Los Olivos is a more strategic course with tree-line fairways and elevated greens.

Los Olivos is a course better suited for experienced golfers with a higher technical ability, and Los Lagos is a flatter course with wide fairways, many bunkers and nine lakes.  Los Lagos has large greens and although it may appear an easier course to negotiate, it can prove challenging to even the most gifted players.
The après golf is great at Mijas-Golf Club, and the facilities include bar, restaurant, a vast outside terrace area and a delicious range of snacks, lunch and dinner to suit even the most discerning golfer.

Just beside the entrance to the course is the beautiful Tamisa Golf Hotel.  There is no better place to sit and relax on a sunny afternoon than on the pool terrace of the Tamisa Golf.  Open to non-residents, although the rooms are stunning, so stay over if you can, this modern hotel combines Andalucian charm with delicious food and stunning golf and mountain views.  This place, for me, beats anything you may find in the flashier resorts of Marbella and Puerto Banus.

An all day snack menu includes toasted sandwiches, gambas pil-pil, duck paté and a great range of salads including cous-cous and lemon chicken, Thai prawn, smoked salmon and feta cheese, plus crispy fried squid and home-made burgers.  The restaurant menu is more extensive, and the Sunday Lunch is delicious.  Canapés are served with a welcome glass of cava, and you can then choose from three courses which include roast beef, a fresh fish option and a tasty range of desserts.  Looking out over the golf course towards the Mijas Mountains, this open terrace offers the best views in the area.  Private parties are also catered for along with weddings, christenings and birthday celebrations.  Live entertainment takes place most weekends in the summer, and from what I can remember there is a firework display at the end of the festivities on Thursday evenings (don´t hold me to this but I seem to remember the dog going barmy once a week in summer).

Whether you fancy a five-star meal, a three course set menu, or simply a beer and a tapa at the pub in the park, Mijas-Golf has it all.  Spend a day exploring the area and you will find a quiet haven of peace and tranquillity along with some excellent shops, bars and restaurants, only ten minutes from Fuengirola.