For many international buyers, moving to Mijas Costa isn’t just about sunshine and sea views — it’s about lifestyle. One of the biggest decision drivers for expats choosing this stretch of the Costa del Sol is access to golf, sport, and year-round leisure activities that support an active, social way of living.
Keith from Target Property Spain regularly advises expat buyers that lifestyle planning should come before property selection. Understanding what sports and leisure options are available — and how they shape day-to-day life — helps buyers choose locations that truly fit how they want to live.
Golf in Mijas Costa: More Than Just Great Courses
Mijas Costa is one of the strongest golf locations in southern Spain, with multiple well-known courses within a short drive of each other. But what many newcomers don’t realise is that the golf scene is highly social.
Local golf societies operate across many courses, offering regular competitions, friendly tournaments, and weekly meet-ups. These societies are especially popular with expats and are one of the fastest ways for new residents to build a social circle. For many buyers, being close to a preferred course — or even within a golf community — becomes a priority factor when choosing a property.
Why Padel Has Become the Expat Favourite
Padel has exploded in popularity across the Costa del Sol and is now one of the most played sports among expats in the area. It combines elements of tennis and squash, is easier for beginners to pick up, and is naturally social because it’s usually played in doubles.
Clubs across Mijas Costa offer coaching in English, social mix-ins, and informal leagues. Many new residents who have never played before quickly become regular players because it’s accessible, affordable, and community-driven. Buyers increasingly ask about proximity to padel clubs when shortlisting neighbourhoods.
Walking Clubs and Outdoor Social Life
Not every active expat is focused on competitive sport. Walking clubs are extremely popular throughout Mijas Costa, with organised coastal and countryside routes running weekly. These groups attract a wide mix of nationalities and age groups and offer both exercise and social connection.
For new arrivals, joining a walking group often provides structure, local knowledge, and friendships within the first few weeks of living in the area.
Flexible Fitness and Wellness Options
Beyond organised sport, Mijas Costa supports an easy, flexible approach to staying active. Residents make regular use of gyms, cycling routes, hiking trails, and coastal paths. On quieter days, yoga, pilates, and wellness classes — often delivered in English — make it simple for expats to maintain routines without language barriers.
This variety allows residents to adapt their activity level seasonally, which is one of the reasons year-round living here appeals to so many international buyers.
Why Lifestyle Should Guide Property Choice
One of the most common mistakes buyers make is focusing purely on the property itself rather than how they plan to live day-to-day. Buyers who play golf weekly, enjoy padel several times a week, or participate in walking groups benefit from choosing locations that support those habits conveniently.
When sport and leisure are factored in early, buyers tend to report higher long-term satisfaction with both their property and their area.
For tailored advice on choosing the right neighbourhood based on your lifestyle priorities, you can contact Target Property Spain here and speak directly with a local specialist.