Some way south of the mountain village, La Cala de Mijas is one of the coastal parts of Mijas. Before tourism arrived it was also a traditional settlement, and even though it is now a bit more developed, the place still has a charming atmosphere. The beach holds the prestigious Blue Flag for its amenities and hygiene, with a long drag of soft sand washed by moderate waves.The boardwalk behind it is quite new and traces the beachfront for miles, boasting family-run shops, cafes and chiringuitos (typical Spanish beach bars). On summer nights there are concerts next to the 16th-century Torre Vieja watchtower, and the El Baratillo street market is held in La Cala on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.