Let Out Property in Mijas

Let out property in Mijas — the letting market

Looking to let out property in Mijas? Mijas on the Costa del Sol has solid demand for holiday accommodation year round. Letting out property in Mijas provides an ongoing return and covers maintenance and property tax during the periods you are not using it yourself.

Mijas offers a unique letting opportunity — the combination of an authentic mountain village and proximity to the coast appeals to a wide range of tenants. A tourist licence is required for short-term lets.

Tourist licence and rules in Mijas

To let your property in Mijas on a short-term basis (under roughly 2-3 months per tenant) you need a valid tourist licence. In Andalusia this is issued by the Junta de Andalucía, and you must register the property with a specific licence number that must appear in all listings.

The rules are actively enforced, and fines for illegal letting can run into several thousand euros. It is therefore essential to have the licence sorted before you start advertising the property on Airbnb, Booking.com or similar platforms.

Expected rental income in Mijas

In high season, a property in Mijas can typically be let for 700-1,800 EUR per week in high season for an apartment or smaller villa. Over a full year, with a realistic occupancy rate of 50-70% in the most popular areas, this can provide a solid ongoing return — particularly if the property is also used privately outside the season.

Remember that rental income must be taxed in Spain (typically 19% for EU citizens on net income) and may also need to be declared in your home country — but double taxation treaties typically prevent you from paying full tax twice on the same income.

How to get started letting in Mijas

Start by applying for a tourist licence from the Junta de Andalucía, and make sure the property meets the requirements for safety, fire equipment and signage. Next, you should invest in professional photos — in a market like Mijas, where stunning panoramic views over the costa del sol and the sea is a big part of the appeal, good photos make a real difference to your booking rate.

Consider whether you want to manage the letting yourself, or use a local property management company that handles key handover, cleaning and guest communication — particularly relevant if you do not live in Spain full time.

Long-term letting as an alternative in Mijas

If you prefer a more stable, less administration-heavy solution, long-term letting (over a year) to locals or expats can be a good alternative to seasonal short-term letting. It does not require the same tourist licence, but is instead governed by the general tenancy law (LAU), which gives the tenant stronger rights.

Life and culture in Mijas

Mijas Pueblo is one of Andalusia's most photographed whitewashed mountain villages, known for its famous donkey taxis (burro-taxis) — an old tradition still practised today as a tourist attraction. The town celebrates Semana Santa and local ferias with strong Andalusian tradition, and the artist and craft community in the Pueblo is known for ceramics and local craftwork.

Nightlife in Mijas Pueblo is quiet and culturally oriented, with tapas bars and restaurants offering coastal views, while Mijas Costa below (closer to Fuengirola) has more of a typical resort-town nightlife. The mountain village's calm atmosphere is the main draw rather than partying and entertainment.

Location and infrastructure

Mijas Pueblo has no train connection, but Mijas Costa can be reached via the Fuengirola station (Cercanías C1), around 10-15 minutes' drive away. Málaga airport is about 30-40 minutes from Mijas Costa and a bit further from the Pueblo up in the mountains.

Transport to and from the Pueblo typically requires a car or taxi, as it sits in the hills above the coast. Mijas Costa has better access to bus routes and is closer to the train connection in Fuengirola.

Tourism & leisure

Mijas Costa has good sandy beaches along the coast, while Mijas Pueblo up in the mountains naturally has no direct beach access but offers spectacular panoramic views instead. The area has access to several golf courses, particularly around Mijas Costa, making it attractive to golfers without being as golf-dominated as Marbella.

Mijas Pueblo is remarkably quiet, while Mijas Costa can have more typical resort-town noise in summer. The climate in the Pueblo is slightly cooler and more wind-exposed due to the altitude, while Mijas Costa follows the typical mild Costa del Sol climate.

Everyday costs & what to know before you let out in Mijas

Eating out in Mijas Pueblo is moderately priced, often with a small tourist premium given its popularity as a day-trip destination, while Mijas Costa is more in line with the rest of the coast. Rent is generally affordable compared with coastal towns like Marbella.

Before you buy: be aware that properties in Mijas Pueblo are often older traditional houses, which may need renovation — always get a structural survey. If you want to be close to the beach, Mijas Costa is the right choice over the Pueblo.