We had already stayed in La Cala de Mijas several times before. It had always been one of those practical places where it was easy to stop for a few days, walk to the beach and enjoy the atmosphere of a pleasant coastal town without the crowds of some neighbouring resorts.
This time was different.
As soon as we arrived, it became clear that the motorhome area had been permanently closed. There was no uncertainty or temporary restriction: access was no longer possible, ending what had once been one of the best-known free stopping places on this stretch of the Costa del Sol.
For us, the decision meant changing our plans immediately and continuing the journey elsewhere.
It was disappointing, especially because we already knew the area well. The beach, restaurants and promenade had made La Cala one of our preferred stops in previous years, but without the motorhome area there was no practical reason to remain.
Although no official explanation has directly blamed motorhome users, it is difficult not to wonder whether irresponsible behaviour by a minority contributed to the situation. Unfortunately, this has happened in many popular destinations across Europe. Illegal camping, awnings, tables, chairs, generators, rubbish, wastewater disposal, excessive noise and people treating public parking areas like campsites often create conflict with residents and local authorities.
It only takes a small number of inconsiderate visitors to damage the reputation of everyone else.
That is particularly frustrating because the vast majority of motorhome travellers simply park legally, respect the surroundings and contribute to local shops, cafés and restaurants.
Spain makes an important distinction between parking and camping. A motorhome may normally park like any other vehicle where local regulations allow, provided nothing extends beyond the vehicle’s footprint. Opening awnings, placing tables or chairs outside, occupying additional space or behaving as though the public area were a campsite changes the situation completely and may become prohibited. Local authorities are also free to regulate or prohibit motorhome areas when necessary.
In La Cala de Mijas, the former municipal area had already been regulated for many years, with registration requirements, seasonal restrictions and the possibility of removal for those failing to respect the rules.
The town itself remains attractive. Once a small fishing village, La Cala de Mijas has grown into one of the most pleasant coastal centres in the municipality of Mijas while still retaining a more relaxed atmosphere than nearby Fuengirola or Marbella. The watchtower overlooking the beach recalls the period when this coastline was constantly threatened by Barbary pirates, with signals passed from tower to tower whenever unknown ships appeared offshore.
One curious historical detail is that these watchtowers rarely worked in isolation. Smoke by day and fires by night formed part of a communication network stretching for many miles along the Andalusian coast. A warning raised in La Cala could quickly be relayed to neighbouring towers, giving inland settlements precious time to prepare for an attack.
Our story in La Cala de Mijas, however, ended before it really began. We arrived expecting to revisit a place we had enjoyed several times in the past, only to discover that it had changed completely.
It was a reminder that good motorhome areas are never guaranteed to remain available. When travellers respect the rules, everyone benefits. When too many people forget that they are parking in public spaces rather than private campsites, valuable places can disappear—and once they are gone, they are rarely replaced.