The truth is that in recent years La Cala has grown at an alarming rate, particularly with reference to the new developments that have sprung up mountainside of the main road including golf courses such as Calanova, La Noria and La Cala Resort. The shoreline of La Cala bends round from one end to another and the motorway wraps itself around the town. Because of this, the town really can't grow any bigger and hence the spread of development into La Cala Hills.
The town itself has supermarkets, bars,cafes and restaurants, banks, a general post office, a hostel, a medium-sized 4 *hotel, two primary schools and a secondary school, a park and childrens play area, a small promenade, a church, a library, a cultural centre and the local police station.
Fuengirola is only 10 minutes away by car. Marbella is approximately 20 minutes by car/taxi.
There is an area of waste land where a large street market is held twice a week- usually Wednesdays and Saturdays. If you do manage to take your car into La Cala, be sure not to try and park on market days as it is very busy and there are limited parking spaces. Apart from the parking, La Cala has a 'sleepy village' atmosphere and there are little 'nooks and crannies' down the narrow side streets leading to the beach.
Up until about 40 years ago La Cala was quite barren and originally a little fishing village. The history lies in the watchtower which is its landmark.
The watchtower is of masonry and is designed with two floors and a terrace rooftop. It was in the 12th Century when the use of watch towers became an important system of defence and new ones were built as well as old ones renovated. Their function was to warn nearby towns and villages like Fuengirola and Mijas Pueblo, Marbella and Benalmadena of the presence of enemies. The alarm was rapidly spread if an enemy boat was seen. Smoke signals were sent if it was daytime and fires were lit at night. The system was safe and very quick and word spread along the coastline in no time at all.
The watchtower is now a museum and tourist information centre. The first exhibition area tells the story of General Torrijos in 1831 who was passionately determined to lead a revolt against the cruel regime of Spain headed by the unpleasant King Ferdinand VII. Another room in the watchtower shows models and pictures of other towers in the area - Calahonda and Torrenueva. The wall panels give information about the soldiers who were posted there and the arms they would have used at that time. The third exhibition room is devoted to the traditional fishing customs of the area of Mijas Costa. Exact replicas of different boats used by La Cala fishermen show the most common fishing techniques used along with tradional nets and hooks.
The charm of La Cala lies in the fact that there are many Spanish families living there and mostly they are happy to share it with the many foreigners who also live there and some who have even built up businesses there together with the many tourists who regularly visit the area. The locals share their time-honoured passion for the sea and the gastronomic delicacies it provides. Try the fried calamaries (deep-fried squid) of gambas pil-pil (prawns in garlic and chilli oil) or brocheta de pescado (mixed fish kebab)
Every Summer La Cala hosts a 'feria' or fiesta on the wasteland where the weekly markets are held. It is during the second fornight in July. The entire town takes part in this carnival. Some businesses even close down so as not to miss out on any of the action. The fun fair runs till early hours of the morning. The lights and the buzzing atmosphere attract many visitors. There are many food stalls and places to partake of alcoholic beverages and an entertainments tent where Spanish celebrities entertain the thousands of revellers until the early hours of the morning.
Other fiestas include the Feria del Carmen where an effigy of La Virgen del Carmen, Protector of seamen is paraded around the town and then cast off in adorned boats to a crescendo of horns and wonderful fireworks.
During August La Cala hosts a pop concert on the beach. All entertainment is free. Local bands, dancers and musicians perform on an open air stage on the promenade and locals and tourists gather in their thousands on the beach with their cool-bags full of wine and beer and partake in the fun.
Other festivities are throughout the year such as San Juan where people go paddling in the sea at midnight. There are events with local Spanish children dressed-up in their flamenco dresses and local farmers ride around the town on horseback or in their horse and carriage for a religeous festival know as a 'Romeria'. This normally takes place on a Sunday followed by a huge picnic and merriment. The Spanish do not need any excuse for a party.
What lies in store for the future of La Cala? Well one thing for sure is that the rail link currently running from Malaga to Fuengirola is set to be extended to Estepona and there is going to be a stop in La Cala. This will open up the area even more to increase visitor numbers and La Cala, like many other 'white villages' of Andalucia will have a bright future as far as tourism goes!