Rising in the heart of Mijas Costa, Grand Park Costa del Sol is poised to redefine the region’s landscape as the largest landscaped park along Spain’s Costa del Sol. Spanning nearly 360,000 square meters in the El Ahogadero sector of Las Lagunas, this €22.6 million project blends lush greenery with cutting-edge recreational spaces, aiming to become a cornerstone for residents and visitors alike. With construction underway since August 2023 and an expected opening in May 2025, this “green lung” reflects Mijas’ bold vision for sustainability and community living as of March 2, 2025.

A dream takes root
The Grand Park Costa del Sol emerged from years of planning under Mijas’ Estrategia DUSI ‘Mijas 2030.’ Initially conceived in 2017, the project faced delays—first from the discovery of a Roman archaeological site, then from the challenge of acquiring 36 hectares of private land. By spring 2023, the Mijas City Council, led by then-Mayor Josele González, broke ground with Vías y Construcciones S.A. and TT y EXC Arroyo at the helm. Funded largely by EU FEDER grants (80%) and local coffers (20%), the park hit 90% completion by January 2025, per Euro Weekly News, despite setbacks from torrential rains.

Mayor González called it “the lung of the Costa del Sol,” a nod to its 2,900 trees, 20,000 plants, and 11 hectares of forest—elements designed to combat urban sprawl and climate strain. While a second phase with access bridges was shelved to avoid further land disputes, the first phase’s scope remains vast, promising a transformative space by mid-2025.

A playground for all
This isn’t just a park—it’s a lifestyle hub. Grand Park Costa del Sol weaves together nature and activity across its sprawling terrain. Sports buffs can tackle a skatepark, climbing walls, a perimeter running track, and bike lanes, including a pump track for BMX thrills. Families will love the artificial lakes—one navigable—flanked by water-play zones for kids, while shaded picnic areas and an open-air amphitheater (with tiered seating for concerts and theater) elevate it into a cultural hotspot.

Andalusian flair shines through in its design: two grand fountains, one star-shaped and one cruciform, echo traditional aesthetics with playful water jets. Seniors get chess tables and petanque courts, while pet owners enjoy dedicated dog zones. Accessibility is key—just 1.5 kilometers from Las Lagunas’ center, it’s a stroll away for locals, with parking planned near Cerros del Águila. The park’s gentle slopes and thoughtful layout make it a win for all ages.

Nature’s bold embrace
At its core, Grand Park Costa del Sol is a green fortress. Its 2900 trees—adjusted for drought resistance to slash water use by 300%, per council tweaks—join 20,000 shrubs to form a canopy that cools Mijas’ sun-soaked streets. The park’s footprint rivals Andalusia’s giants, out-sizing Seville’s Parque María Luisa (34 hectares) and nearing Huelva’s Parque Moret (72 hectares). Strategically placed between Fuengirola (a 10-minute drive) and Málaga Airport (30 kilometers via the A-7), it ties into the Costa del Sol’s 14.47 million visitors in 2024, offering a natural counterpoint to the region’s bustling beaches.

Sustainability drives its ethos. Beyond water-smart planting, the park’s layout leverages the area’s natural topography, minimizing disruption while maximizing impact. It’s a bold step in a region where tourism often overshadows green space, answering calls from residents who shaped its features via participatory emails and school contests.

A new heartbeat for Mijas
Since its first shovel hit dirt, Grand Park Costa del Sol has sparked buzz. “It’s a reference point not just for Mijas but for Málaga province,” González noted at the outset, a sentiment echoed as earthworks now trace its lanes and lakes. The council’s €9.9 million annual maintenance tender, launched in January 2025, signals confidence in its longevity. Locals see it as a lifeline—a place to breathe amid Fuengirola’s urban hum, just minutes away.

For a town of 85,000, blending Spanish roots with an expat tapestry (over 120 nationalities), the park’s versatility is its strength. It’s a stage for summer festivals, a track for morning runs, a lake for lazy afternoons—all free to enter, amplifying its appeal in a tourist-heavy region. With phase two on hold, the focus stays on this core 32-hectare gem, a scale deemed “sufficient” by the current council under Councillor Juan José Torres.

Grand Park Costa del Sol is Mijas staking its claim as more than a sun-and-sand stopover. As it nears its May 2025 debut, this green colossus promises to shift the Costa del Sol’s rhythm—marrying nature’s calm with a playground’s pulse. For residents craving respite, visitors seeking novelty, or families chasing fun, it’s a bold invitation to linger. In a region that welcomed millions last year, this park proves Mijas can grow upward and outward, all while staying rooted in what matters most.