Sabor a Málaga Food Fair Hits La Cala de Mijas

Food enthusiasts and local produce lovers on the Costa del Sol are in for a treat as the popular Sabor a Málaga artisanal food fair arrives in La Cala de Mijas. Designed to showcase the best gastronomic treasures of the province—which is also seeing major public investments like the €26.7M Valle-Inclán tunneling project—the market transforms the coastal town into a vibrant open-air pantry celebrating regional culinary heritage.

Organized under the provincial brand, according to the official announcement by Diputación de Málaga, the event brings together small-scale producers, artisan cheesemakers, traditional bakeries, and boutique winemakers under one roof.

Whether you are a long-term international resident, visiting Mijas for the weekend, or planning to shop and eat at Malaga’s Atarazanas Market, here is everything you need to know about what to taste, see, and do at this edition of the fair.

Over 350 Artisanal Products to Discover

The centerpiece of the event is the market area, featuring stalls packed with more than 350 artisanal local products sourced directly from producers across Málaga’s varied geographies—from the Axarquía mountains to the fertile valleys of Antequera and Guadalhorce.

Visitors can sample and purchase a wide selection of regional specialties, including:

• Artisanal Cheeses: Award-winning goat cheeses made from native Cabra Malagueña milk, ranging from fresh curds to intensely aged raw milk varieties.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oils (EVOO): Liquid gold produced from unique local olive varieties such as Aloreña, Hojiblanca, and Verdial.
• Cured Meats and Charcuterie: Traditional chacinas, cured hams, and spiced sausages crafted in mountain villages like Ronda and Benaoján.
• Regional Wines: Crisp white wines made from Moscatel de Alejandría, alongside full-bodied red wines from the Sierras de Málaga D.O.
• Sweets and Pastries: Honey from local beekeepers, traditional almond pastries, fig breads, and handmade jam preserves.

Buying directly from producers not only guarantees freshness and authenticity but also directly supports small family businesses maintaining centuries-old traditions across rural Málaga.

15 Scheduled Activities: Tastings, Workshops, and Demos

Beyond shopping, the fair offers an action-packed schedule featuring 15 distinct public activities designed for all ages and palates. Throughout the weekend, visitors can participate in interactive sessions led by local culinary experts, sommeliers, and artisans.

Highlights of the activity schedule include:

• Guided Cheese and Wine Pairings: Learn how to complement rich local goat cheeses with native mountain wines and dry whites.
• Gourmet Sandwich Stalls: Creative street food offerings incorporating local ingredients like slow-roasted pork, local preserves, and cured cheeses.
• Craft Cocktail Workshops: Discover innovative mixology recipes using regional spirits, vermouths, and tropical fruits from the Axarquía coast.
• Olive Oil Masterclasses: Sensory workshops introducing visitors to the aromas and tasting notes of top-tier local extra virgin olive oils.

Live Showcooking with Chef Juan Carmona

A standout event in the weekend program is a special culinary masterclass led by chef Juan Carmona. Known for his creative focus on regional ingredients, Chef Carmona will demonstrate how to transform traditional local staples into contemporary restaurant-quality dishes.

During the showcooking session, attendees can watch live cooking techniques, learn tips for elevating home recipes, and sample the finished creations crafted right on stage.

Practical Tips for Visiting La Cala de Mijas

If you are planning to spend a day enjoying the market and exploring La Cala de Mijas, keep these practical considerations in mind:

• Location: The fair stalls and main stage are situated in the central plaza areas of La Cala de Mijas, just steps away from the seafront boulevard.
• Getting There: La Cala is easily accessible via the A-7 coastal highway, located roughly halfway between Fuengirola and Marbella. Regular local bus lines connect Mijas Coast with neighboring towns.
• Parking: Public parking is available near the town center and along the coastal access roads, though arriving earlier in the day is recommended during peak event hours.
• Family Friendly: The open-air setup and relaxed atmosphere make the fair suitable for families, strollers, and casual weekend walks along the beach afterwards.

Gatherings like Sabor a Málaga remind us of the deep connection between the land, the sea, and the people who nurture them. Taking the time to taste a piece of local cheese, chat with an olive grower, or share a dish prepared with pride offers a gentle reminder of what makes life on the Costa del Sol so rich. We hope you enjoy a rewarding weekend exploring the finest flavors our region has to offer.