Mijas boardwalk washed by storms will be rebuilt

After severe storm damage, the coastal walkway or “Senda Litoral” in Mijas along the Costa del Sol coast is urgently undergoing repairs. This highlights ongoing vulnerability to coastal erosion and extreme conditions.

Boardwalk closed due to storm damage

According to the Ayuntamiento de MijasAfter being battered by the sea in multiple storms during January, the section that runs through Calahonda and passes near El Capricho chiringuito is now impassable. The wooden platform had sunk into the ground, while the structural elements were damaged. Additionally, the beach adjacent to the walkway was stripped of sand and could not provide adequate support. At the request of Playas, the delegation of Infrastructures determined that the best solution was to partially dismantle the wooden walkway and ground remediation. Then, the pilings would be reinstalled at least 1 metre below the sea level. This will make the structure stronger and stormproof.

Servicios Operativos is responsible for the initial dismantling of the breakwater wall and its reinforcement. Xardinor, the original construction company (which constructed this stretch in 2014), is responsible for piloting. Work will start as soon as the weather permits. It is estimated that it will take one week to complete.

Senda Litoral: Latest in a long list of problems

This is just the latest of many problems for Senda Litoral, in Mijas. The sections of the Senda Litoral in Mijas have been repeatedly affected by erosion, sand losses on surrounding beaches, and structural failures. Past events, including storms in 2021–2022 and more recent ones, have affected areas like Doña Lola, Oceano Beach, Calahonda, and El Bombo, often leading to temporary closures for safety and emergency fixes. Beach erosion has created a greater vulnerability. This has led to calls for sand stabilisation and replenishment. Locals and users have also been frustrated by delays in repairs, administrative barriers in extensions (such a repeated failure to tender for sections linking Fuengirola), as well as occasional maintenance criticisms.

In spite of these challenges, certain parts of this path have received accolades for quality such as the Bandera Sendero Azul. The council is continuing to prioritize rapid interventions to restore this key tourist and recreation asset.