Coín is a small town set inland from the Costa del Sol at the foot of the Sierra de Mijas mountains.
In this guide we introduce you and tell you what to see and do if you fancy visiting there – or even moving to Coín on a full-time basis!
Most visitors to the popular Costa del Sol coast of Spain naturally arrive at Malaga airport and head for one of the busy coastal beach resorts such as Marbella, Fuengirola, Mijas or Torremolinos to name a few.
Are you an expat in Coín? What do you like/dislike about it? Let us know in the comments box at the bottom of the page.
Where is Coín?
Coín is not an obvious choice but it does make for a nice day trip or excursion to get away from the often crowded coast. It is just 35km from Malaga airport or 30km from the nearest beaches at Marbella.
The name Coín is actually pronounced differently then you would expect – say it phonetically as ‘Co-Inn’.
Getting to and from the coast – take the A-366 to Alozaino or the A-355 towards Marbella passing through Monda and Ojen. The A-404, then the A-366 heads towards Malaga through the major town of Alhaurin el Grande.
Satellite navigation (sat nav) co-ordinates are 36°49′N 4°45′W.
Living in Coín
Many expats have made their home in Coín. These expats have made the conscious choice to get away from the international coast and tourists and discover instead, the more authentic experience of truly living in spain amongst Spaniards.
Tony, an expat originally from London, writes:
“The Costa del Sol has the best climate in mainland Spain and is truly a beautiful part of Spain being lush and green with mountains just behind the coast but the coast itself is overun with tourists and has been very developed with expensive urbanisations usually with exclusive golf courses. I moved to Coín because it is more laid back and quiet yet only about 30 minutes drive to the beaches and big cities on the coast such as Malaga.”
Property in Coín
Property prices are naturally much less than the coast but still relatively pricey reflecting the desirability of living here. Many expats choose to live in some of the quieter outlying towns and villages such as Miravalle, Benitez, La Trocha, Caballo Blanco, Urique, Miralmonte, Las Huertas, Urbanisation El Rodeo, Urbanisation Sierra Chica and Urbanisation Los Montecillos.
Day Trip/Excursions to Coín
This Andalusian town is a beauty with plenty of history and sights. Set 202 metres above sea level it overlooks the stunning Guadalhorce Valley (Valle del Guadalhorce), which is used extensively for agriculture.
As you arrive you will drive through fields of orchards, oranges, lemons, olives, almonds and forests such as Alpujata, La Fuente, El Charco del Infierno and La Albuquera. You will feel a world away from civilisation and indeed Coín is referred to as the town of three hundred orchards.
Coín has a rich history having been occupied by the Romans, when the town was known as Lacibis, then later as La Cobin, in the 1st century B.C.
There are many lovely squares, known as Plazas, where you can relax with a coffee, listen to the fountains and watch the world go by. Try Plaza de la Via or Plaza Alameda.
When occupied by the Moors, Coín was known as Dacuan and was an important town in the region.
Although Coín’s economy has largely relied on agriculture, it also has been a producer of marble and ceramics, perhaps you have heard the term ‘green Coín’?
The most famous landmark and sight in Coín is St. Andrew Church which you may see named as San Andres.
Don’t just stop off at Coín alone. The nearby town of Monda has a castle, small narrow winding streets and a character similar to Coín.
The town of Guaro is known for the Blackberry Moon Festival (Luna de Moro) held each summer.
Coín Weather
The Costa del Sol weather and climate is one of the main reasons so many tourists visit the region. Expect average daytime temperatures in Coín of 31ºC in August but it isn’t overly humid so is bearable especially with the frequent breeze coming from the direction of the Mediterranean Sea.
Fires Near Coín
Unfortunately, wild fires or bush fires are commonplace in Spain simply because of the dry climate, any flames quickly spread and these fires are often started by arsonists.
The video below shows the devastating and fatal Costa del Sol fires close to Coín which started on 30th August 2012 and spread as far as to Marbella making many people homeless and killing many as well.
Nearest Beaches
As soon as you hit the coast after a half-hour drive you have a multitude of different choices for beaches. The nearest will be Marbella which attracts the rich and famous, often arriving by luxury yacht. Here you will find the Nikki Beach and Ocean Club. Other choices for good beaches would be Mijas Costa, Fuengirola or Benalmadena, all busy built-up towns.
Shopping at La Trocha
This shopping centre or mall over 50 shops with many well-known stores and brands such as el Corte Inglés, Burger King, Meg and Springfield. There is also a multi-plex cinema with seven screens.
Website: La Trocha
Golf
You can play golf at the Lauro Golf Course which was designed by Falco Nardi.
Cortijo El Paredón
Carretera de Málaga a Coín A-404, km 14 (antigua A-366, km77)
29130 Alhaurín de la Torre – Málaga
Telephone: (+34) 952 412 767
Email: info@laurogolf.com
Website: www.laurogolf.com
Real Estate Agents
Whether you’re looking for a place to rent or to stay at permanently, you can take advantage of the services from the real estate agents in Coín who are more than willing to help you in finding your ideal residence.
You can contact Sunshine Immo (www.sunshine-immo.com, Tel. +34-696-150-765 and +34-952-453-144) and El Chorrito Rural Real Estate (elchorrito.es, Tel. +34-658-356-696).
Are you an expat in Coín? What do you like/dislike about it? Let us know in the comments box at the bottom of the page.
Tourist Information Office
Coín Tourist Office
Address: Calle Teniente Coronel de la Rubia s/n, 29100 Coin (Malaga)
Telephone Number + 34 952 453 211
Email: turismo@ayto-coin.es
Website: https://coin.es/
Moving to Coín
If you are thinking of moving to Coín, then you must read our interview with El Chorrito Rural Real Estate below:
El Chorrito, what would you say would be the advantages to living in Coín compared to other Costa del Sol towns?
Coín is a medium-sized town, which is highly recommended to live. It is located close to the cities of Málaga and Marbella, and also to the beach and the mountain range. You can find all the commerce you will need to comfortably live.
Would the area not suit certain types of people, i.e. are there any possible downsides?
As most of the towns in Costa del Sol, Coín is a secure place where every person would be accepted.
What proportion of the local population are Spanish?
The percentage of Spanish citizens in Coín (2015) is 95 percent.
What are your favourite things to do in the area?
In Coín you can find good sports facilities. You can enjoy the mountain, ride a horse, do a gastronomic route, etcetera.
Can you give us some insider tips to the best bars or restaurants?
Casa Paco, Venta Platero, Tapería Jommara, Indian restaurant Mumtaz Mahal, Coconut Tapas
Are there many facilities such as doctors and dentists, shops etc?
Coín has many facilities to live comfortably: dentists, private clinics, hospital emergency room, neighbourhood shops, shopping mall, cinema, etcetera.
Are there smaller villages nearby that you might also recommend?
It would be interesting to visit Marbella, Monda, Guaro and Yunquera.
What are the nearest internationals schools and how good are they?
Novaschool Sunland International in Malaga, Colegio Internacional Torrequebrada in Benalmadena, Marbella Design Academy in Monda.
Is crime an issue for expats?
Definitely not.
Coming onto buying property – what is the market like now in terms of prices going up, down or staying the same?
At this point in time, prices are going up. It is a good moment to invest in the area. Prices are much more cheap than properties in Marbella.
Is this a good time to buy and are there any repossessions or very cheap properties still available to buy?
It is still possible to find good priced properties.
What urbanisations are there and can you describe each one and how they might differ from each other?
Urbanisation El Rodeo, Urbanisation Sierra Gorda, Urbanisation Los Montecillos
How much are typical property prices in Coín for apartments, villas etc?
The average price for apartments in Coín is 80,000 euros, for villas is 240,000 euros and for terraced houses is 180,000 euros.
Any tips and advice to people looking to buy in Coín or surrounding area?
If someone is looking for a property to live in Coín, the best option is to contact real estates professionals.
El Chorrito, thank you so much for taking the time to help our readers with your experiences in Spain. If you want to contact El Chorrito, you can find their details below.
El Chorrito Rural Real Estate
Website: elchorrito.es
Email: elchorritorural@gmail.com
Telephone: +34 658 356 696
You can also go to our main Marbella page where have a unique interview with El Chorrito on moving and living in Marbella.
Contact us to be featured – we want more expat interviews for our newsletter and website. You don’t need to be an estate agent, we want to hear from anyone who lives in Spain whether you are working or retired.
Related Coín Pages:
Near to Coín:
ms adrianne shelley says
Hello Tony, im in uk wanting to retire to spain, is there any english cafas in coin,or la trocha, and is there a lidle or aldi supermarket, im retiring to spain solo, so would like to find english cafa etc.
many thanks
Anne xx
Josephine Ford says
Is this where elforado was filmed?
Tony Johnson says
I’ve lived here for 7 years or more and absolutely love it. I love the Spanish people and their approach to life.
Im English and have loved in various parts of the UK. Lived in several parts of South Africa. A few places in the Seychelles.
I’m an oddball admittedly but love it here and where I am now (close to La Trocha, but just in the campo, I consider as the best place I’ve lived.
Yvonne says
Hi Tony,
I don’t know what age you were when you came to live in Coín and you don’t need to tell me but would you say that 70 (husband) and myself at 74 are too old to move there?
Thanks,
Yvonne
Janet says
You don’t talk about the wooden walkway along the beach in Calahonda. Where it starts, and where it ends.its a lovely walk.
Terry Clear says
BLACKBERRY MOON????? come on – you are confused – it’s the Moorish Moon which is why the village resembles what it would have been like during the Moorish occupation.