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.