Sitio de Calahonda is the largest property development you will find between Marbella and Fuengirola. In fact, this neighbourhood has grown so successfully that it could qualify as a town. However, residents have been unsuccessful in their attempts to separate it from Mijas, the municipality to which it belongs - and to which they must pay taxes. Rural flavour and coastal lifestyle are two of Calahonda's most attractive features, because, although the area is developed, its founder was keen on green areas, large plots and limits on apartment buildings. Thus, the area has grown in a generally peaceful and rustic fashion. While the vast majority of Calahonda's 600,000 square metres is devoted to villas, townhouses and space for four golf courses, selected areas have been dedicated to providing residents with every amenity imaginable. There are, therefore, three commercial centres which house most of the development's 45 restaurants, cafeterias and pubs as well as seven banks, several supermarkets and a wide variety of other businesses including: hardware, furniture, garden supply, travel agencies, car hire, car repair, property management and much more.