Mijas is a beautiful white washed Andalusian village and is undoubtedly one of the most visited villages on the Costa del Sol attracting thousands of tourists every year. Mijas is separated by the main coast road and is known as Mijas Pueblo and Mijas Costa which includes Cabopino, Riviera del Sol, Miraflores and Calahonda. Located around 20 minutes to the west of Malaga, both parts are popular residential and holiday destinations, for different reasons, to a wide mix of nationalities.

Mijas, the Typical Pueblo

Mijas Pueblo is typical in that it displays a highly tangible tourist presence all year round with many day trippers and tour operators coming to visit both throughout the summer and winter seasons. Over the years it has also attracted a large expat community with a nice balance of Northern Europeans escaping the hustle and bustle of their own respected countries.

With its donkey drawn carriages stationed around the main square and many gift shops Mijas can appear at first glance to be a caricature of the classic white washed pueblo. The town’s picture postcard setting and beautiful views certainly make the hairs on the back of your neck stand to attention but Mijas has much more to it than breath taking views, leather shops and typical souvenir outlets. There’s a very special feeling around the village and Mijas Pueblo is often regarded as one of the best discovered secrets on the Costa del Sol as not only famous for its postcard like prettiness Mijas Pueblo is also renowned for its week long fiestas and festivals one of the most famous being the annual blues festival held in the central plaza. This is a free festival organised jointly by a London Blues club owner and the Mijas Town Hall and attracts well known international blues Artists from all over the world.

People come and visit from all over the world to also discover its quaint cobbled streets and white washed houses with their hanging flower baskets. The views from its elevated position are indeed truly spectacular with views across the Mediterranean and the surrounding hillside landscapes. Many say what’s not to like about this stunning mountain Pueblo and every time you visit you are reminded of its simple charm and beauty.

ATTRACTIONS IN MIJAS

The village is draped in History and there is something new to discover around every corner, from the Church of the Immaculate Conception built on the ruins of a 17th century castle using the original turrets as the bell tower or ‘The Grotto of the Virgin de la Peña the beautiful grotto believed to be the site where two local children saw an apparition the Virgin Mary in 1536. Today it attracts pilgrims from all over the world. At the heart of the village you find the bullring which is now 100 years old. Bullfights are usually held every weekend during the summer. Just look for the colourful posters dotted around the town.

One of the most famous attractions has to be the Mijas Wine Museum, where you can sample a selection of Spanish wines – cava, red, white, rose, sweet wine – and learn about the different influences, methods of production and flavours. You can also get advice about pairing wines with the right foods from professional oenologists.

There are well over 30 restaurants in the village and to name a few favourites such as Pampa tablas y tapas, the village Bistro and Restaurante Fiesta all offering exceptional food and value for money. Located around the square are also a number of lovely café bars and ice cream parlours where you can sit and relax as the world meanders by.

FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT MIJAS

Location

Mijas is located just 22km west from Malaga airport and should take around 25 minutes just turn off the A-7 road, also known as Autovia del Mediterraneo when you see the signs!

Airports:

    • 25 minutes from Malaga airport by car
    • 15 hours from Gibraltar airport by car

Transport

Mijas is very well connected by public transport with local buses and coaches run by Portillo Avanza. The buses run from Alhaurin el Grande, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena Costa, Benalmadena Pueblo, Coín, Malaga, Torremolinos and Fuengirola.