Mijas

The enchanting village of Mijas is situated in the lowlands of the Sierra de Mijas mountain range and is surrounded by pine forest.

The enchanting village of Mijas is situated in the lowlands of the Sierra de Mijas mountain range and is surrounded by pine forest.

The village nestles in the mountainside at 428 meters above sea level and has a population of 7,500. The nearest main town is the Spanish sea-side resort Fuengirola (8km), Malaga port is 30 mins by car. Mijas has managed to retain much of its “white village” charm, with cobbled, narrow winding streets, dazzling whitewashed walls and breathtaking views.

The village has managed to retain a very authentic Spanish feel and although now a major tourist attraction, it has definitely not compromised its charm, many visitors who come here will admit to Mijas Pueblo holding a special place in their hearts.

 

The Best Attractions You Can See in a Day in Mijas

 

Virgen de la Peña

As you arrive, at the foot of the village and just a few steps from the tourist office is the shrine to the virgin de la peña (Virgin of the Rock).

Built in 1586 as a shrine by the father of 2 children who as legend has it were led there by a dove to reveal the long lost statue of the Virgin (the patroness of Mijas)where it had been hidden for 500 years. The statue now stands proud above the altar inside this tiny little chapel surrounded by flowers. This fascinating story is how the village of Mijas originally found fame and when the shrine was built, visitors started coming from miles around.

Once you have seen the shrine, walk through to the sacristy which has displays of ornate robes and silver crosses used in religious processions in the village around the time the Virgen was discovered. Exit through a back door onto a lovely terrace offering stunning views of Mijas Costa and even Gibraltar and Africa beyond on a clear day.

 

The viewpoint and the Muralla gardens

These beautiful gardens are the remains of the ancient fortress where the village was located in the Muslim era. They currently offer a pleasant walk, a gorge where rock climbing takes place and several panoramic viewpoints. From the gardens you can see Gibraltar and the coast of Africa on clear days. The parish church of the Immaculate Conception can also be found here. The church was built adjoining the bell tower of the sixteenth century and served as a shelter for neighbors in case of attacks on the town.

 

The bullring of Mijas

At the Muralla gardens tourists can visit the bullring in Mijas characterized by its distinctive oval shape, with bullfights taking place every weekend in high season. It was built in 1900 on the former site of the castle.

 

What to do in Mijas Pueblo

Amongst the things to do in Mijas we highlight the following tourist attractions:

Donkey taxi ride in Mijas Pueblo

The donkey taxis are located near the tourist office of Mijas and are one of the main attractions of Mijas. Many families with children visit Mijas to see the famous donkey taxis and taking a ride through the narrow, cobbled streets on the back of a donkey is one of the most popular activities in the village. The donkey rides started as an anecdotal request of the first tourists in the sixties and are still one of the main tourist attractions of Mijas. Since decades the donkeys are the main sign of identity of Mijas as a holiday destination and today you can buy almost anything with the image of the famous Mijas donkeys.

 

Visit Mayan Monkey, the smallest chocolate factory in the world

You can make your own chocolate in Mayan Monkey Mijas, the smallest chocolate factory in the world, which provide information about the origins of cocao and the role of Spain in its history. However, the workshops to learn how make chocolate in Mijas are the most interesting activities at the chocolate factory, especially for children.

 

Day Trip to Mijas

Private day trip to Mijas village from Malaga or Costa del Sol

 

Share this tour