Welcome to Mijas Pueblo, one of the most beautiful white villages Costa del Sol can offer, a place to fall in love easily. It’s located at the foot of Sierra de Mijas, at 430 m a.s.l. and is a typical charming Andalusian village. Mijas Pueblo’s old town is packed with a maze of narrow cobbled streets, many charming corners, and whitewashed houses decorated with colorful flower pots. The village can also offer stunning views over the Costa del Sol. Supposedly on a clear day, even the Morocco mountains are visible on the horizon.
Mijas Pueblo was declared of historic and artistic interest in 1969 and currently and additionally it is one of the most visited villages in Andalusia. Despite that, you can still feel the authentic Spanish vibe, especially in the morning when the streets are not yet full of tourists.
Enough introduction, let’s go and discover all the best things to do in Mijas Pueblo.
Note. To be precise: Mijas Pueblo is one of three parts of Mijas city. Mijas itself is one of the biggest municipalities in the Province of Malaga. Other two parts of Mijas:
- Mijas Las Lagunas – modern part of the town, bordering the city of Fuengirola. Here you’ll find places like Miramar Shopping Mall, Cinesur Cinema, Sohail castle, or Ejido and Santa Amalia beaches
- Mijas La Cala – located on the seafront, about 15km from Mijas Pueblo. Here many small shops, cafes, restaurants and Butibamba beach which has a prestigious Blue Flag, are waiting for you.
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Best Things To Do in Mijas Pueblo
Mijas Pueblo Streets
The most important thing to do in Mijas is to take a long, slow walk around the old town and admire this beautiful Andalusian white village. Let yourself get lost in a maze of whitewashed streets and feel the amazing vibe of the place. Don’t forget to walk away a bit from the busy main streets and walk around less busy ones.
Plaza Virgen de la Pena
Plaza Virgen de la Pena is a huge outdoor space full of restaurants and cafes. While here don’t forget to go to Mirador Hermanos Núñez Andreu viewpoint and enjoy stunning views over Costa del Sol.
Ermita de la Virgen de la Pena
Just a few steps further from Plaza Virgen de la Pena you’ll find Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña, or in English Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Rock. This little hermitage, carved into the rock by a Carmelite monk, dates to the mid-16th century. The patron of Mijas, the Virgin de La Pena, is located inside the dark cave interior. Next to the Sanctuary, there is another stunning viewpoint – Mirador del Compas.
Muralla Gardens
Muralla Gardens rose on the remains of the old fortress where the village used to be. Here you can take a relaxing walk among nature, as gardens have flowers blooming all year round. Also, you can admire stunning views over the village, Costa del Sol and mountain ranges from a few viewpoints.
Church of the Immaculate Conception
The Church of the Immaculate Conception is right next to the Muralla Gardens. It was built in the 16th century on the ruins of an old mosque. It served as a shelter in case of invasion.
Mijas Bullring
Mijas Bullring is one more place right next to the Muralla Gardens. It was built on the former site of the castle, on the rock. Thanks to that its distinctive feature, compared to other bullrings, is that it’s oval, not round. Bullring construction was requested by a group of neighbors. Since its opening, it has seen many running of the bulls, but nowadays such events are no longer held there.
Mirador Carlos Martinez
We have one more recommendation, especially if you’re driving by car. Before you reach the village center takes 2 minutes longer to drive to Mirador Carlos Martinez. Here you can admire the Mijas village from the top, as well as stunning coastal views.
Other places to see in Mijas Pueblo
Mayan Monkey Mijas Chocolate Factory
Are you a chocolate lover? If yes you should pay a visit to Mayan Monkey – the world’s smallest chocolate factory. There you’ll be able to buy various delicious products made of chocolate and even take part in chocolate-making workshops where you’ll learn how to make chocolate.
Historical & Ethnological Museum
The museum is located in the old Town Hall and recreates Mijas past. Museum has a wide collection of ancient crafts and traditional objects – farming and fishing tools, cooking utensils, or gardening objects. Here you’ll even find a recreation of a traditional house. Entrance cost: 1€
Max’s Miniature Museum
It’s a very peculiar and unique museum that hosts a great collection of various miniatures collected by stage hypnotist and magician, Juan Elegido Millán, known as Professor Max. During his life he traveled the world and picked up hundreds of tiny curiosities, like Taj Mahal on a grain of rice, a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on a pinhead, or the Seven Wonders of the World painted on a toothpick. Entrance cost: 3€
What NOT to do in Mijas Pueblo
As we are strongly against touristic activities that involve animals, there is one activity we urge you to avoid during your visit in Mijas Pueblo.
Don’t use a donkey taxi ride
Unfortunately, donkey taxis are one of the main attractions in Mijas’ old town. The story of those taxis starts in the 1960s. Back then locals used donkeys to transport various products like wheat, fruits, or vegetables in large baskets on their backs. Tourists were fascinated by this practice and they started to ask locals to let them ride the donkeys for a small tip. So one local man saw a business opportunity and decided to start a burro taxi company. It gradually became a business, and today there are over 60 burro-taxis in town that charge ridiculous prices, about 15€ per ride through a perfectly walkable and somewhat flat village.
Taking one look at the sad-looking donkeys was very heartbreaking. As we read later donkeys are far from treated as they should – they are forced to stand all day and don’t get to rest properly or move freely. Also, they are carrying way too much weight, as a large, healthy donkey should not carry more than about 50 kilos. So please, don’t support this awful “attraction”.
How to get to Mijas Pueblo?
Mijas Pueblo is located about 8km from Fuengirola, and 35km from Malaga. The easiest way to get there is by car.
Where to park?
The best place to park is in the public parking right next to the Plaza Virgen de la Peña. Parking is big, but it gets full quickly on the weekends. Price: 1€ for a whole day.
To Mijas Pueblo by bus
You can easily reach Mijas Pueblo by bus from Fuengirola, just take the M-122 or M-221 bus. The journey to Mijas Pueblo takes about 25 minutes. Price: €1 – €3.
From Malaga, you can take the M-112 bus. The journey will take about 1h 25m. Price: €2 – €5.
Summing up
We hope that you’ve enjoyed the post and are eager to experience the best things to do in Mijas Pueblo yourself. Amazing sea views, mountains, and white narrow streets can teleport you up to a few hundred years back. What would you need more?
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Mijas Pueblo?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Mijas Pueblo:
Where to sleep in Mijas Pueblo?
OPUNTIA Hotel Boutique
OPUNTIA Hotel Boutique is a charming and elegant hotel located in the heart of Mijas. The hotel offers stylish and comfortable rooms decorated in a contemporary and modern style with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere at the hotel's rooftop terrace with stunning views of the village and the surrounding mountains.
TRH Mijas
TRH Mijas is a charming Andalusian-style hotel situated in the picturesque village of Mijas. Surrounded by stunning views of the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, two outdoor swimming pools, and a tennis court. Guests can also enjoy delicious meals at the on-site restaurant or relax with a drink at the bar.
Hostal El Escudo de Mijas
Hostal El Escudo de Mijas is a charming guest house located in the heart of Mijas. The rooms are bright and comfortable, featuring traditional Andalusian decor and some of them offer stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast in the cozy communal lounge, and the hostal's central location makes it easy to explore the charming streets of Mijas.
Aparthotel Myramar
Aparthotel Myramar is located in the heart of the Costa del Sol in Mijas. It features spacious and fully equipped apartments with a balcony, kitchenette, and living room with a flat-screen TV. The hotel offers various amenities such as an indoor and outdoor pool, a sauna, a gym, and a children's playground, making it a great choice for families or those seeking a relaxing vacation.
Sea to Sky Suites
Sea to Sky Suites is a luxurious aparthotel located in the heart of Mijas village, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding mountains. The suites are spacious, modern, and elegantly designed, providing guests with a comfortable and relaxing stay. The property features an outdoor pool, a rooftop terrace, and a fitness center.
