Mijas is famous on the Costa del Sol as one of prettiest villages in the region. There is also the coastal area of Mijas known as Mijas Costa. Here we will tell you all you need to know about this wonderful area of Spain.
Mijas has a rich history. The Romans used the village, then known as Tamisa, as a trading centre because of its handy location between Malaga and Cadiz. Later the Moors settled in the village and changed the name of the village to Mixa which then became the modern day Mijas. The church in the village was built on the remains of a Moorish castle that stood from the 8th to the 15th Century. The village was a target for pirates in the early 19th century and watchtowers were built to lookout for attacks. These watchtowers can still be seen today.
Like many of the villages on the Costa del Sol Mijas relied on agriculture and fishing as its main source of income. Farming communities all along the Mijas Costa like La Cala and Las Lagunas began to grow into urbanizations attracting tourists and new housing in the 1950s when Mijas also opened its first small hotel. Since then Mijas has grown into a tourist hotspot but the village has still retained its magical Andalucian charm.
Mijas has a wealth of amenities including shops, banks, restaurants and accommodation. The narrow cobbled streets give the impression that you have travelled back in time but the village actually has everything you need tucked away down its little passageways!
Mijas Food and Drink
The main village square ‘Plaza Virgen de la Pena’ is surrounded by restaurants and shops selling everything from expensive jewellery to toasted almonds! It is lovely sitting out on the square and enjoying some lunch and a cold drink in the summertime, whilst watching the world go by. Drop in and enjoy some of the best bars and cafes in Mijas
La Alcazaba Restaurant is perched on the side of a cliff and it is famous for its stunning views down to the coast. You will pay a little more for food here but it is good quality and it is worth it for the views; a great place for a romantic dinner for two.
It is not just traditional Spanish food served up in the village; there are Indian restaurants and a fantastic Thai restaurant at, ‘Molino del Cura’.
If it is romance you are looking for then take a look at the 5 most romantic restaurants in Mijas
Liquid refreshment is plentiful with lots of bijou bars offering a warm welcome and friendly service. There has been a boom in Craft beer worldwide and this includes Mijas. The Rocca Grill is the place to head for when it comes to some Argentinian steak washed own by some world class beer, take a look at the top 5 best places to drink craft beer on the costa del sol
If you prefer something a little more Italian and don’t want to wait for your food order, then Al Burro in Mijas, is the place to stop in and try some authentic Italian Pizza made by Italians. Holidays are all about exploration so try out the best pizza places near Mijas
You certainly won’t be short of good places to eat and drink in Mijas.
Mijas Beaches
Mijas has the mountains and the views of the sparkling Mediterranean sea but is blessed with also being close to the many beautiful, blue flag awarded sandy beaches that run along this coast. One of those beaches is the Playa la Luna in Calahonda that offers a gorgeous stretch of soft sand that falls away to the sea with the added bonus of a beach restaurant with sun loungers and drink service, this is just one of mijas costas best beaches
Most of the beaches have chiringuitos (beach bars) on them serving food and drink and the popular local dish of sardines barbecued in a boat, that you simply must try. Fuengirolas beaches are the closest to Mijas so it is handy to have a guide to the five of the best beachside eateries in fuengirola
Mijas Activities and Sport
For those of you that enjoy being more active Mijas has lots of outdoor pursuits to offer. Hiking and walking in the surrounding Sierra de Mijas mountain ranges is very popular and walking maps can be picked up from the tourist office in the village. The area is also popular with mountain bikers and rock climbers. In the botanical gardens in the village there is a rock gorge which has been customised so that climbers can practice. The use of this is free but make sure you know what you are doing!
If you are looking for something a little different then Mijas has it covered. Why not try the Tuk Tuk experience to tour the side streets of Mijas or go full throttle on a jeep Safari, whatever you do make sure you try new activities in Mijas
The surrounding area of Mijas is brimming with golf courses, shops, bars and restaurants. Calahonda and Riviera del Sol are especially well equipped with large commercial centres. Its no wonder that Mijas is such a favourite with tourists, it is the quintessential sunshine holiday destination. The larger towns of Fuengirola, Benalmadena and Marbella are also within easy reach for lively nightlife and endless shopping opportunities.
Mijas Entertainment & Culture:
Where do we start? There is so much to do and see in Mijas it will keep you busy for days!
Mijas Pueblo is so full of history it would be wrong to visit the village and not take some of this in. Every village has it’s legends and Mijas is no different; the ‘Grotto of the Virgen de la Pena’ is located near to the main car park and the town hall in the village and legend has it that in 1536 two children saw an apparition of the Virgin with a child in her arms and a white dove on her shoulder here and subsequently an image of the Virgin was found here that had been hidden for 500 years. This grotto is now viewed as a religious sanctuary and people leave flowers and gifts here from all over the world.
Mijas pueblo has its own bullring that still hosts bull fights today (not recommended for the faint hearted.) The Plaza del Toros dates back to 1900 and it is one of the very few bullrings in Spain that is an oval shape. Bullfighting takes place over the summer months on a Sunday but you can visit the bullring and the small museum at the entrance of the ring all year round. If bullfighting isn’t your thing the flamenco show at the start of every bullfight may be more entertaining.
Right near to the bullring you will find the Church of the Immaculate Conception which was built in 1631 and it sits in very pretty gardens that offer a great view down to the coast. It has become a popular wedding venue for people wanting a traditional church wedding in Spain.
For those wanting something a bit out of the ordinary why not visit the Mijas Museum of Miniatures. The museum has over 300 pieces of miniature models Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous ‘Last Supper’ made out of grains of rice!
If you time your visit right you will get to enjoy one of the festivals and ferias in Mijas.
Easter week is always a big event in predominantly Catholic Spain and the celebrations in Mijas are no exception. There are processions through the village in the week proceeding Easter Sunday on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Saturday. Hundreds of people parade through the streets in elaborate costumes and statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary are carried. It really is an impressive sight. Make sure you get to the village in plenty of time as it can get very busy on these occasions.
Mijas International Day is usually the first or second Saturday of May and villagers get into the party atmosphere with drinking, dancing and costume wearing. Many different countries are represented and celebrated with food and drink from all over the world and live music.
The annual Mijas Fair is usually on or around the 8 September in celebration of the Patron Saint of Mijas, The Virgin of the Rock. The main square is the hub of all the activity with stalls and bars set up selling lots of lovely food and drink. Locals get dressed in all their flamenco finery and even the horses get all dressed up for this big event. It’s all about partying on this special day so it’s a great time to visit the village.
Mijas Family and Children
Mijas also has lots of activities on offer for the family. Mijas Waterpark is a great day out for all the family with a large wave pool, waterslides and smaller attractions for young children.
Mijas places those with children in a great location for reaching out and trying some fantastic fun activities in the sun. Visit the Sealife centre, Fuengirola Zoo or the Crocodile park or try some fast pavced go karting or boat trips. If it is soft play slides and adventure you want then Selwo Aventura or Tivoli World have to be your destination, there are plenty of days out for children in and around Mijas.
There are several golf courses on the Costa to choose form including Mijas Golf, Miraflores Golf, Satana Golf and El Chapparel. Keen tennis players can visit the Lew Hoad Tennis Club which was set up by the famous Australian player from the 50s and 60s who settled in Mijas and decided to open up a tennis club on his country estate on the road up to Mijas. The club has great facilities including a swimming pool, gym and steam rooms.
Mijas Shopping :
The impressive Miramar Shopping Mall is located just off the main coastal road near to Mijas Golf and isand this has a cinema (that shows films in English), a whole Mall of shops and places to eat. If you are looking for that something to take home for family or friends or a simple reminder of your wonderful holiday in Mijas then these great gift shopping ideas will be very useful.
Mijas Transport :
Mijas is just too beautiful to miss any part but there is a lot to see so you may want to recruit some help. As we mentioned you could jump on-board a Tuk Tuk if you are feeling daring or for a slower pace of travel you could try the famous Burros Taxis transport in Mijas
If you are feeling athletic then seeing the sights and sounds of Mijas by bike is perfect. Drop into Mijas Big Wheels for great rates and bikes to hire. Find out where to hire bikes in Mijas
Whatever you are looking for Mijas is sure to offer it. If you are looking for that extra piece of inside information why not take a look at a locals guide on how to spend 24 hours in Mijas.
View our range of fabulous Mijas Villas and Apartments and experience all this for yourself.
