Enjoy the Andalucían way of life in this authentic Spanish district that lies just a short 25 minute drive from the bustling city of Malaga. Its mild temperatures, stunning scenery, and rich history make Mijas one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations.
Here, Panoramic Villas, have created the ultimate travel guide for anyone looking to visit or stay in Mijas. Let’s jump in.
Founded by the Tartessians, Mijas became a popular area thanks to the wealth of minerals which soon attracted the ancient Greeks and Phoenicans to the village. The remains of the original fortification built by the Tartessians are still visible in parts of the exterior wall of the city, too. The Romans continued to help keep the lively trade that Mijas had enjoyed afloat and knew the areas as Tamisa. Over the years domination of Mijas switched hands, from the Visigoths to the Moors, who allowed local resident to keep their property, customs, and religion in exchange for goods and livestock.
During the attack of the Catholic monarchs and the siege of Malaga in 1497, Mijas held strong, resisting invasion. When Malaga eventually did fall, Mijas was forced to surrender with most of the inhabitants ending up being sold as slaves. In the 19th century Mijas fell victim to constant pirate raids and activity. This barrage of attacks motivated the village to build the watch towers that still stand in the village today.
If you’re heading to Mijas, then here are a handful of our villas to choose from. They offer authenticity, stunning views, and comfortable living spaces designed to help make your stay that little bit more special.
High-Range
This villa found in La Sierrezuela, Mijas Costa has five bedrooms and can sleep up to 15 people. It’s all situated on one level, too, making spending time with friends and family easy (not to mention getting from the bedroom to the pool a breeze!).
For the evenings, if you’re looking to spend some relaxing time inside the villa, there is an 80-inch 4k wall mounted TV with Sky. Outside you’ll find a 14 seat dining table and a gas BBQ. There’s also an additional lodge that sleeps up to five guests. Surrounding the villa are well-maintained tropical gardens, helping you enjoy your holiday in privacy.
Points of interest:
Exceptional villa & lodge
Private pool & hot tub
Gas BBQ & patio heater
Tiki hut & gym
Mid-Range
Found just a short walk away from the shops and restaurants of El Coto, this four bed villa contains a private mini golf course and a private pool. The main part of the villa can provide three bedrooms and sleep six. The separate basement lodge will sleep up to four and has its own lounge and separate kitchen.
The villa is a brief five minute drive from Fuengirola, too, which offers up a huge host of places to eat and to drink into the early hours of the morning. Not to mention the long stretches of sandy beaches nearby!
Points of interest:
Air conditioned
8m x 4m pool
Roof terrace
Mini golf course
Low-Range
If you are looking for a holiday at an extremely private villa, this four bedroom option is for you. It’s just a brief walk from Mijas and all the attractions the village has to offer. The accommodation is all on one level, too, making an ideal choice for families.
Head down the villas roman steps towards the large pool (with a shallow end for the kids) and bask in the sun. You’ll find plenty of seating and a large purpose-built BBQ, too.
Points of interest:
10 minutes’ walk to Mijas
9 x 5m private pool
Peaceful, private location
Mijas won’t leave you short of things to do. From exploring the cobbled streets of Mijas Pueblo to learning about the history of the area in the quaint history and ethnology museum housed in the village’s old town hall, here are some of the best attractions in Mijas.
Mijas Wine Museum
Mijas is actually the oldest region in Spain for wine making. Its sweet wines are popular the world over. The museum offers visitors a chance to learn about a range of wines from across Spain and of course try a few of them out. As you’d expect, all the staff are wine experts and can help you pair the perfect wine to accompany your evening meal. There’s a store, too, so that you can pick your favourite wines from the museum.
Address: Calle San Sebastián, 14, 29650 Mijas, Málaga, Spain
Contact: +34 952 48 63 67
Open: 11am-4pm, 7pm-11.30pm
The Ethnological Museum
Situated in the old city hall of the village, the Ehtnological Museum (or Casa Museo of Mijas) opened its doors in 1995. The museum takes you on a journey through Mijas’ rich history offering up displays of handcrafts that the residents used to practice. There’s even a replica of the small room Manuel Cortes lived in for 30 years’.
Address: Plaza Libertad 2, Mijas, Spain
Contact: +952 59 03 80
Open: 10am-2pm, 5pm-8pm
Mayan Monkey Mijas
Monkey Mijas is a small chocolate factory that welcomes families all year round. Where possible, they offer free tours where you can taste and enjoy some of Spain’s best chocolate. And if you’re truly a chocolate lover then you can join in on their ‘chocolate making experience’ and take three of your very own handmade chocolate bars home with you.
Address: Plaza Virgen de la Peña, 15, 29650 Mijas, Málaga, Spain
Contact: +34 951 05 27 72
Open: 10.30am-12am
Museo de Miniaturas
This museum houses the miniature collections of stage magician and hypnotist, Juan Elegido Millan, known as Professor Max. His career saw him travel the world and along the way he collected tiny curiosities, which are now housed in the museum. After his death his collection was originally housed inside his wagon that was eventually replaced with the mock wagon that now makes up the museum.
Address: Avenida Compas s/n, 29650, Mijas, Spain
Contact: +34 632 33 74 34
Open: 10am-8pm in Summer, 10am-6pm in Winter
Grotto of the Virgin de la Pena
Excavated in the rocks by a monk in the second half of the seventeenth century, The Virgen de la Pena is a must visit in Mijas. Legend has it that the virgin (the patroness of Mijas) appeared between the walls of the castle in 1586. Once you’ve explored the shrine, leave through the back door onto the terrace that offers incredible views of Mijas Costa.
Los Boliches-Gaviotas
For those of you staying in Mijas Pueblo, your closest beach will be Los Boliches-Gaviotas. It has everything you’d expect from a beach on the Costa Del Sol, white sand, sun loungers, beautiful views, and gorgeous weather. The surf is usually pretty calm, but on a windy day it’s advised that children stay on dry land.
Address: Calle Poeta Salvador Rueda 75, 29640 Fuengirola, Spain
Bioparc Fuengirola
If you’re on a family holiday, you shouldn’t miss out on an opportunity to visit the Bioparc Fuengirola. This zoo is a short distance away in Fuengirola and houses close to 200 animals across four zones. The zoo works hard to ensure the animals are well looked after with the animals staying in large enclosures that emulate the natural habitat of the animal.
Address: Calle Camilo José Cela, 6, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga, Spain
Contact: +34 952 66 63 01
Open: 10am-9.30pm
Sierra de Mijas
If you want to get away from the cobbled streets of Mijas and enjoy some spectacular views, strike out for the Sierra de Mijas. From the edge of the village you can easily find the trails that start the ascent. At the top you’ll find yourself upon a peak that sits 1,150 metres above sea level with views out past Gibralta and on a clear day, all the way out to Morocco’s Atlas Mountains.
MORE STUFF TO DO IN MIJAS
The Spanish take their food very seriously and it’s no different in Mijas. There’s a huge selection of places to eat out and we promise you won’t be disappointed. You don’t have to break the bank to eat out in Mijas, either. Remember though, the standard tip etiquette is to leave roughly one euro per person or around 5%.
Aroma Cafe & Secret Garden
The Aroma Cafe opened in 2009 with one garden surrounded by olive trees. It quickly grew with its incredible reputation for great food and stunning service. Venture out the back of the establishment and you’re now welcomed into the secret garden with herbs, fruit trees, and that authentic Spanish atmosphere.
Address: Calle San Sebastian 8 Mijas Pueblo
Contact: +952 59 03 93
Open: 10am-1am
El Padrastro
Boasting the claim of one of the oldest restaurants on the Costa Del Sol with 30 years’ service, El Padrastrois guaranteed to supply you with great food and great service. The restaurant has private rooms and a swimming pool with a bar. If you’re visiting Mijas, don’t give this restaurant a miss.
Address: Paseo de Compas, 22, Mijas Pueblo
Contact: +952 48 50 00
Open: N/A
Restaurante La Reja
Their extensive menu and high quality food has made Restaurante La Reja one of the most popular place for tourists to eat in Mijas Pueblo. Their consistent high reviews for quality service and relaxing atmosphere on Trip Advisor makes them a must visit for anyone visiting Mijas.
Address: Calle Canos 9, 29650, Mijas, Spain
Contact: +34 952 59 11 24
Open: 11am-11pm
Resaurante Meson El Olivar
Found next to Mijas Pueblo’s town hall, Meson El Olivar is great value for money and extremely popular amongst the locals. The summer months see the restaurant cook up a storm over the barbeque, too.
Address: Avda. Virgen de la Pena, n06 Mijas Pueblo, Mijas, Spain
Contact: +34 952 48 61 96
Open: (Closed on Saturdays)
Venta El Jinete
Found within the idyllic mountain range on the outskirts of La Cala, Venta El Jinete is known for its sumptuous Mediterranean Cuisine. With a wine list unmatched in depth and live music performances on Thursdays and Saturdays, a visit to Venta El Jinete is well worth it for anyone visiting Mijas.
Address: Carretera Cala Golf, Km 4.5, 29649 Mijas, Málaga, Spain
Contact: +34 952 11 91 70
Open: 1pm-4pm, 7pm-11pm
El Oceano Beach Hotel & Restaurant
Enjoy quality food on in the Ocean Room, Veranda, or in the summer months, on the beautiful Waterfront Terrace at the El Oceano Restaurant. They have some incredible live music on most evenings and are well known for their famous Sunday Lunches.
Address: 199, N-340, 29649 Mijas, Málaga, Spain
Contact: +34 952 58 75 50
Open: N/A
MORE PLACES TO EAT IN MIJAS
We always recommend exploring as much of Mijas as you can by foot, but we understand that isn’t always possible or convenient. Thankfully, as Mijas is a tourist hotspot, the transport infrastructure that has been set up is extremely good. Here we’ve broken down a few of the best ways to get around in Mijas (including the famous Burro Taxi).
Car Rental
Many holiday makers in Mijas choose to hire a car so that they can get from Malaga to Mijas with ease and then operate on their own steam. There are tonnes of car rental companies to choose from within the Costa Del Sol, too and once you arrive in Mijas Pueblo you’ll find a multi-storey car park that charges as little as €1 a day. The speed limits are a lot lower than in other European countries, so keep your eyes out for road signs indicating speed. Note that they operate in kilometres, not miles, so if you’re coming from the UK it might take a little getting used to before your comfortable on the road.
Buses
The bus system that operates across the region is very good. You can get to most places by bus, with most stops featuring detailed lists of arrival times attached to the bus stops themselves. Bus time tables feature codes at the side which, to non-locals, won’t make much sense. They’re worth knowing though so that you can rest assured that the bus you need is running.
Cost: How much you pay for your bus fair depends on how far you’re going, and more specifically, how many zones you’re travelling through. The region of Malaga is split into four zones: A, B, C, and D. Mijas is in Zone C and if you plan on just sticking to that zone, you can expect to pay 1.55€ for a single ticket.
If you do plan on getting around via bus then we recommend purchasing a travel card. Much like London’s Oyster card, you can top it up as you go making some savings along the way. They’re available from ticket sales points throughout the region.
Taxis
As with any other tourist hotspots you can be assured of plenty of taxi services throughout the area. But as with everywhere, there are a few taxi services running illegally. To save yourself trouble further down the line and to guarantee a good service, make sure you hop in a licensed taxi. They can often be found grouped together and provided fixed charges. Many of the official taxi companies, like Taxi Mijas, offer the option of booking online, too.
Burro Taxi
If you want to explore the town authentically, then booking a Burro Taxi for a 20 minute tour is worth your time. You can either ride on the burro or in a trap pulled along by the burro. Note that the rides can be quite pricey and are often busy, so make sure you book ahead.
Trains
After landing in Malaga, the best route to Mijas is by train. The coastal line runs down to Fuengirola and is well maintained and a comfortable ride. From the airport, the route to the underground is well signposted. It takes roughly 35 minutes by train to arrive in Fuenguirola and from there you can either jump on a bus or into a taxi to various locations throughout the area, including Mijas
There’s something on all year round in Mijas, so whenever you’re staying and wherever you’re staying in the region, we’re sure they’ll be something for you.
JAN
The Three Kings Parade takes place on January 5th and celebrates the Kings arriving at the stable to offer gifts to baby Jesus. There’s often a large procession through most towns in the region with floats and more.
FEB
Mijas Carnival is celebrated around Shrove Tuesday, before the end of 40 days of lent. Throughout the carnival you can see residents of Mijas have fun in fancy dress. Many of the costumes are homemade, too, giving spectators plenty of photo opportunities.
MARCH &APRIL
Easter’s a big holiday in Spain and you won’t be short of celebrations in Mijas. Throughout March & April there are numerous events. Houses are decorated and there are parades daily throughout holy week telling the story of the Passion of Christ.
MAY
La Cala de Mijas is an old fishing village that celebrates its heritage every year on the 1st May with the Sardine Festival. A stroll along the seafront will leave you hungry for seafood with plenty of drinks to try out along the way.
JUNE
If you’re a wine fan, June is the month in which you should be visiting Mijas. The International Wine Festival held in Mija Pueblo brings top wines from around the globe to the Plaza Virgen de la Pena.
JULY
Heading back to La Cala de Mijas in June, we see the town celebrating the Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of the sea. After taking the statue of this saint around the town, she’ll board a boat and be taken out to sea followed by local fishing boats.
AUGUST
The Carerra Popular Feria road race takes on all age groups and is completely free to register. Children have a short 350m race to run and adults take on 2.5 miles. If you don’t fancy running then it’s still well organised enough for you to head down and watch the racers compete from the sidelines.
SEPTEMBER
One of the bigger events of the year in Mijas Pueblo is the town Feria or festival. Offering up a huge variety of food, drink, and live entertainment in the main square, if you’re in the town in September, it’s not to be missed.
OCTOBER
La Cala’s very own patron saint is Santa Teresa and in October they celebrate her by carrying the statue throughout the town. It’s a great way to see and experience the Spanish way of life and to mix with the locals.
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
Held in the Boulevard de la Cala, the Christmas Market really gets into the festive spirit. There’s plenty of Christmas food and drinks to try out and a tonne of gift ideas to take home to your loved ones.
After a day exploring Mijas we’re sure you’ll be ready to head out and hit the town. It’s a quiet resort, so don’t venture out expecting a variety of clubs. What you can expect, however, are plenty of places to enjoy a few drinks and some quality restaurants. And if you are in the mood to stay out into the early hours, the bigger coastal resorts are just a short trip away.
Note that for younger crowds Fuengirola is the better choice for clubbing and nightlife. It’s a short trip by bus, that run up until around 11pm. Taxis back into Mijas from Fuengirola will cost roughly around 15€. Torremolinos is also just a short 15 minute ride away and has a bustling nightlife, too.
The London Pub
For those of you craving a taste of home, The London Pub is one of the best known English bars in the area. It’s open until around 3am some nights, too, giving those who want to dance into the early hours the perfect place to get their boogie on.
Address: Paseo Maritimo corner Calle Martinez Catena, 9, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga
Contact: +34 952 47 63 87
Open: 11am-3am
Mod Cafe
Started in 2005, The Mod Cafe is located in the centre of Fuengirola and plays music from around the world from the 70s all the way up to the present day. It’s opened until 4am, too, if you’re really on the hunt for a place to party.
Address: Calle Estación, s/n.
Contact: 667 496 264
Open: 3pm-4am
Bar Porras
If you’re looking for somewhere open a little later in Mijas, why not try Bar Porras? It’s a popular bar with the locals, sells great food, and has friendly staff that are happy to help you pick the right wine or beer to accompany your food.
Address: Bar Porras Plaza Libertad N 5, 29650 Mijas Pueblo, Mijas, Spain
Contact: +34 666 54 67 03
Open: 8am-3pm, 7.30pm-12am
Banana’s Beach Club
Well known for having one of the most attractive beach locations in the area, Banana’s Beach Club is a must visit. It’s an ideal spot for anyone who has spent the day exploring Torremolinos and wants a place to kick back with an ice cold beer and a seafront view.
Address: Paseo Maritimo 1, 29620 Torremolinos, Spain
Contact: +34 636 12 14 45
Open: 10am-1am
As a smaller town, Mijas isn’t packed with shopping malls. The larger coastal towns, however, offer up every shoppers dream. Here’s a quick breakdown of the various shopping destinations throughout the local area.
Mijas – As mentioned above, if you’re looking for brand name stores in cavernous shopping malls, Mijas isn’t what you’re looking for. The town does, however, have a thriving arts and crafts community and local stores are teeming with ceramic, wicker, and leather items that are just as beautiful as they are unique.
Fuengirola Tourist Market – Every Tuesday morning, Fuengirola hosts a tourist market at the Feria Ground. There are a huge range of products hosted here including souvenirs to take home for loved ones or sweets to enjoy on your journey back to Mijas.
Miramar Shopping Centre, Fuengirola – If you’re looking for a more contemporary shopping experience, Miramar Shopping Centre in Fuengirola is the place to visit. They have everything from fashion stores, sports shops, jewellery stores, and even a supermarket. Plus, if you want a break from the sun and want to catch a film, there’s a food court and cinema that play an English film every day.
