Mijas Pueblo is one of the most picturesque and popular white villages in Andalucia. It is located on the slopes of the Sierra de Mijas, about 10 km from the coast and 30 km from Malaga. It has a rich history, a beautiful natural setting, and a charming traditional architecture. In this blog, we will explore some of the things to see and do in Mijas Pueblo. Also we will share some good tips and advice for visiting this lovely village.

History of Mijas Pueblo

Mijas Pueblo has a long and diverse history that dates back to ancient times. The area was inhabited by Phoenicians and Greeks, who were attracted by the mineral wealth of the mountains. The Romans also settled here and built a road that connected Malaga and Cadiz. During the Moorish period, Mijas Pueblo became a fortified town that resisted the Christian conquest until 1487, when it surrendered after the fall of Malaga. The Moors left behind their influence on the architecture, culture, and cuisine of the village.

After the Reconquista, Mijas Pueblo was repopulated by Christians from other parts of Spain. It received the title of Villa and some privileges from Emperor Charles V for its loyalty during the War of the Communities. In the 19th century, Mijas Pueblo witnessed some historical events, such as the landing of General Torrijos and his men in 1831, who tried to start a liberal uprising against King Ferdinand VII but were captured and executed in Malaga.

In the 20th century, Mijas Pueblo experienced a decline in population and economy due to the emigration of many locals to the coast or abroad. However, in the 1950s, tourism started to revive the village, as many visitors were enchanted by its beauty and authenticity. Today, Mijas Pueblo is one of the most visited destinations in Andalucia. It attracts many tourists from all over the world who want to enjoy its charm and tranquility.

Things to See and Do in Mijas Pueblo

Mijas Pueblo has many attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the highlights:

  • The Church of the Immaculate Conception. This is the main church of the village, built on the ruins of an old Moorish castle in the 16th and 17th centuries. It has a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, and a beautiful bell tower that offers panoramic views of the surroundings.
  • The Bullring. This is one of the most unique bullrings in Spain, as it has an oval shape instead of a circular one. It was built in 1900 and still hosts bullfights during the summer season. It also houses a museum that displays bullfighting memorabilia and costumes.
  • The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rock.This is a small chapel carved into a rock by a Mercedarian friar in 1520. It is dedicated to the patron saint of Mijas Pueblo, who according to legend appeared to two shepherds on this spot. The sanctuary also has a viewpoint that offers stunning views of the coast and the mountains.
Mijas pueblo Costa del Sol Malaga, a charming white washed village

Some other popular attractions in Mijas include

  • The Folk Museum. This is a museum that showcases the traditional life and culture of Mijas Pueblo. It is located in an old house near the main square and exhibits various objects and tools related to agriculture, crafts, gastronomy, and customs. It also has an art gallery that hosts temporary exhibitions by local artists.
  • The Donkey Taxis. These are one of the most emblematic symbols of Mijas Pueblo. They are donkeys that carry tourists around the village or up to the sanctuary. They originated in the 1960s, when workers used them to transport building materials to the coast. Nowadays, they are well cared for and regulated by the local authorities.
  • The Chocolate Factory. This is a place where you can learn about the history and production of chocolate, as well as taste some delicious samples. The factory is run by a family that has been making chocolate since 1929. You can also buy some souvenirs or gifts from their shop.

Mijas Pueblo, A Great Place For Mountain Walks

If you love nature and adventure, you can explore some of the hiking trails that start from Mijas Pueblo or nearby areas. You can choose from different levels of difficulty and duration, depending on your preferences and abilities. Some of the most popular trails are:

The Route of Torrijos. This is a historical trail that follows the footsteps of General Torrijos and his men from their landing point in Calaburras beach to their hiding place in Alqueria. It is about 12 km long and takes about 4 hours to complete.

The Route of the Water. This is a scenic trail that goes along the streams and waterfalls that flow from the Sierra de Mijas. It is about 8 km long and takes about 3 hours to complete.

The Route of the Mirrors. This is a circular trail that offers spectacular views of the coast and the mountains from different viewpoints. It is about 10 km long and takes about 4 hours to complete.

Tips for Visiting Mijas Pueblo

Here are some useful tips to make the most of your visit to Mijas Pueblo:

How to get there. You can get to Mijas Pueblo by car, bus, or taxi. If you decide to drive, you can park in one of the public parking lots near the entrance of the village. Another option is to arrive by bus, you can catch the line M-112 or M-122 from Malaga or Fuengirola. The best way to arrive is to take a taxi, you can find one in any of the nearby towns or resorts.

When to go. Generally you can visit Mijas Pueblo any time of the year, as it has a mild and sunny climate. However, the best time to go is in spring or autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller. This is important to note, as summer will be too hot to enjoy outdoor walks. If you are visiting Mijas Pueblo in summer, I recommend visiting in the evening. It’s much cooler and a great excuse to enjoy a meal and a drink in one of the charming restaurants or bars within the historic centre.

What to wear. It is wise to wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are suitable for walking on cobblestone streets and hilly terrain. You should also bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water, especially in summer. Also respect the local dress code when visiting churches or other religious sites.

Prepare for hills and steps: Mijas Pueblo is built on a mountain hill. This means when you visit Mijas Pueblo, and to explore the village you will face stairs and step slopes. If you have medical conditions, travelling with young children or older members of your family, it is important to take note that some elevated parts of the village may be challenging to visit.

Village fairs and festivals

You can also check the calendar of festivals and events that take place throughout the year, such as:

The Easter Week: This is a religious celebration that features processions, music, and art.

The International Day: This is a cultural event that showcases the diversity and harmony of the different nationalities that live in Mijas Pueblo. It takes place in May and features food, music, dance, and crafts from various countries.

The Flamenco Festival: This is a musical event that celebrates the art and tradition of flamenco. It takes place in July and features performances by renowned artists and groups.

The Fair of Mijas: This is a festive event that commemorates the patron saint of Mijas Pueblo. It takes place in September and features parades, concerts, games, and fireworks.

Eating out in Mijas Pueblo

  • What to eat: You should try some of the typical dishes and products of Mijas Pueblo, such as:
    • The gazpacho: This is a cold soup made with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, garlic, bread, olive oil, vinegar, and salt. It is refreshing and nutritious.
    • The migas: This is a dish made with bread crumbs fried with garlic, olive oil, paprika, and other ingredients. It is usually accompanied by chorizo, bacon, eggs, or grapes.
    • The honey cake: This is a sweet cake made with honey, almonds, eggs, flour, and spices. It is moist and aromatic.
    • The wine: This is a local product made with grapes from the Sierra de Mijas. It has a fruity and dry taste.

Conclusion

Mijas Pueblo is a charming white washed village in Andalucia. It offers a unique experience for visitors who want to discover its history, culture, nature, and gastronomy. It is a perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway from Malaga or other nearby towns. If you are looking for a place to stay in Mijas Pueblo, you can check out some of the hotels. There are many located within or around the village. You can also find more information about what’s on in Mijas Pueblo on their official website.