About Mijas Pueblo
Mijas Pueblo is nestled into the side of the Sierra de Mijas, surrounded by pine forests. There are plenty of things to see and do in Mijas and one of the best ways to explore is to take a tour around the village on an elegant horse-drawn carriage or the famous ‘burro-taxis’ (donkey drawn carts or donkey back rides) or an electric Tuk-Tuk tour.
In addition to the beautiful walks around the surrounding forests and mountains, the other activities on offer are rock climbing, cycling and horse riding, not to mention golf at one of the numerous local prestigious courses. While staying in the village don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Bullring, the museum of Miniatures, the Chocolate factory, the wine museum and the many churches and monuments.
Mijas Pueblo history
Mijas Pueblo has a very turbulent history, the area has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. Over centuries it has been invaded by the Moors, Catholic Monarchs, occupied by Christian settlers, attacked by Berber corsairs and taken over by the French.
In the 1960's there was an extraordinary boom in tourism and thanks to the climate and magnificent location, Mijas Pueblo has become the extremely popular tourist destination that it is today. The village is filled with historic sites reflecting its colourful past but it is also loved because of its proximity to the coast.
Plaza Virgen de la Pena
Opposite the main Plaza (Shown below) you will find the 'Oficina de Turismo' where there are interactive screens displaying tourist information, an exhibition hall and maps of the Pueblo with lots of advice on local sights and activities, you can also book local (free) walking tours.
The Plaza is the hub of the village where the main events are hosted, it is surrounded by shops and restaurants. There is a weekly display of Flamenco dancing, you will also find the Horse drawn carriages for hire and the famous 'Burros', the donkeys.
Just around the corner is the main bus terminal serving the coast (Fuengirola and Torremolinos) and inland towns such as Coin.
Behind the Tourist office is a multi storey car park offering a full day's parking for 1 Euro.
La Ermita de la Virgen de la Pena
This small chapel was excavated into the rock in about 1586 by monks, there is still a shrine there today and the tradition of writing prayers onto pieces of paper and leaving them in the cracks of the walls is still practiced. It is located next to the Mirador del Compas where you will find the best views down to the coast, on a clear day you can see Gibraltar and the coast of Africa.
Mirador del Compas
The views from this spot are spectacular. There is a cafe selling tapas and drinks to enjoy under the shade of the trees in the beautiful small square. On a clear day you can see the Atlas Mountains in Morocco as well as Gibraltar.
Ermita del Calvaro
Ermita del Calvaro was built in the 18th century, legend has it that it once housed the Carmelite monks who were guarding the chapel “Virgen de la Peña”. The Chapel only opens on Fridays during Lent, however, it is well worth the trek up through the Pine forest (the trail is marked with iron crosses) just to enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of the coast and the Mediterranean.
Plaza de la Constitution
This small pretty square is surrounded by boutiques, leather and souvenir shops, cafes and bars, not to mention one of the Mayan monkey chocolate factories. There is a weekly display of Flamenco dancing. From here you can walk up to the upper part of the village where you will find the Plaza de Toros, the Auditorium, the Paseo and Parque La Muralla and La Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepcion, all well worth a visit.
Paseo De La Muralla
The botanical gardens are located in the upper part of the village. Stroll through the flora and fauna under the shade of the pine trees, you can rest on one of the many benches along the route and listen to the flow of the water from the fountains along the way. There are a couple of cafes along the way for a coffee and cake, or a beer, wine and tapas if preferred.
La Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepcion
Situated on the Paseo de la Muralla, the church was built in the grounds of a Moorish castle. The main tower of the original building has been incorporated into the church. The grounds that surround the church are beautiful, this whole area is peaceful and relaxing. The views are equally as stunning looking down on Fuengirola and far out into the Mediterranean sea.
