The village of Mijas in Andalucía has a priviledged position 482mts high up on the pine clad hillside of the Sierra some 7 kms inland from Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol.
From this picturesque village there are stunning panoramic views across the countryside below and to the Mediterranean. On a clear day the keen eyed can see the silhouette of Morroco’s Riff mountains.
Romans, Moors And Tourists Have All Settled In And Around Mijas
Andalucía was ruled by the Romans who named it Baetica. Mijas was known in latin as Tamisa and since Roman times the marble quarries around the village have been mined. In 400ad the Romans were followed by Visigoths until 714AD when they were expelled by the Moors who stayed until 1487.
Arab influence and style is evident in the thick walled stark white houses lining the narrow cobbled streets. Remnants of the fortress and its walls are there to see.
More recently hunger, poverty and violence engulfed the village during and after the Civil War of 1936 but fortunately the latest invasion is friendlier giving the Mijeños a much better lifestyle.
With its daily average 19 degree temperature and stunning location it is easy to see why this picturesque, traditional village has become so appealing, attracting thousands of visitors throughout the year.
The famous donkey taxis and carriage rides might attract some, but for the majority more memorable is exploring the village itself. Although a tourist village Mijas manages a subtle blend of gift shops, pavement cafes and restaurants together with historical churches, fascinating museums and monuments throughout its cobbled streets.
Nowadays, income is mainly generated from tourism and everything possible is done to attract visitors. Cut into the rock and well disguised is the 500 space multi-storey car park. There can’t be many other mountain villages with that facility!
The municipality of Mijas includes the 12km stretch of coastline known as Mijas Costa. However, it’s the village that has managed to retain its traditions and laid back lifestyle cleverly combining it with the needs of modern day living. In fact around 40% of its residents are foreigners amongst them artists, writers and photographers who find the area awe inspiring. The Town Hall encourages multiculturalism and has created an efficient Foreign Residents Department that helps with the officialdom of day to day life in Spain.
Take A Stroll Around Mijas Village
A map from the tourist office will help with some essential sights. The Shrine of the Virgin of the Rock containing an image of the Virgin dating from 850 is fascinating and from this viewpoint known as El Compás the views are incomparable.
Close by is the Miniature Museum opened in 1972 and dedicated to 'Professor Max'. It is housed in a large caravan and contains miniatures from over 50 countries. A short walk away is la Plaza de la Constitución the heart of the old quarter surrounded by pavement cafes. Little streets lead off and are worth exploring. The indoor market sells fresh local produce and is where housewives meet to exchange local gossip! It opens 6 days a week, mornings only.
The area around here is known as the Santana District where its residents are relaxed and continue a traditional way of life. Nothing much has changed over the centuries. Here also is the 18th Santana Church and the square of Los Siete Caños where locals used to do their washing.
Another street leads up to the bullring which dates from 1900 although it has been well restored. It is small and unusually shaped encouraging novice fighters and smallish crowds. Alongside is a museum.
The Church of the Immaculate Concepción, built on the foundations of the Moorish Castle is close by. Although completed after the Reconquest in 1565 the belltower dates from 1631 and contains stone from one of the castle towers. During restoration in 1991 some important frescos of the Apostles dated from 1632 were uncovered. Remnants of the old Moorish walls can be seen along the walkway through the delightful elevated botanical gardens. This walk continues back to the Plaza de la Constitución.
Dating from 1674 is the pretty Chapel of San Sebastián. It’s on the corner of the most photographed geranium decked street in the village leading to the upper residential district. Opposite is the old Town Hall, now an interesting folk museum displaying memorabilia of village life over the centuries.
Mijas Village Is Picturesque At Every Turn
Mijas village is a labyrinth of streets, alleyways and whitewashed houses. Little plazas, panoramic views and shady parks are all there to be explored and enjoyed. There are many village fiestas, carnival, Corpus Christi, Holy Week and the annual fair to name a few. Dates and times should be checked with the tourist office.
Vivien Pelmore - I love travelling, exploring new places and finding out as much as I can. Andalucia in Spain is my home and has been since 1997 although I ...
Join the Conversation