Mijas - Pueblo & Costa

Mijas is located in the Spanish province of Malaga on the Costa del Sol. This charming resort is divided into two distinct areas, Mijas Costa which is a beautiful beachfront resort and Mijas Pueblo which must rate as one of the prettiest villages in southern Spain.

Mijas Pueblo

Mijas Pueblo is a typical Andalucian village of whitewashed buildings perched high on the mountainside with fabulous views to the Mediterranean below and a scenic backdrop of endless pine forests. Foreign tourists discovered Mijas, 30 km west of Malaga, in the 1960s and it's now the expatriate home of some 60 nationalities. Fortunately for future visitors, the village has still managed to retain its old-fashioned traditions, one of the most unusual being the donkey-taxis which line the central plaza.

Like Ronda just over the mountaintop, the village dates back to distant times and there are two Mudejar churches here to prove it, as well as the sanctuary of the patron saint of Mijas, from the year 850.

During the month of January, Mijas holds its annual festival of San Anton which is celebrated with a "romeria" (open air party) at the holy hermitage of El Puerto, traipsing up the mountain in carriages and carts piled high with flowers and food.

The Mijas municipality covers an impressive 148 sq km and includes two major urbanisations, Sitio de Calahonda and Riviera del Sol.

Sitio de Calahonda

This is informally known as the English village in Spain and the place to come for second hand shops, British doctors and dentists, Indian restaurants, imported foods and, naturally enough, a plentiful choice of pubs.

Riviera del Sol

This village is similarly inviting and popular among foreigners, particularly the large commercial centre with its bar, telephone booths and grocery store combined. The sports centre is also well equipped and includes an 18 hole golf course and thriving tennis club.

Mijas Costa

Just as Mijas Pueblo is serenity, tradition and culture, so Mijas Costa equals that magic combination of sun, sand and seasports.

The beaches at La Cala have been awarded the "Blue Flag" as among the best in the province and are geared to provide action: jet skis, water skiing and parasending are all on the go.

Be sure to check out the chiringuito charm here too, where you can sample a variety of Spanish seafood eaten with the favourite holiday drink, tinto verano: ordinary red wine topped up with casera (lemonade).