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Hidden Gems

Mijas, Málaga

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A day in LA Mijas

Estimated time to visit:  4 hours (lunch time not included)

 

Mijas is one of Andalusia’s most spectacular “white village”. Adventurous travelers flock to the small village to experience the typical white Andalusian houses, the narrow cobblestone streets, the amazing views and to meet Mijas most famous residents: the burros (donkeys). 

Mijas in a nutshell

Mijas truly is a hidden gem of Southern Spain. Tucked away in the mountains just outside of Fuengirola, Mijas is a picturesque little “white village” that still uses donkeys as a mode of transportation, all be it out of nostalgia more than anything else.

 

White villages in Andalusia are know as such because of the practice of painting houses white to help keep them cool during the sweltering summer months. Mijas is a particularly gorgeous for a typical Andalusian white village, with small winding cobbled stone streets, colorful flowers hanging outside every window and a bar every so often where one can cool off and rest, but what makes Mijas unique is it’s setting: 400 meters above sea level and carved into the mountain side, which makes for a breath-taking sight.

Because of this mountainous setting and the steep hills the villagers had to navigate, the use of donkeys as a means of transportation was common place. To this day, visitors and villagers alike can hitch a ride on these small and sturdy burros and explore the village.

In addition to the charming town and its furry friends, the town also features several attractions worth checking out. La Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña is a tiny 16th century church that was carved into the side of the mountain by catholic monks. Right next to the church is the Mirador del Compás that offers the most spectacular views of the town bellow.

You can also visit the Bullfighting ring of Mijas, built in 1900. For just 4€ you can explore the beautiful bull ring and learn about its history.

The Castillo de las Murallas, or Castle of Mijas is also worth a visit. There isn’t much left of the castle but the remains of this XVII century fortification are still impressive.  You can still visit the main tower and a good chunk of the original wall is still standing.

Saving the best for last, the Church of the immaculate conception, built in the XVI century on the remains of what was once an ancient Arab Mosque, is one of Mijas’s main attractions. The church has three separate arches supported on Tuscan columns, and two side chapels under which lie several graves. In the interior of the church there are several well-preserved Baroque frescoes.

Saving the best for last, the Church of the immaculate conception, built in the XVI century on the remains of what was once an ancient Arab Mosque, is one of Mijas’s main attractions. The church has three separate arches supported on Tuscan columns, and two side chapels under which lie several graves. In the interior of the church there are several well-preserved Baroque frescoes.

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