Mijas - white village and beach resort on the Costa del Sol, Spain

Mijas Travel Guide:

Mijas Self-Catering Accommodation / Mijas Hotels

Mijas is located in the Spanish province of Malaga on the Costa del Sol in Andalucia. The town consists of two separate areas - Mijas Pueblo - a traditional Spanish white village - and Mijas Costa - a modern coastal beach resort. Mijas Costa is typical of all the Costa del Sol beach resorts with restaurants and bars near the beach.

Mijas Pueblo is a typical Andaluz village of whitewashed buildings, with winding narrow streets, and the proverbial geranium strewn balconies, perched high on the mountainside with spectacular views to the Mediterranean below and a scenic backdrop of mountains and endless pine forests. On entering the village, it is possible to see the ancient spring, which provides natural mineral water. Stroll the narrow, cobbled streets and breathe in the atmosphere - stop for a coffee or a glass of wine along the way and sit and watch the world go by.. then take a trip around the village in the famous donkey-drawn taxis of Mijas.

The village is a fascinating place to visit. Many bars and restaurants, attractive shops, and astounding views all around, plus the following attractions:

Hermitage of the Virgen de la Peña

Visit the Hermitage of the Virgen de la Peña, which dates back to 1520. Built by Mercedarian monks, the inside of the hermitage is decorated with the image of the patron saint that gave this place its name. Legends tell that the Virgen de la Peña appeared right on this spot, in front of two shepherds which is why the heritage was built here and not elsewhere.

Botanical Gardens and La Muralla

Just below the heritage is a large and attractive botanical garden (plants are labelled with their names for information). The gardens are integrated with the old defensive walls of the town (la Muralla). There is also a rock gorge within the gardens, which makes an interesting rock climbing location for climbers to practice their skills, and lovely waterfalls and fish ponds.

Other attractions in Mijas Pueblo are as follows:

Casa Museo

The Casa Museo is a fully restored museum displaying old farming tools and equipment. Located on the Plaza de la Libertad, the museum has a typical Andalusian style patio, and on the top floor a range of sculptures, paintings and traditional crafts can be viewed.

Plaza de Toros

In the same area as La Muralla is the Plaza de Toros, or bull fighting ring. Built in the traditional manner in 1900 the bull ring though small offers exciting bullfights on a regular basis. The views from the seating area in the bull ring are astounding. Close by you can visit the Siete Caños square, the Casa de la Cultura and other other nearby points of interest.

Carromato de Max

The Carromato de Max is a fascinating and special museum, located only a few metres from the main square and the town hall of Mijas Pueblo. It is a museum of miniatures which includes fascinating objects such as a picture of Abraham Lincoln painted on a pin-head or a prayer written on the borders of a visiting card.

The entire Mijas area is a golfer's paradise with year-round sun and numerous championship golf courses within easy reach. Just inland from Mijas Costa you'll find La Cala North and South golf courses and the David Leadbetter Golf Academy. Also within easy driving distance are the famous courses of Valderrama, Torrequebrada, Alhaurin La Grande and Monte Mayor.

Well worth a visit on your trip to Spain - make a note to visit Mijas.

Author: Anne Sewell

Malaga city - capital of Andalucia and a city of great history

Most tourists think of Malaga as a place to fly into to start their holidays on the Costa del Sol, but few actually take the time to explore this fascinating city.

The city is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and is a cosmopolitan and attractive city – ranging from modern streets and buildings, to the older narrow winding streets of typical Andalucian buildings, with many seafood restaurants and tapas bar to relax and rejuvenate during your tour of the city.

Located on the Costa del Sol, Malaga is situated in a sweeping bay, with golden sandy beaches, and is surrounded by beautiful mountainous scenery. Visit the port to see many cruise ships visiting the city. The city enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year and benefits from the highest average temperatures in Spain.

Malaga has many attractions for the tourist and here is a selection of the main tourist “must visits”:

Calle Larios:

A wide and modern boulevard through the centre of the city with many smart shops and coffee bars and well worth a stroll. You will see many human statues (or street performers) – reminiscent of the famous Las Ramblas in Barcelona.

From Calle Larios, you can take many of the smaller, narrow winding streets and plazas to view other attractions of the city.

The Cathedral of Malaga:

A beautiful Renaissance cathedral with a Baroque and beautiful façade – and well worth the visit to this gorgeous piece of architecture. However, beware of the gypsies haunting the entrance to the cathedral, who will try their best to take a few Euros from you.

Birthplace of Picasso:

Close to the Cathedral is the Plaza de la Merced – a huge square surrounded by restaurants and bars, and including the house in which Pablo Picasso was born. Not much to see in the house, but it is interesting to see photos of Picasso as a child, and the clothing he wore when he was christened. No cameras are allowed in the house – if they catch you they actually take your camera and lock it in a locker until you are ready to leave! (I speak from experience!).

Picasso Museum:

More interesting is the Museo Picasso – which displays many of the fine works of this famous artist – close to the Cathedral.

La Alcazaba

Further on you can visit La Alcazaba – built during the Moors occupation of Malaga in the mid fifteenth century. Fascinating architecture and definitely worth a visit. The Alcazaba is on the hillside, and you can get some wonderful views from up there.
An interesting note is that there is a well preserved Roman amphitheatre in the grounds of La Alcazaba – unfortunately as it is undergoing renovation, it is only possible to view the ruins through the fence.

Gibralfaro Castle

At the very top of La Alcazaba is the Moorish Castillo Gibralfaro – with astounding views of the city below and the surrounding areas. Right next door to the castle is the Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro, one of the famous Paradores of Spain, which also enjoys the wonderful views. Well worth a stay for at least a night.

Calle Alameda and the Botanical Gardens

Running through the centre of the city, and close to La Alcazaba are the beautiful botanical gardens – a lovely and leafy place to relax and catch your breath (also just adjacent to the Port of Malaga).

Teatro Cervantes

The main theatre in Malaga is the Teatro Cervantes, which is where another famous son of Malaga once performed – Antonio Banderas – and he still appears there from time to time.

Video and tourist information about Malaga city

Cuisine

Malaga has many excellent restaurants, cafes and tapas bars where you can enjoy a variety of local dishes, ranging from tapas to full menus. Most are very affordable and offer Andalucian specialities including “pescaito frito”, a selection of small fried fish including sardines and red mullet. Enjoy the catch of the day and wash it down with a fine Spanish wine.

As Malaga goes to sleep during the siesta period, this would be the perfect time to relax and refuel for the late afternoon activities.

Incidentally, if seeing Malaga with limited time, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour is a great option as it takes you to all the main sights of the city in comfort... get on and off as often as you like during the day.

In closing, Malaga is definitely worth at least a day and a night of your visit to the Costa del Sol. Tag it on to the beginning or ending of your holiday and you will not regret it!

Author: Anne Sewell