Spotlight on Mijas Pueblo: 5 of the Best Attractions You Can See in a Day
Perched on the hillside high above the sea, Mijas Pueblo is a traditional whitewashed Andalusian village and is just 20 minutes from the nearest coastal resort of Fuengirola.
The pueblo has managed to retain a very authentic Spanish feel and although now a major tourist attraction, it has definitely not compromised its charm. Many visitors who come here will admit to Mijas Pueblo holding a special place in their hearts.
If it’s fantastic views, to die for restaurants, and a bit of culture you’re after, then Mijas Pueblo is the place. To see everything that this beautiful little village has to offer you would need to spend a couple of days and nights here.
But like the majority of cruise ship passengers that now come here from ships docking at Malaga, if you only have 1 day then read on to discover the best things to do in less than 12 hours.
First things first, on arrival pick up a map of the pueblo from the tourist info office just a few steps from the main car park and the bus stop; all of the attractions in the post should be listed on the map.
But before we go into all of the lovely things to do in Mijas. Sadly, I must draw your attention to one tourist attraction that needs to be stopped and that noone should take part in, the Mijas Donkey Taxis.
Donkey rides have been a part of Mijas village tradition for centuries, but unfortunately the donkeys are not properly cared for by the people that handle them. They are exploited and made to live and work in very hot and unsanitary conditions. They then have to carry tourists around on their backs all day whom, more often than not, are too heavy for these poor gentle animals.
Please do not ride the Donkeys taxis! Instead, visit Donkey Dreamland, a Donkey Sanctuary providing a safe place for rescued, ill and unwanted donkeys to live. Book a tour of the Sanctuary or join a lovely guided walk with the Donkeys, visits are free but your donation will help the rescuers continue their amazing work.
1. Grotto of the Virgen de la Peña
As you arrive either emerging from the main car park or by bus, at the foot of the village and just a few steps from the tourist office is the shrine to the virgin de la peña (Virgin of the Rock).
Built in 1586 as a shrine by the father of 2 children who as legend has it were led there by a dove to reveal the long lost statue of the Virgin (the patroness of Mijas) where it had been hidden for 500 years. The statue now stands proud above the altar inside this tiny little chapel surrounded by flowers. This fascinating story is how the village of Mijas originally found fame and when the shrine was built, visitors started coming from miles around.
Once you have seen the shrine, walk through to the sacristy which has displays of ornate robes and silver crosses used in religious processions in the village around the time the Virgen was discovered. Exit through a back door onto a lovely terrace offering stunning views of Mijas Costa and even Gibraltar and Africa beyond on a clear day.
2. Parque Muralla
This beautiful park ‘The Muralla Gardens’ is located on the grounds of the original fortress that was once here. With pretty botanical gardens, San Sebastian church and old bullring surrounding the park it makes for a wonderful place to enjoy a stroll taking in the sights.
Some of the best views of the coast and the old part of Mijas village can be seen and coin operated binoculars are available around the perimeter of the park to enhance the experience. If you visit Mijas on a Wednesday a FREE Flamenco show takes place on the bandstand in the plaza of the park. Enjoy the traditional display of Spanish folklore while sipping a cold drink in the shade of one of the cafe bars which are dotted around the plaza.
3. Restaurant La Alcazaba
Look over the little balcony at the plaza and there you will see the Alcazaba restaurant, if the views don’t tempt you in, then the food should.
Choose your table either at the upper level indoor restaurant with huge windows offering fantastic views over Mijas Costa or the more casual outdoor terrace. Either way, the service is excellent and the food is pretty good too BUT don’t bother with dessert…
4. Mayan Monkey Mijas
Welcome to the world’s smallest chocolate factory !!
For the ultimate in a sweet treat, you have to try the home-made chocolate or ice cream at this lovely little chocolate shop, all lovingly made on the premises and made with THE best ingredients.
Beautifully packaged so great as gifts or keep it all to yourself; we bought 99% pure dark chocolate with no added sugar…delicious oh and also a tub of melt-in-your-mouth Oreo cookie ice cream!
If you are truly mad about chocolate you can actually book a ‘chocolate making experience’ at the little factory and get to take 3 of your very own hand made chocolate bars home with you.
5. The Ethnological Museum (Museo Historic-Etnologico)
This is basically an historical tour into life in Andalusia during the 19th and 20th centuries, unlike most museums visitors can actually touch and handle many of the artefacts on display here. The museum does a great job of giving a good insight into what life was like here for many local farmers, wine makers, olive oil and honey making and the hardships they faced; the entrance fee of just 1 Euro is well worth it.
Hotels in Mijas Pueblo
If you are lucky enough to be able to stay for a night or two then one of the best hotels is the TRH Mijas. Its a lovely 4 star hotel with pool, gardens and of course those wonderful views down to the coast.
A bus stops just outside the hotel taking you down to Fuengirola and nearby coastal resorts and its within a short walk to everything Mijas village has to offer.
Some lovely information on your website we are holidaying in September in Mijas so information on sightseeing and places to visit all great thank you
Thanks for commenting Colin, appreciate it. Have a great time in Mijas.
The little museum is an absolute delight. Only 1 euro to enter. Highly recommended.
It really is great value and well worth a visit Sue. Thanks for commenting.
Hola, i need information re: local buses in & out of mijas Pueblo. Are they regular & how much is bus fare (return) we are thinking of visiting mijas pueblo later this year & will be visiting other nearby places of interest, thank you in advance for advise 🙂
Where are you going to be staying? Bud fare return from where???
Thinking of a short break in September if can get things sorted, found all information was extremely informative
hi Janice, glad you have found my site helpful. September is a perfect time to come to this part of Spain, temperatures are lovely ad there are less crowds than July and August. Are you looking to stay in Mijas Pueblo specifically? If so I can help you with finding somewhere to stay, I actually live in Mijas and recently stayed in the TR hotel. Let me know if i can help.
Anna
Have booked with lov holidays and it is Mijas Costa will be staying at Mijas Costa Oasis by Grangefield Oasis Club for 3 nights so hopefully we will enjoy
Hi we are coming as a family to Mijas pueblo at the end of October for 1 week. I am wondering if all the lovely sites and museums will still be open. We plan to have some time at the beach in Fuengirola but want to stay mainly in Mijas and relax and enjoy some family time together. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated and help us to plan our stay.
hi Tina.
I just did a quick search for the end of October for a week thinking that the best places would be sold out (assuming you are coming half term week). But the Macdonald hotel resort is showing as having availability. It’s a great price in a two bed apartment for 7 nights and the resort has a nice indoor pool which you don’t find in many hotels, great for this time of year if it’s not warm enough to swim outside. I don’t think you’ll get much better than this for the price. It’s walking distance into Mijas Pueblo which is perfect for you as you don’t need car hire, unless you want to take a car for a few days to explore Fuengirola and the beaches.
There is a bus service however from Mijas to the Coast, the hotel staff will give you bus times etc. While you are in Mijas, you must visit the Chocolate factory where you can make your own bars in the little factory or just sit and have a coffee and one of their amazing ice-creams.
Also for food check out the Aroma cafe and Secret garden for food or drinks, just walk all the way through to the back to the ‘secret garden’ that’s all i’m saying…
Lastly, for a great choice of wine and tapas, also good for a bad weather day, one of my faves Chema’s wine bar. Chema is very knowledgeable on his wines and he has lots of little wooden puzzle games to while away the hours, my 7 year old loves spending an hour or two with us in there trying to solve them.
If you would like help finding a place to stay in Fuengirola, let me know your exact dates and ill do my best.
Hope this helps so far.
Hi,
We are due in Mijas Pueblo this Saturday (assuming flights not cancelled again) for 2 weeks. We have stayed in the village many times and are wondering if the bars and restaurants are all open?
Hi Colin
Assuming you are already here so you have no doubt seen for yourself that the village and the coastal resorts are very much open, however a lot quieter than normal for the time of year. Most bars and restaurants everywhere are still open with a few having closed up early already. Head to one of the coastal towns and beaches for a day trip if the village is a little quiet.
Is this still live??
I am going to Mijas 15th-18th June for my hen weekend. We are 5 adults all in our 50’s. Can you recommend a restaurant in Mijas with live music?
Hi Lionel – we are staying at La Zambra hotel up by the golf course. It’s gorgeous but v v expensive! We’d like to head out for more relaxed/affordable food and drink – should we head for Mijas Pueblo? Or the beachside area? I’m a bit confused about whether these are two entirely separate towns!
Hi, im not sure if you are still there, i hope you found some nice and more reasonable places. If you are still looking for sugggestions for more reasonable priced food, head into Fuengirola, there’s so much choice there it helps to keep prices fairly reasonable. The eatieries and bars around ‘fish alley’ in Fuengirola are popular and buzzing at night with people dining outside this time of year. Also for a more traditional Spanish feel, head to Plaza de los Chinnoros, locals call it Post office Square because it’s behind the big post office in Fuengirola. There are around 7 or 8 casual bars/restaurants within the square and lots more heading off down side streets. Casa Colon is very popular, as is Bubba bar.
Dear all!! Please do not use the donkey taxis! They abuse them, keep them in the sun all day and there is not enough water!! Enjoy the beautiful Mijas but please do not be part of animal abuse! Thank you!
I agree completely! I have added this to the post and encouraged readers to visit Donkey Dreamland instead.
I absolutely loved your post about Mijas Pueblo! The tips on exploring the quaint streets and enjoying the views were spot on. Can’t wait to try the local cuisine you mentioned! Thanks for sharing such great insights!
I am going with my sister and brother first week April 2025 for 7 night. Can anyone recommend good places for evening entertainment?
Hi, There are a few places with entertainment, try Chema’s terrace, it’s a lovely setting and often has daytime and evening entertainment too. Chema, the owner is lovely: https://www.facebook.com/Chemasterrace/?locale=es_ES. Also look at Aroma cafe and secret gardenm may not have entertainment but is a great spot for lunch or dinner. https://www.secretgardenaromamijas.com/. There is a FREE flamenco show every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon at 12 outside at Plaza constitucion.