It is said that Mijas village is the prettiest place to live, set as it is against the pine-forested hills and with its narrow, stepped streets, delightful squares and spectacular views of both mountains and sea. Moreover, it retains much of its traditional, Andalucian way of life and is rich in culture. A visit to the tourist office in the town hall in Plaza Virgen de la Peña will provide you with all the information you need, in English too. The town hall itself is worth seeing for its elegant marble patios and fountains. Armed with information, you then have to decide how to tour the village as there are some unusual options. You could walk -- which despite the steep streets actually isn´t too taxing -- or take a donkey taxi, a novel way of getting around. These can be found near the tourist office. If you prefer the elegance of a horse and carriage, you will find them in Plaza de Pina.
Mijas village has a rich cultural heritage and there is plenty to see. The delightfully different Sanctuary of the Virgin of La Peña, at the top of the village, was hewn from rock by friars in 1548. Inside is the image of Our Lady who is their patron saint. Legend has it that Our Lady appeared to two shepherds. Her image lay hidden for five centuries when it was rediscovered by a builder who had been led there by a dove.
Below this are the ancient fortress walls, now incorporated into the botanical gardens, a blaze of colour all year round with stunning views, lovely waterfalls and fishponds. Nearby is the bullring, and its museum, famous for its unusual oval shape and extremely small size. It was built in 1900 over the site of the Hospital Real at the request of the villagers. The 18th century Hermitage of Our Lady of Remedios can be found in the traditional Plaza de los Siete Caños.
Plaza de la Constitución is the heart of the village with a fountain designed by Galiano, cafes and shops and the church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. This church was built in Mudejar style in 1541 over an ancient mosque, or, as some would have it, over a hermitage which itself had been built on castle ruins. When restoring it, they discovered the wonderful frescoes of the apostles. Of note, too, is the beautiful tower. Visit the museum in the square where you will discover how people lived in Andalucia, see a recreation of a typical house and learn about local traditions and customs. Another museum, for which Mijas is well-known, is the Museum of Miniatures, ´Carromato de Max´ which is in Avenida de Compás.
The narrow streets are lined with shops where you can buy not only handmade pottery and esparto grass crafts, but also the work of local artists. There is no shortage of events in this village, from the flamenco shows which are held every Wednesday in the main square, with a glass of sherry to enjoy, to a wealth of shows and concerts in the auditorium. During the summer, they offer guided tours by night of the area, suitable for all ages and with English-speaking guides. Annual events range from St John´s Night on 23/24 June, with events being held in Calle San Sebastian and a spectacular firework display at midnight. In July, there´s a flamenco dance festival, and in August, you can enjoy a Latin American night, the Spanish theatre festival in the open air theatre and rock night. September sees the Mijas feria in honour of the patron saint where there are stalls, bars, food and drink to sample, Sevillana dancing, Spanish horses, traditional dress and sherry. In December, they hold a Christmas carol concert in the town hall.
If Mijas village is the old traditional part, then Mijas Costa is the modern, 21th century one. There are 12 km of villages which include El Chaparral, La Cala, El Combo and Calahonda. Of these, the beach at La Cala is of particular note for its super facilities for the disabled, including special chairs which roll into the sea on inflated tyres, plus disabled showers and toilets and friendly helpers.
Meanwhile, if sports are your thing, then you will find all kinds of activities along this stretch of coast, jet-skiing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, parapenting and more, as well as golf, tennis and horseracing.
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