Located on the resplendent Costa del Sol, Mijas is a coastal municipality found in the province of Malaga, neighbouring Fuengirola. This charming destination is the touristic heart of the region, with tourism being the main economic driver of the locality.
The territory of Mijas is mostly mountainous, with two distinct urban nuclei: one constantly growing on the coast and another anchored on the slopes of the mountain range, about 428 meters above sea level. The latter preserves the typical character of the Andalusian white villages, with its narrow streets and whitewashed buildings.
Mijas is a picturesque destination that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of activities, from hiking and horse riding to golf. In addition, the city hosts a rich history and culture, with several museums and historical sites inviting exploration and discovery.
Mijas, a municipality with a rich history, was originally home to the Turdetanos, an Iberian people who mainly inhabited the Guadalquivir valley, in the south of the Iberian peninsula. The Turdetanos, direct descendants of the Tartessos and heavily influenced by Greek culture, were considered by the Romans as the most cultured people of the peninsula, with a history dating back 6000 years.
The region of Mijas attracted Phoenicians and Greeks for its mineral wealth. With the arrival of the Romans, the place, then known as Tamisa, became an important commercial centre until the fall of the Roman empire, at which point the Visigoths took control of the region.
The Muslim conquest of Malaga in the year 714 allowed the inhabitants of Mijas to preserve their goods and customs. Since then, the city was known as Mixa and experienced sustained economic growth until the invasion of the Christian armies in 1487. After the city's surrender, its population was sold as slaves and properties were reassigned to Christians brought from the north to repopulate the region.
In response to intense pirate activity in the region, watchtowers were built from 1492 to alert the population. These historic towers still stand today and can be visited at any time.
Throughout its history, Mijas has relied on agriculture and fishing for its development, with mining and livestock playing a minor role. However, it was the arrival of tourism, driven by the international fame of the Costa del Sol, that truly transformed Mijas. Today, Mijas is a very popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world with its unique charm and rich history.
Mijas Pueblo and Mijas Costa are two distinct areas of the municipality of Mijas, each with its own charm and attractions. Mijas Pueblo is a typical Andalusian village, with white houses that extend along the slope of the Sierra de Mijas. This picturesque village offers a beautiful picture of the coast and is known for its famous donkey-taxis. Here you can find places of interest such as the hermitage of the Virgen de la Peña, a curious museum of miniatures and the Plaza de Toros de Mijas.
On the other hand, Mijas Costa refers to the coastal part of the municipality, which includes 12 kilometers of stunning coastline with several residential areas and popular beaches. Here you can enjoy the beach, practice water sports, taste the tasty "pescaíto" in the beach bars or simply relax in the sun. In addition, Mijas Costa is known for the good quality of its beaches, being one of the best in the province of Malaga.
Which do you prefer?
Tourist attractions in MijasThe picturesque municipality of Mijas is full of tourist attractions that invite visitors to explore and discover. In addition, during the summer months, Mijas comes alive with numerous outdoor festivals that are celebrated throughout the year.
Museums in Mijas
El Carromato de Max: This museum houses a unique collection of miniatures, including an authentic reduced human head. (Map)
Historical-Ethnological Museum: This museum offers a fascinating view of the history and culture of Mijas through its collection of ancient tools. (Map)
Center of the Watchtowers: Located in the "Torre Nueva" in La Cala del Moral, this center exposes the history of the watchtowers and of Mijas. (Map)
Monuments in Mijas
Most of the monuments in Mijas have a religious origin, reflecting the influence of the Catholic conquerors:
Mijas, a privileged place of great beauty, hosts superior quality beaches. If you are a lover of the sun and the sea, Mijas offers you a variety of recognised beaches, such as:
Mijas, a municipality full of charm and tradition, is famous for its vibrant fairs and festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. These events are a wonderful mix of music, dance, gastronomy and local customs, reflecting the festive spirit of the region.
One of the most outstanding events is the Mijas Fair, which is celebrated in honour of the patron saint of the municipality, the Virgen de la Peña. This fair, which takes place from 5 to 10 September, transforms the white village into a display of colour and joy. For six days, visitors can enjoy a programme that includes live music, traditional dances, delicious meals and much more.
Another important festivity is Holy Week, one of the most popular festivals in Mijas, which attracts numerous visitors each year. During this week, religious processions are held that tour the streets of the village.
In addition to these major celebrations, Mijas also hosts a series of smaller but equally significant events. For example, the International Day of the Peoples in May is a multicultural festival that celebrates the many nationalities that coexist in Mijas. The Day of San Antón is also celebrated in January.
To get to Mijas from any other place, you can choose to use your own means of transport, hire a transfer or take a bus. Although there is currently no train service for Mijas, it is expected that a connection to Marbella will be established in the future. Below, we present the different bus lines that stop in Mijas:
Bus lines in Mijas:
One of the most emblematic and beloved attractions of Mijas are its famous Burrotaxis. This peculiar means of transport emerged around 1950, when local workers began to offer donkey rides to tourists as a way to earn extra income. Since then, the Burrotaxis have become an integral part of the tourist experience in Mijas.
The Burrotaxis are preserved today as a tourist attraction and even have their own special donkey taxi station. Visitors can enjoy a quiet and relaxing ride through the cobbled streets of the village, enjoying the panoramic views and immersing themselves in the charming atmosphere of Mijas.
In addition to being a unique and fun way to explore the city and its surroundings, the Burrotaxis are also a tribute to the rich history and traditions of Mijas. So, if you are looking for a truly authentic experience during your visit to Mijas, don't miss the opportunity to take a ride on a Burrotaxi!
Mijas is located about 22 kilometers from Malaga airport and it takes approximately 20 minutes to get there if we travel in our own car. If you need a vehicle, you can check our rates for a car hire in Malaga or a taxi transfer to Mijas. Otherwise, you can also take a bus from Malaga airport to Mijas. The M-112 and M-320 bus lines connect Malaga and Mijas and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
In the map below you can see the route to get to Mijas from Malaga by car:
Town Hall: Plaza Virgen de la Peña, s/n. 29650.
Phone: +34 952 58 90 34
Official website: Mijas Town Hall
Credit cards accepted
