Mijas: Best Things to Do | Exploring Andalusia

Mijas is famous for being one of Spain’s whitewashed villages. Breathtaking views, quaint streets lined up with white houses with flower pots hanging on the walls, intriguing legends, and the unbeatable Andalusian charm have attracted tourists to this little hilltop village since the 1960s. Today, Mijas is a popular day-trip destination in Costa del Sol. Read further to find out what the best things to do in Mijas are, and also what you should avoid doing as a tourist.

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Why is Mijas so famous?

Mijas is one of Andalusia’s whitewashed towns, the so-called pueblos blancos. This is a series of small hilltop towns and large villages, characterized by whitewashed houses with mostly red tiled roofs, and narrow alleyways, full of charm.

Scenic view from a balcony with a ceramic planter holding red and pink flowers on a wrought iron railing. The backdrop features a lush green hillside with a town of white buildings nestled among the trees, all under a brilliant blue sky. Mijas Pueblo in Andalusia — Mijas Pueblo

In Andalusia houses were whitewashed with slaked lime (cal) not only to protect the inhabitants from the scorching sun in the summer, but also from infectious diseases like the plague.

A narrow, sunlit street is lined with white buildings. Colorful flower pots hang on the wall, filled with blooming plants. The street has a railing on the right and a clear blue sky above. A framed photo is on the building's exterior wall. Mijas in Andalusia, Spain — Calle Muro, Mijas

Today, whitewashed towns, or white villages, are attracting thousands of tourists in search of authenticity in Andalusia.

What’s the difference between Mijas Pueblo and Mijas Costa?

Most of the tourists visiting Mijas on a day trip don’t realize there’s more than one place called Mijas. Actually, the municipality is called Mijas. It consists of Mijas Pueblo (the village of Mijas) – the hilltop village with whitewashed houses, Mijas Costa, the coastal area of Mijas, comprising of La Cala de Mijas and the villages Calahonda and Riviera, and Las Lagunas – a suburban and commercial area which is integrated partially in Fuengirola.

A scenic view of the Sierra de Mijas mountain range framed by a large metal structure with an irregular top edge mirroring the mountain's silhouette. The green mountains are lush with vegetation, and buildings and trees are visible in the foreground. Sierra de Mijas in Andalusia — Sierra de Mijas in Andalusia

La Cala de Mijas (Mijas Bay) is located between Fuengirola and Marbella and is a resort town. Mijas Pueblo is located some 20 km north-east of La Cala de Mijas, at the foot of the Sierra de Mijas.

How to visit Mijas Pueblo?

Whether you are vacationing on Costa del Sol, spending a long weekend in Málaga, or road-tripping in Andalusia, Mijas will be the perfect day trip or a stop on your Spanish itinerary. If you are travelling by car, there are a couple of parking areas just outside the old town of Mijas Pueblo. You can leave your car there and explore Mijas on foot.

A picturesque street in a Spanish village, framed by an elegant archway with brick columns. The street is lined with white buildings adorned with terracotta roof tiles and colorful flower pots, including a charming wall display of blue pots holding red and pink flowers. MIjas, Andalusia, Spain — Mijas Pueblo

If you are staying in Málaga, there’s a direct bus line from Málaga to Mijas Pueblo. The trip takes about 1 hr 20 min, and there are buses 4 times a day (bus line M-112), departing from the bus station of Málaga (Estación de Autobuses de Málaga), serviced by Avanza. For more information, check the website of Avanza.

Another option will be to take an organized day trip to Mijas. There are different tours offered from Málaga and other places on Costa del Sol. Click on the link to see if there’s a pick-up available from your hotel or resort:

Mijas, Marbella and Puerto Banús Tour from Costa del Sol (affiliate link) – 6 pick-up locations
Mijas, Marbella, Puerto Banús, and Benalmadena Tour from Costa del Sol (affiliate link) – 14 pick-up locations
Mijas, Marbella and Puerto Banús from Málaga (affiliate link)

When in Mijas, you can also take a walking tour with a group or a private walking tour, thus making sure you won’t miss any of Mijas’ highlights. Here are the 2 options:

Group walking tour in Mijas (affiliate link). Read here the reviews about this tour on TripAdvisor.
Private walking tour in Mijas (affiliate link). Read here the reviews about this tour on TripAdvisor.

You can also check on Expedia (affiliate link), Viator (affiliate link), or GetYourGuide (affiliate link)for more trip ideas to Mijas.

Best things to do in Mijas Pueblo

On the map below you can find all things to do in Mijas. You can save the map on Google YourPlaces and use it even off-line.

1. Chapel of the Virgin of the Rock

The legend has it that in 1586 a white dove appeared before two children who were herding their flock of sheep and guided them to a place where Virgin Mary appeared. The Virgin Mary asked the children to tell everybody in the village about her so that they come and free her from the tower in the old castle where she was hiding for more than 500 years.

Old stone structure on rocky terrain with a bell visible through a large arched opening. The structure is surrounded by some vegetation, including a tree growing from the rocks. A clear, blue sky with the sun positioned behind the structure creates a glowing halo effect, adding an almost ethereal touch to the scene. The Chapel of the Virgin of the Rock in Mijas — The Chapel of the Virgin of the Rock in Mijas

Almost a century later a Carmelite monk carved the chapel in the rocks and they placed the image of Virgin Mary inside. This was the beginning of the Chapel of the Virgin Mary of the Rock (la Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña). Virgin Mary of the Rock is also the patron saint of Mijas, celebrated on 2 June.

Religious shrine set inside a cave, featuring a central statue of the Virgin Mary with the words 'AVE MARIA' displayed above. The altar is adorned with lit candles, a variety of colorful flowers (mainly blue and white), and religious icons. The rough cave walls create a natural, sacred atmosphere, enhanced by decorative elements like hanging lamps with red tassels and a bench with a red cushion placed in front of the altar. Inside the Chapel of the Virgin of the Rock in Mijas — Inside the Chapel of the Virgin of the Rock in Mijas

There are different stories about as to who carved the chapel and when. One story can be found here on this site. However, according to some other sources the sanctuary was carved in 1548 by Mercederian friars.

2. El Compás viewpoint

In front of the chapel there is lovely garden and next to it is one of the two panoramic viewing points in Mijas: Mirador del Compás.

Scenic terrace with vibrant pink flowers in the foreground, rolling green hills stretching into the distance, and a sparkling blue sea meeting the clear sky at the horizon. A tranquil and picturesque view bathed in sunlight. View from Mirador del Compas in Mijas — View from Mirador del Compas in Mijas

From there you have an amazing view over Costa del Sol and the sea. Just take a sit on one of the benches, relax and enjoy the scenery.

3. The Old Flour Mill

The Old Flour Mill (Antiguo Molino de Harina) is a reconstruction of a traditional flour watermill, the way they used to be in the past. It reflects Mijas’ agricultural roots and traditional way of life. Visitors can explore the mechanisms while learning about the milling process that once sustained the community.

A unique architectural structure built into a rocky cliff. The building features stone walls and a rounded, tower-like section with a balcony and a spiral staircase. The Old Flour Mill in Mijas — The Old Flour Mill in Mijas

At one point, there were 22 flour mills in Mijas but none of them has survived till the present day.

4. Carromato de Mijas – Miniature Museum

Carromato de Mijas (the Wagon of Mijas) is quite a peculiar museum. It exhibits miniature works from over 50 countries and was established in 1972 by Juan Elegido Millán, known as Professor Max.

The exterior of a building featuring a yellow and red color scheme, with a stone tower visible in the background. A blackboard sign on the side reads 'ARTE IN MINIATURA,' and a blue flower pot with red flowers is attached to a nearby railing. The Carromato in Mijas — The Carromato in Mijas

You can see there a naval battle on the head of a pin, Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper on a grain of rice, or a ballerina carved on a toothpick.

Address: Avenida del Compás, Mijas
Admission fee: adults: 3 EUR; kids (6-14 yoa): 1,50 EUR
Opening times: daily from 10:00 till 21:00
Website: www.carromatodemijas.org

5. Plaza de la Constitución

Constitution Square (Plaza de la Constitución) is the heart of Mijas. In the middle of the square there’s a lovely fountain that’s connected to a dark part of the history of Mijas. On 2 November 1884, after a heavy rainfall in the mountains above Mijas, a flooding occurred. The flood paired with a landslide destroyed lots of houses and cost the life of a number of people and of numerous animals.

A town square in Mijas, featuring a stone fountain surrounded by a wrought iron fence and lush greenery. Whitewashed buildings with signage indicating shops and hostels line the square, adding to the charm. People are walking and shopping in the background, and the scene is illuminated by bright sunlight, with trees providing some shade. Plaza de la Constitucion in Mijas — Plaza de la Constitución in Mijas

To commemorate this tragic event in the history of Mijas, a fountain was made with the stones carried to the village with the flooding. The benches around the square are also made with those stones.

6. The Fortress of Mijas

Once Mijas was a fortified city. The Fortress was built in the Middle Ages on the ruins of old Phoenician fortifications. Today, there isn’t much left of the castle and fortress of Mijas, only the ruins of a fortification wall (La Muralla) and a watchtower, which were reconstructed in the recent years.

A scenic view from a high vantage point overlooking a coastal city and its surroundings. The foreground showcases a rocky cliff with some greenery and a stone fence featuring brick pillars. To the right, there is a small lookout area with a lamp post. The background reveals a sprawling cityscape extending toward a vast ocean under a clear blue sky with delicate wispy clouds. View from La Muralla in Mijas — View from La Muralla in Mijas

After the Catholic Monarchs conquered Mijas in1487, they ordered the destroying of the fortress and enslaving of its inhabitants.

7. La Muralla and the Botanical Gardens

The Fortress Wall, known as La Muralla, once part of the Medieval fortifications of Mijas, is today a lovely botanical garden, that offers stunning vistas of Costa del Sol and the Mediterranean Sea. It’s also one of Mijas’ most famous attractions. So, when in Mijas, do not miss to walk along Paseo de la Muralla and enjoy the views all the way.

ranquil natural setting with a small stream or pond flowing through interconnected pools surrounded by greenery and rocky terrain. A stone pathway with a metal railing crosses above the water, shaded by tall trees, adding to the serene atmosphere. La Muralla Botanical Garden in Mijas — La Muralla Botanical Garden in Mijas

At the Botanical Garden you can spot 140 native and exotic species and all of them are marked with information boards. You can also download here a map of the so-called botanical route, together with a description of every plant that you can see in the gardens.

8. Mijas Parish Church

The Parish Church of Mijas or the Church of the Immaculate Conception (La Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción) was built on the place of the old mosque as it usually happened in Southern Spain after the Catholic Monarchs took over Mijas.

A peaceful church or chapel with white walls and brick accents, featuring a bell tower with visible bells. In the foreground, a vibrant garden of red and pink flowers with green foliage contrasts against the building, under a bright blue sky. The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Mijas, Andalusia — The Church of the Immaculate Conception

The current church was finished in 1631. A fun fact is that an old tower most probably built in the 16th century was converted into the church bell tower. The tower is known as Torre de la Vela.

9. San Sebastián Chapel

This lovely chapel, built at the end of the 17th century, blends perfectly with the surrounding buildings. This was quite the trend of the time when hermitages for popular devotion would just pop up in residential areas integrating perfectly among the rest of the buildings on the street. The clock on the façade of the San Sebastián Chapel (Ermita de San Sebastián) was put in 1902.

San Sebastian Church in Mijas, a whitewashed building with brick accents and a prominent bell tower featuring visible bells. The foreground showcases vibrant red and pink flowers surrounded by lush green foliage, adding charm to the tranquil scene. The bright blue sky overhead enhances the peaceful atmosphere of this picturesque landmark. San Sebastian Chapel in Mijas — San Sebastian Chapel in Mijas

The chapel is located on Plaza de la Libertad – a small square in the heart of Mijas.

10. San Sebastián Street

Without a doubt San Sebastián Street (Calle San Sebastián) is the most famous street in Mijas, and the most photographed one, too.

A picturesque, narrow street, paved with stone and lined with whitewashed buildings featuring balconies and flower pots. The street is adorned with colorful flowers and potted plants, with a gentle upward slope. In the background, a hill covered in greenery rises under a bright blue sky, suggesting a sunny day. The famous San Sebastian Street in Mijas — San Sebastian Street in Mijas

This is the street with the flower pots overhung with red geraniums, hanging on the walls of the houses.

11. Ethnographic Museum

The Ethnographic Museum is quite often overlooked by tourists, but it’s absolutely worth visiting. Located across the street from the San Sebastián Chapel on Plaza de la Libertad, the Ethnographic Museum of Mijas (Museo Histórico Etnológico de Mijas) is housed in the old town hall. It tells the story of the village and the bygone times with everyday objects and ethnographic displays.

Cozy kitchen with whitewashed walls, wooden beams topped with bamboo, and a green cabinet adding character. The table is covered with a checkered tablecloth, matching the curtains, while dried herbs and pottery lend a rustic and homely atmosphere. An exhibition room at the Ethnographic Museum of Mijas — Ethnographic Museum of Mijas

You can see there how oil is made, or honey, or wine; how people lived and how people worked in Mijas and the surroundings. Various local crafts and trades are exhibited with an eye for the details, and feels as if you are taking glimpses of someone’s life and home.

Address: Plaza de la Libertad, Mijas
Admission fee: 1 EUR
Opening times: Monday-Friday, from 10:00 till 18:00; Saturday-Sunday, from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00.

12. Contemporary Art Centre (CAC)

The Contemporary Art Centre (Centro de Arte Contemporáneo) in Mijas is fairly new. It opened in 2013 and since then became one of the must-visit places in Mijas. Surprisingly, for an art museum of a small village, the CAC has an amazing collection of works of Picasso and Dalí, shown at the two permanent exhibitions in the museum. There are also temporary exhibitions curating local and international modern art.

Address: C/ Málaga, 28. Mijas
Admission fee: adults – 3 EUR, kids under 5 yoa – free of charge
Opening times: daily, from 10:30 till 14:00
Website: cacmijas.info (only in Spanish)

13. De la Sierra Viewpoint

They say that on a clear day you can see Gibraltar and even the coast of Morocco from this viewpoint. It’s located just above the village, where the mountains (La Sierra) begin. It was previously known as Mirador de la Sierra (De la Sierra Viewpoint) or the viewpoint at the ring road of Mijas. In 2021 the name was changed to Juan Antonio Gómez Alarcón Viewpoint, dedicating it to a mountaineer who disappeared without any reason in 2010 and who was never found.

What not to do in Mijas?

1. Donkey Taxi

Although the donkey taxi (burro taxi) is one of the attractions that made Mijas famous, this attraction should remain in the past. Historically, donkeys have been used for work, to pull a cart or to carry packs, as drought animals. And of course you can ride a donkey, but there’s quite a lot to be considered.

Two donkeys in decorative harnesses and headgear stand behind a metal railing in a sunny outdoor area. Their headgear features signs reading 'Mijas BURRO TAXI No 23' and 'No 24,' indicating they are part of a tourist attraction. Behind them, a public square or parking area with several cars and white buildings can be seen under a bright, clear sky. Donkey Taxi in Mijas — Donkey Taxi in Mijas

A grown-up, physically fit donkey can carry about 20%-30% of its weight, which means that most of the adults are too heavy for a donkey to carry them. Let’s say, an average donkey weighs about 200 kg, this means that the donkey can carry about 40-60 kg max, including the saddle and the rigging.

This is not the only reason, why you should not take the burro taxi. In a modern world, where we are concerned about animal welfare, riding a donkey as a tourist attraction is simply inappropriate and an anachronism.

2. Plaza de Toros (The Bullring)

Bullfighting is another attraction that should remain in the past. Although it’s considered a cultural heritage in Spain and still is among the most popular events in certain regions, bullfighting belongs to the past. It has played a major role in the history of Spain, and we can’t imagine Spain without the corrida, but bullfighting should remain in the history books and the museums.

Exterior view of a white building in Mijas, Spain. The facade is decorated with colorful tiles that depict bullfighting scenes and cultural motifs. The entrance area is complemented by potted plants and Spanish flags, and a prominent large black bull sculpture is mounted on the wall. Plaza de los Toros in Mijas — Plaza de los Toros with the Bullring in Mijas

It should be mentioned that the bullring in Mijas is not used as such anymore. The bullring in Mijas was built in 1900. Particularly interesting is the oval form, which is quite unusual for this type of buildings.