This white Andalusian hillside village has winding streets lined with painted shutters and orange trees. Local artisans craft rugs and pottery amid small plazas and Mediterranean views.
Mijas, a white village in southern Spain's Málaga province, sits 430 meters above the Mediterranean Sea. You'll walk through narrow streets where white-washed houses display hundreds of bright flower pots, watch flamenco dancers perform in Plaza Virgen de la Peña, or take a donkey taxi ride through medieval lanes. From the village's mountain position, you can see across the Mediterranean coast while hiking the Sierra de Mijas trails or dining at cliff-edge restaurants.
Three Areas of Mijas
Mijas has three distinct sections. In Mijas Pueblo, the hilltop village, you'll find whitewashed buildings with blue and purple bougainvillea cascading from balconies. Las Lagunas is the modern section, with shopping centers and residential neighborhoods. La Cala de Mijas runs along the coast, where beachfront restaurants and apartment buildings line the Mediterranean shore.
Getting Around Mijas
Buses run between Mijas Pueblo and Fuengirola every 30 minutes, connecting you to other Costa del Sol destinations. In Mijas Pueblo, you can explore by donkey taxi or on foot - walking lets you discover hidden squares and viewing spots. The A-7 highway connects all coastal sections.
Streets and Buildings
The streets follow Moorish patterns from medieval times, creating a maze of corners and passages. Each white house displays flower-filled ceramic pots, with geraniums adding splashes of red against the walls. Look up to see wrought-iron balconies and carved wooden doors that date back centuries.
Mountain Activities
The Sierra de Mijas mountains have multiple marked hiking paths. From the Mirador del Compás viewing point, you can see along the Costa del Sol coastline on clear days. The mountain trails range from 30-minute walks to full-day hikes.
Cultural Sites and Museums
The Folk Museum shows daily life from past centuries through displays of farming equipment, local photographs, and pottery. At the Contemporary Art Center, you'll find changing exhibitions of Spanish and international artwork. The round bullring, built in 1900, now serves as a venue for summer concerts and horse shows.
La Cala Beach Life
La Cala de Mijas beach extends several kilometers with shallow waters good for families. A 6-kilometer wooden boardwalk connects multiple beaches and seaside restaurants. Local markets set up near the beach every Wednesday and Saturday morning, selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, and clothing.
Climate and When to Visit
July and August temperatures reach 30°C (86°F). Spring and autumn bring mild weather better suited for exploring. Winter stays moderate at around 18°C (64°F). The area gets about 2,920 hours of sun per year, with most rain falling between October and April.
Local Events
The village calendar includes regular events throughout the year. Watch free flamenco performances every Wednesday in Plaza Virgen de la Peña. La Cala celebrates its summer festival starting July 25th with music performances, dance shows, and food stalls. During Easter week, religious processions wind through the village streets.
