Mijas

Charming destination on Spain's Costa del Sol combining a famous whitewashed mountain village with 12km of beautiful coastline. Split between picturesque Mijas Pueblo (the mountain village 430m above sea level) and sunny Mijas Costa (beaches and resorts below), this area offers brilliant Mediterranean holidays with authentic Andalusian culture, golf courses galore, and stunning Sierra de Mijas mountain backdrop.

✨ Why visit Mijas?

☀️ Fantastic Mediterranean weather - over 300 days of sunshine annually

🏘 Authentic Andalusia - famous whitewashed Mijas Pueblo with cobbled streets and donkey taxis

🏖 12km of gorgeous coastline - Blue Flag beaches at La Cala, Calahonda, and Riviera del Sol

⛳ Golf paradise - over 35 championship courses within easy reach

⛰ Stunning mountain scenery - Sierra de Mijas hiking trails with coastal views

🎉 Good to Know

🤩 Fun fact: Mijas Pueblo is famous for its "burro-taxis" - traditional donkey rides through the village! These charming donkeys have been working here since the 1960s, offering rides around the cobbled streets and mountain trails.

🏘 Best for culture: Mijas Pueblo is the star attraction - perched 430m above sea level with breathtaking views! Wander whitewashed streets lined with colourful flower pots, visit the 16th-century Church of Immaculate Conception, and check out Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña (hermitage built into rock). Easy bus connection from Fuengirola (25 minutes).

🍽 Must-try: Traditional Andalusian tapas in Mijas Pueblo's mountain restaurants - try gazpacho, patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, and fresh seafood. Down on Mijas Costa, beachfront chiringuitos serve brilliant grilled fish and paella. The area's famous for migas (fried breadcrumbs with chorizo) - proper local comfort food!

🚗 Getting around: Mijas Costa is spread along 12km of coastline - local buses connect La Cala, Calahonda, and Riviera del Sol areas. Bus M-122 runs from Fuengirola to Mijas Pueblo every 30 minutes (25 minutes, gorgeous mountain views). Most coastal hotels are walkable to beaches. Taxis readily available.

🏨 Top hotels in Mijas

TRH Mijas Hotel - Stunning location IN Mijas Pueblo village at 600m above sea level! Traditional Andalusian style with 200 rooms, breathtaking panoramic Mediterranean views. Surrounded by pines and palm trees with orange groves, jasmine, and rose gardens. Main restaurant with sea-view terrace, cocktail bar. 10km from beach (easy bus connection). Perfect for experiencing authentic village life with spectacular views.

La Cala Resort - Four-star luxury between Sierra de Mijas National Park and Mediterranean Sea! Three championship golf courses on-site, spa, gym, outdoor pool, and kids' pool. Spacious rooms with balconies or terraces, some with mountain or sea views. Buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch, set menu dinner. 13km from coast, 40km from Málaga Airport. Golfers' paradise!

Vik Gran Hotel Costa Del Sol - All-inclusive option in La Cala de Mijas with buffet restaurant, pool bar, and bar-cafeteria. Comfort rooms and family rooms available. Show cooking at lunch, Spanish and international cuisine. Perfect for families wanting everything included and easy beach access.

Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Costa del Sol - Just 300m from beach! Studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes. Six dining venues including Safari Restaurant and Zacary's poolside restaurant. Activities for all ages, laid-back family vibe. 27km from Málaga Airport. Brilliant for families and longer stays.

Wyndham Grand Residences Costa Del Sol - One and two-bedroom apartments with sea views, 10-minute walk to beach (or free resort train!). Full kitchens with dishwashers, washer-dryers, balconies. 23-minute drive from Málaga Airport. Perfect for self-catering families wanting flexibility and space.

Ilunion Hacienda Mijas - Unique Andalusian farmhouse design in mountain setting! Elegant minimalist rooms, buffet restaurant, outdoor pool, spa facilities. 5km from beach, 22km from Málaga Airport. Peaceful mountain location with rustic charm. Great for couples and those wanting tranquil surroundings.

Crown Resorts - Five complexes with courtesy bus connecting them, ranging from whitewashed apartments to traditional Andalusian properties. Two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens and terraces. Four poolside bars (June-September), two restaurants, tennis, mini-golf, health club with indoor pool. Daily activities and entertainment. Perfect for families wanting self-catering with resort facilities.

🎯 What to do in Mijas

🏘 Things to do in Mijas Pueblo

• Wander cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses and flower pots

• Take a traditional donkey taxi ride around the village

• Visit Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña hermitage for panoramic views

• Explore the unique oval-shaped bullring and its small museum

🏖 Things to do for beach lovers

• Relax on La Cala Beach - one of Costa del Sol's loveliest stretches

• Try Calahonda beaches - mix of sandy and rocky coves

• Visit Cabopino protected sand dunes and nature reserve

• Enjoy water sports - jet-skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding

⛰ Things to do for active types

• Hike Sierra de Mijas trails - from easy loops to challenging Pico de Mijas (1,150m)

• Trek Barranco Blanco river walk - 4km through swimming holes and waterfalls

• Play 35+ championship golf courses within 20km

• Try walking from Mijas Pueblo to Benalmádena (6-8 hours, stunning views)

🍷 Things to do for culture lovers

• Visit 16th-century Church of Immaculate Conception

• Browse Centro de Artes Mijas (local art and crafts museum)

• Day trip to Málaga for Picasso Museum and historic centre (30 minutes)

• Explore nearby white villages - Ronda, Frigiliana, Nerja

🗓 When to visit Mijas

June to August (Peak season sunshine) - This is when Mijas absolutely shines! Temperatures hit lovely 25-30°C with endless sunshine and warm sea (22-24°C). Perfect beach weather, all facilities operating, and mountain temperatures stay pleasant even when coast gets hot (altitude helps!). Mijas Pueblo is buzzing with visitors - those donkey taxis stay busy! Book ahead for best hotel choice and restaurant tables. July-August are hottest and busiest. Ideal for guaranteed sunshine and full Costa del Sol experience.

May, September, October (Brilliant shoulder season) - Clever timing for hiking and exploring! May and September hit comfortable 20-28°C, perfect for beach days AND mountain walks without peak summer heat. October's still lovely (20-24°C). These months are actually BEST for hiking Sierra de Mijas - not too hot for those mountain trails. Beaches quieter, restaurants easier to book, better hotel rates. September's particularly smart - UK schools back but weather's still gorgeous. Great balance of everything Mijas offers.

March, April, November (Spring and autumn months) - Beautiful for nature lovers and bargain hunters! Spring (March-April) brings wildflowers, blooming almond trees, and temperatures around 18-22°C. Lovely for hiking and exploring Mijas Pueblo without crowds. November's cooler (15-20°C) with some rain but still pleasant. Beach season winding down but golf courses brilliant. Significantly cheaper hotels. Perfect for active holidays, walking, and cultural exploration.

December to February (Quieter winter) - Mijas stays relatively mild (12-18°C) compared to UK and Ireland, with clear blue skies many days. Some coastal facilities close but Mijas Pueblo stays charming year-round. Brilliant hiking season with clearer mountain views. Golf courses quiet and affordable. Rock-bottom hotel prices. Not for beach holidays, but great for winter sun, hiking Sierra de Mijas, and experiencing authentic Andalusian village life.