Mijas, set in the hills of southern Andalucia overlooking the Mediterranean sea is a perfect location to get away for a family holiday or a short break. The area has kilometers of nice beaches and many golf courses to keep you busy. The climate is excellent, with mild temperatures all year round. The village of Mijas is located 10 mins inland and boasts impressive views of the Meditteranean coast. A popular village to visit for the day, there is plenty to do and many people stay close to the village to enjoy its excellent bars and restaurants. Other activities in Mijas include cultural and wine musuems, historical buildings such as the Mijas bullring and most activities are free and can be enjoyed all year.
Plaza de Toros, Calle Cuesta de la Villa
Built in 1900 and situated close to the heart of the village, Mijas bullring can be visited to walk around the ring and visit its museum. The bullring is still active with bullfights being held during the summer, typically on Sundays. One feature of the bullring is quite unique is its shape, the bullring is oval and is one of the only oval bullrings to be found.
Mijas Wine museum, Calle San Sebastian
Mijas wine museum is a great place for wine lovers or people interested in learning about the different varities of local and natiional Spanish wine. Professional oenologists will show and explain the different denominations of origin to be found in Spain. With an extensive showcasing the best cavas, reds and roses and gourmet food matching to compliment the wines, the wine museum is a must see when visiting Mijas.
Ethnological Museum of Mijas, Plaza de la Libertad, 2, Tel: 952 590 380
Situated in the center of the village is the ethnological museum which exhibits tools of agricultural life in days gone by. The museum also exhibits an old oil mill and wine cellar and upstairs there are regular exhibits of local artists and photographers on display. Free entrance and wine tasting during all local festivals.
Mijas Museum of Miniatures, Avda. del Compàs, Tel: 952 48 58 20
This unique museum was created by Professor Max, a famous adventurer and hypnotist. During his travels, he collected over 300 miniature pieces that are displayed. There is even a reproduction of the "Last Supper" by Leonardo Da Vinci that is carved on a grain of rice.
Walking & hiking
Mijas is also very popular for people who enjoy hiking and mountain walking with many routes and trails very close to the village. In the hills directly behind the village, there are wonderful views to be had and you can visit the old church overlooking the area. Maps showing the routes along with difficulty level and time needed for each route can be found in the local Mijas tourist office.
Rock climbing/Bouldering, Parque Muralla
Close to the bullring is the beautiful botanical gardens of Parque Muralla where you can find several rock climbing areas in the gorges beneath the park. The areas have been setup for both professionals and amateurs to practice their skills and the views are incredible.
Grotto of the Virgen de la Peña
The legend of the local grotto dates back to 1536 when two little children witnessed an apparition of the Virgin with a baby in her arms and a white dove on her shoulder. After excavating the rock in that area, the virgin was found and has been used as a place for religious contemplation and is visited by pilgrims from many countries around the world.
Mijas Church of the Immaculate Conception, Parque Muralla
Facing the bullring and built on the ruins of an original castle, the church of Immaculate Conception was consecrated in 1631. One of the original castle towers was used for the bell tower of the church and the architectural features of the church includes Mudejar and Baroque styles.
Muralla Park
Overlooking the Costa del Sol and situated above the center of the village is the beautiful Muralla park. Once this was the ground for the original fortress, the park now contains a botanical garden, an auditorium for summer concerts and is a lovely place for a walk or to sit in the shade during the hot days.
Author Resource:
Want more information about Mijas? The village contains points of interest. Set on the highpoint of the village is the Mijas bullring . Real bullfights still take place or you can visit the bullring during the week when bullfights are not taking place.