Spain: Mijas Pueblo

Only 33 km. from Malaga city, Mijas, a village of Muslim origin in Andalucia is one of the most picturesque villages in the Costa del Sol. It is often referred as one of the "Andalucian white villages" as its houses are almost all white washed with colourful plant pots hanging from every possible angle.

Mijas pueblo is only 8Km; north of Fuengirola, the nearest beach resort, but it is 428m. higher allowing you to have panoramic views of the coast line. Mijas has retained its original narrow streets where you can walk or take a donkey taxi to see the town.

Mijas is the best place to buy souvenirs as it has some of the most beautiful craft shops and handmade quality jewellery in the area. In its shops along with soft donkey toys and funny t-shirts you can find hand made pottery and paintings by local artists.

Mijas is also a great place to go with children. They will enjoy riding the donkey taxis, and discovering the most amazing viewpoints hiding behind trees and flowers. Do not be put off by Mijas hilly streets, they are gentle and easily climbed. We visited this year with my 80 year old granny and my two children and they had no trouble at all walking around the narrow streets of Mijas. I must say that I "blackmailed" them with ice creams... but then, it was their holiday too!

There is a play park with swings next to a café near the bullring where you can enjoy a well deserved glass of chilled Tinto de verano -red wine and lemonade- while your children entertain themselves in the swing park. On the main square there is also a gazebo where bands perform. My little Princess used this as her stage and "delighted us" with a ballet dance performance.

A good tour of Mijas would start next to the Tourist office where the Donkey taxis are "parked". For 10 euros you can ride your own donkey or if you have young children with you, or your grandma like me, you can take a donkey-cart taxi for 15 euros.

Shrine Virgen of the Rock: The shrine holds the image of the patroness of Mijas, the Virgin of the Rock. The shrine is set IN the rock, the legend surrounding the image says that it was hidden for 5 centuries until it was rediscovered in 1586 by a builder who was led to the hiding place by a dove. In front of it you will find a little square where you can sit to have a cold drink and enjoy the panoramic views.

"El carromato de Max": A museum of miniatures, one of the most important of its kind with works from over 50 countries exhibited in a caravan. The most astonishing piece? A reduced skull by an Indian tribe.

The Constitution square.

The Casa Museo: For those curious to have a peek into the life of the Andalucians, since 1995 the Casa Museo offers the opportunity to discover local traditions and it even recreates a traditional village house.

Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepcion: Located in the Plaza de la Constitucion it was built in mudejar style on the site of an ancient mosque. Built in 1541, during restoration works in 1991 a series of Frescos of the apostles were discovered there dating back to 1632.

Fortress walls: Here you will find the most amazing viewpoints in Mijas. The gardens surrounding the walls have flowers all year round.

Malaga Wine museum.

Town Hall: This building is worth seeing for its beautiful marble patios and fountains.

The bullring: Unlike other bullrings, Mijas bullring built in 1900 is oval, almost rectangular in shape. You can visit there the bullfighting museum.

July, August and September: Free night guided walks every Wednesday at 7:30pm. You can discover the most beautiful rural areas of Mijas with a local rural guide completely free. There are several routes available lasting from 2 to 5 hours. The length of the walks vary from 5 to 12 km. All you need to join one of the walks is comfortable clothing, a bottle of water, hiking boots and of course: sunscreen!

Every Wednesday: Why not enjoy a free glass of Malaga wine, courtesy of the tourist office, while enjoying the free Flamenco Show. The show takes place at midday in the main square in Mijas village.

On the 6th of January there is the Three Kings parade for the whole family. Colourful floats parade through the narrow streets throwing sweets to the many children -and adults- on the streets. This is a very important date for the Spaniards as it is traditionally the day when the children receive their Christmas presents brought by the Three Kings.

February:The Carnival celebrations are always fun to be in.

Easter week:There are small processions in the town. For the biggest processions and parties -afterwards- you need to go to Malaga city.

May: The town hall organizes an International day where people from all representative nationalities on the Costa have a chance to show to others something about their culture. There are stalls for each country where you can try traditional food and drink, dance, listen to music or just have a chat and meet new friends.

June: On the 24th of June, Mijas celebrates the night of San Juan with a big fireworks display.

July : There is a Flamenco Dance Festival and The "Theatre Festival" which takes place on an open theatre where you can enjoy chilled drinks while watching the night's play.

August: The Latin night has become a favourite for the locals. For a night, the main square is transformed into a giant dancing square where you can enjoy yourself to the rhythm of Salsa, Merengues and Bachatas.

September: The annual Mijas Fair which lasts a whole week. This is a big celebration during both day and night with various stalls and bars set up on the main square. There is plenty of food and drink as well as a lot of traditional dancing.

December: Christmas Carols Concerts.