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Mijas is a picturesque village on the Costa del Sol, in the province of Malaga, in the south of Spain. With its cobbled streets, white houses and panoramic views of the Mediterranean, Mijas is a popular tourist destination. From GomarbellaHomes, we present some of the places you can’t miss if you decide to visit this beautiful village.
Stroll through the historic center
The historic center of Mijas is a labyrinth of cobbled alleys that wind through white houses decorated with flower pots and wrought iron balconies. Although it looks like a mountain village, it is only seven kilometers from the beaches of Fuengirola.
Don’t miss our article Fuengirola in a day: beaches, history, and fun for the whole family
Tour Mijas on a donkey taxi
First of all, we do not agree with any activity that exploits animals. For informative purposes only, donkey taxis are a traditional means of transportation in Mijas. These donkeys take tourists through the narrow and steep streets of the village. It is a unique and fun way to tour Mijas and admire its beauty.
Donkey taxis are one of the most important and well-known tourist attractions in Mijas and have a curious origin. In the 1960s, some of the workers in Mijas used to ride home on donkeys, and many tourists stopped to take pictures with them or even go for a ride. In many cases, the tips from this activity far exceeded the salary they received during their work, and thus this profession was born. Today, there are more than 60 donkey taxis in Mijas.
Visit the Hermitage of the Virgin of the Rock
The Hermitage of the Virgin of the Rock is a small shrine built into the rock. The hermitage is located 400 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean. The hermitage can be reached on foot or by donkey taxi.
This hermitage is very characteristic. Legend has it that in the 16th century, some children were guided by a dove to a small statue of a hidden virgin among the undergrowth (someone must have tried to hide it during the Muslim invasion). This fact was considered a miracle and a monk from Mijas spent thirty years of his life excavating the rock where the sculpture was found to bring it to light. And there it remains.
The weddings held in this hermitage and its beautiful gardens, with the bride and guests all dressed in flamenco dresses, are famous.
Visit the Bullring
The Mijas Bullring is a bullring built in the 19th century, located on a rock in one of the highest parts of the village. It is currently used for equestrian shows and for the Mijas Fair. The bullring is privately owned, but you can visit and learn about its history.
The Mijas bullring is one of the most original in Spain, as it has a strange oval shape, a square ring, and is one of the smallest rings in the world.
However, on the wall of the arena, there are several tiles that remember the great bullfighters such as Paquirri, Palomo Linares, or Antonio José Galán.
Taste the local cuisine
Mijas has a rich cuisine based on local products such as olive oil, vegetables, fish, and seafood. Don’t miss the typical dishes of the area, such as gazpacho, ajoblanco, or grilled sardines.
Discover the Natural Park of Sierra de Mijas
The Natural Park of Sierra de Mijas is a place of great natural beauty. Here, you will find trails to walk and enjoy spectacular views of the landscape. If you are a nature lover, you can’t miss it.
Mijas is a tourist destination with a lot to offer. From its historic center and local cuisine to its impressive natural landscape and traditional donkey-taxi, there are many things to see and do in Mijas. Don’t hesitate to visit this charming village on the Costa del Sol!
