Mijas, a pueblo blanco, is situated in the foothills of the coastal mountain range that overlooks the Costa de Sol. Mijas itself is a typical pretty mountain town but due to it's close proximity to Fuengirola it get's a tad crowded with tourists, even in the winter months. The actual municipal area covers about 140 square kilometres, from the mountains down to the sea and comprises three urban areas, Mijas Pueblo, Las Lagunas and La Cala de Mijas. It is Mijas Pueblo that we and other tourists visit. It is here, the old town with its Town Hall, its historic buildings and its whitewashed houses that holidaymakers seeking a distinct change from the over developed coastal strip are to be found.
My wife likes Mijas because of the shops. Yes, some are a trifle touristy and sell the usual pottery, leather goods and pictures of white-washed houses but there are also more tasteful establishments including shops selling antiques and fine art. There are also the little bars and restaurants some with stunning views. I just like walking the steep narrow streets with the little houses with their white facades adorned by colourful pots of flowers. On one occasion I walked up to the little chapel, the Calvario Hermitage, on the hill high above Mijas. It was rather a strenuous climb and I wished at the time that I had picked a colder day to do it but once there I enjoyed the views and the well-earned rest. Unfortunately the chapel itself was locked.
A less strenuous chapel to visit, and one that isn't usually locked, is the Hermitage of the Virgen de la Peña, the patron saint of Mijas. The chapel was built by Mercedarian monks in 1520 and inside is a carved wooden image of the virgin allegedly dating back to AD850. It is a delightful little building, although I find it a bit incongruous that, just like a number of ancient churches that I have visited in recent years, it has electronic candles rather than the real thing! Outside there is a lookout point overlooking the Mijas valley and the Costa del Sol.
Other places to visit in Mijas are the Casa Museo & Carromato de Max museums; the Plaza de Toros bullring and museum of bullfighting.
However, my favourite place in Mijas is La Muralla - a park with balconies from where one can view the coast below.
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