If you’re staying in Costa del Sol, you must visit the beautiful white village of Mijas Pueblo.
In this article, I will provide a guide on what to see in Mijas Pueblo, including a short virtual tour in my video and a map with all the locations marked.
I have visited Mijas Pueblo probably 10 times at this point, and it’s one of my favourite places to go. It is easily accessible from the coastline, and thanks to its location high up in the hills, you will be treated to stunning views like those below.
Let’s dive in and see what’s there to discover in Mijas Pueblo!
Best Time to Visit Mijas Pueblo
I love visiting Mijas Pueblo all year round, but I think you will enjoy it the most in summer or autumn.
In winter months it’s really windy due to the location of the village, and the weather can be very unpredictable in spring months, so I think summer and autumn are the best months to visit.
If you venture here in the summer months, keep in mind that the best time to explore the village is in the early morning hours or late afternoon hours to avoid the mid-day heat.
Where is Mijas Pueblo
Mijas Pueblo is located a short drive away from the coastline, but you can access it also with local buses. I will provide a detailed guide at the end of the article.
On the map below you can see the location of the village, along with all the places of interest marked.
Video: Tour of Mijas Pueblo
I’ve been in Mijas Pueblo countless times, either with my family or taking friends who come to visit. In this video, you will find a few short clips from my last visit in autumn.
What to See in Mijas Pueblo
I have selected 10 best places to see in Mijas Pueblo – this is by no means a comprehensive list, and it’s designed more to offer a leisure stroll through the city rather than bouncing around between shops and museums.
These are the places I always go to when we visit – I start from the main square and continue walking up to Plaza de la Constitution, from there towards the Bullring, through the park which is also a botanical garden, and then back towards the plaza while stopping on the two miradors on the way.
You can finish your day by having a late lunch in one of the restaurants on the square, but our favourite place to go is Blue Bike Cafe.
1. Plaza la Virgen de la Pena
This plaza is the main central plaza of the village, and the biggest one.
You can access it easily from the bus stop or taxi rank, which is just 2 minutes walk away, and the plaza is lined with restaurants and souvenir shops. On the other side of the plaza, you will find the local town hall, tourist office, and the main municipal parking is also at the edge of the plaza.
The plaza is used mainly for hosting various events and markets, you might not find it as empty as the picture below shows.
If you’re interested in a horse carriage ride, those are also parking right here on the plaza.
2. Plaza de la Constitution
This is a smaller plaza about 5 minutes walk from the main one, leading up to the bullring of Mijas.
On the left side of the plaza you will see a walkway towards restaurants that are facing the coastline – the views are superb, unfortunately the food is not.
The plaza has a beautiful fountain in the middle of it, lots of small shops, pharmacy and restaurants around.
3. Parque Botánico de La Muralla
The botanical garden and park is my favourite place in Mijas Pueblo. I always walk to the park first thing after arriving in the village, it’s such a beautiful place, offering shade from the summer heat, not to mention the views are breathtaking.
This botanical garden contains the remains of historic walls and features a lush collection of native and exotic plants. You can meander through its pathways, encountering serene ponds and vibrant flower beds, all while soaking in breathtaking vistas.
4. Mirador del Paseo de la Muralla
Right at the edge of the same park you will find this Mirador (viewpoint) overlooking the central part of the village, a maze of whitewashed houses and tiny narrow streets.
It’s the perfect photo spot on your walk through the village.
5. Mirador Calle Muros
On your way back to the Plaza de la Constitution you will pass next to Mirador Calle Muros, a pretty streets with flower pots hanging from the walls, and right at the end of the street is the famous cafe with blue chair – popular spot for Instagram photos.
I haven’t had food there yet, but it’s a great spot to enjoy a cold drink in a shade while watching the world go by.
6. The Village Center
If you have time, I highly recommend also explore the city center of the village and getting lost in the maze of the whitewashed houses.
Most visitors focus on the main squares and the streets with restaurants, so the heart of the village is much more quiet and beautiful to explore.
7. The Donkeys Stand
If you’ve heard of Mijas Pueblo, you know it’s famous for its donkey taxi. The donkeys are ‘parked’ right next to the main square opposite the tourist office.
I personally don’t recommend anyone paying for it, I think it’s more a tourist trap and no an authentic way to experience the life in the village.
One of the sades things I’ve seen were tourists riding the donkeys in the biggest heat in the middle of the summer, with selfie sticks attached to their hands – looking like a spectacle themselves.
8. Grotto of the Virgen de la Peña
This little chapel was carved into rock at the edge of the village by Mercedarian friars around 1548.
Tradition holds that Marian apparitions began in 1586, marked by an extraordinary event involving two children, Juan and Asuncion Bernal Linaire. They reportedly witnessed a white dove, which transformed into the Virgin Mary, atop the Castillo’s tower.
The Virgen de la Peña, celebrated as Mijas’s patron saint, holds a significant place in the community’s heart and spiritual life.
9. Mirador del Compas
Right next to the chapel you will find a few benches and a viewpoint that’s well worth stopping by!
The park in front of the chapel is a great place to hide from the summer heat, and you will also find a small local restaurant offering drinks and seats in there. At the end of the park right next to the restaurant is a small ceramic shop where you can find some cute local souvenirs.
10. Mijas Bullring
Constructed in 1900, the Mijas Bullring breaks the mold of traditional Spanish bullrings with its irregular shape. While most bullrings adhere to a strict circular design, the Mijas Bullring features an oval shape, a peculiarity that sets it apart.
The bullring has been the center of bullfighting in Mijas for over a century, hosting numerous events and becoming a pivotal part of the local culture.
In addition to bullfights, the bullring has evolved over the years to host a variety of events, including concerts, celebrations, and other cultural activities, making it a vibrant center of community life.
How to Get to Mijas Pueblo
Mijas Pueblo is easily accessible from the coast and nearby towns also by bus. Below are instructions on how to get to Mijas Pueblo from Fuengirola and also Malaga.
How to Get to Mijas Pueblo from Fuengirola
Reaching Mijas Pueblo from Fuengirola is very easy, you will have to take the M-122 bus for a direct route into the heart of the village. The bus is stopping right next to the main square, and from there it’s just a short walk to the center of the village.
You can also drive there by car, it’s a very short journey which is outlined on the map below.
I’ve done this trip also by taxi from Fuengirola, it costs between 10-15 euros, depending on the time of the day. Uber usually works out much cheaper than the local taxis.
How to get to Mijas Pueblo from Malaga
If you’re coming from Málaga, the journey involves a combination of train and bus; take the local C-1 train to Fuengirola from Málaga and then switch to the M-122 bus to Mijas Pueblo.
You can get off at the last stop, which is the main train station of Fuengirola, and from there walk down to the bus station, which is only 5 minutes walk.
The drive to Mijas Pueblo from Malaga takes approximately 40 minutes depending on traffic – see the map below for reference.
Where to Stay in Mijas Pueblo
Mijas Pueblo, a charming village in Southern Spain, offers a picturesque setting for visitors looking for a peaceful retreat with stunning views.
For accommodations, consider staying at the Hotel TRH Mijas, known for its traditional Andalusian architecture and modern amenities, providing a comfortable and authentic experience.
Another option is La Posada de Mijas, which offers cozy apartments in the heart of the village, perfect for those who prefer a more homely atmosphere.
Both options provide easy access to Mijas Pueblo’s attractions, including its white-washed buildings, cobblestone streets, and local artisan shops.
Day Trips to Mijas Pueblo
You can easily visit Mijas Pueblo on a day trip from anywhere on Costa del Sol – it’s an easy drive from most coastal towns like Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Fuengirola or even Marbella.
If you don’t like driving or public transport, local companies also offer day tours that will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Mijas Pueblo.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article gets you excited about discovering what to see in Mijas Pueblo.
If you have any questions that were not covered in this article, please leave a comment below and I will be happy to help!
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