Are you coming to Mijas Pueblo? How exciting!
You’re probably wondering what to do in the village and what to see, to get the most out of the time.
Mijas Pueblo is a frequent destinatanion of mine, as I live just down under the hill in Fuengirola. It’s one of the most accessible destinations from the city, and one that I love visiting often as it’s a lovely escape from the often overcrowded and busy city of Fuengirola.
Even though Mijas Pueblo is no longer the small village and hidden gem it used to be, it’s still very charming and retained much of its character, especially in the old town.
If you’re wondering if one day is enough to explore Mijas Pueblo – you’re right! One day gives you more than enough time to see everything is has to offer, at a leisurely pace.
Where is Mijas Pueblo?
Mijas Pueblo stretches in the hills north of Fuengirola, province of Malaga, at 400 meters above sea level. It’s well connected to the resort towns of Costa del Sol with A-387 road and local bus connections from Fuengirola.
Mijas Pueblo is not to be confused with Mijas, or Mijas costa, with is a residential area that’s part of Fuengirola and it’s located by the coast.
How to Get to Mijas Pueblo
By car: the drive to Mijas Pueblo is a really pleasant one and the village is easy to reach. Whether you’re driving from Malaga or Marbella, you can take the Mijas exit from the AP-7 highway.
From the exit, it’s about a 10-minute drive up the hill via A-387 road. Some parts of the road have sharp curves so drive slowly.
By bus: depending on where you’re coming from, you will need to get to Fuengirola to take a local bus from there. The bus number M-122 departs frequently from the main bus station (on the map here) and the journey takes between 20-30 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Please ensure you’re standing on the correct side of the terminal, the Mijas buses depart from the big main road under the terminal building, not next to it where all of the other buses stop. The bus is green and smaller, you can’t miss it. Check the timetable here.
By taxi: I have taken a taxi to the village from central Fuengirola on a few occasions, Uber rides tend to be cheaper and cost around 14 euros one way (for up to 3 persons). There is a taxi rank on the main village square (where also the bus stops) so you can catch one from there too.
One Day Itinerary for Mijas Pueblo
- Morning at Parque la Muralla – 1 – 1.5 hours
- Plaza de la Constitution – a few minutes
- Lunch at Blue Bike Cafe – 1 hour
- Plaza de Toros – 30mins to 1 hour
- Old Town – 2 hours
- The Chapel of la Virgen de la Pena and drink at the square – 1 hour
1. Parque La Muralla
Parque la Muralla is often the first place I visit when I’m in Mijas.
This big park has gorgeous gardens, stunning views, and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the surroundings.
There is a variety of different plants and trees from all over the world, each one with its botanical name and origin displayed. Right in the middle of the park is a deep gorge, where you will find local pigeons building homes in the rocks. The park has well-maintained pathways offering stunning views and also benches and binoculars to make the most out of your time here.
Access to the park is very easy, and a short walk from the main parking lot in the village. Right next to it is a large playground for kids, an old church, and a small restaurant right at the entrance.
The park offers some of the best panoramic views of the Costa del Sol I’ve seen. If you can stay till the sunset, even better – it will be one to remember!
If you want to take a slow stroll through the park and sit for a while to enjoy the view, you will need about an hour, a maximum of two to spend here.
Location:
2. Plaza de la Constitution
The most beautiful square in the village – this small square is centered around a fountain surrounded by lush green trees and lots of restaurants and shops.
If you’re taking a walk in Muralla gardens, you will circle back to this square, so you can’t miss it.
The Plaza happens to be also the location of my favourite restaurant in the village – Blue Coffee Bike. From the Plaza you can also access some of the other restaurants which are overlooking the valley & coastline.
Be careful when walking around, there are always cars driving around as it’s used as a roundabout.
3. Lunch at Blue Coffee Bike
My usual go-to place to eat when I’m in Mijas.
Blue Coffee Bike doesn’t look like much from the outside, and the seating is rather limited, but the food is excellent and all the locals come here.
On Sundays its gets very busy and all the tables get booked up, so reserve a spot if you’re planning to come over the weekend.
Location: At Plaza de la Constitution
4. Plaza de Torros
As it’s a tradition for a proper Andalusian village, even a small town like Mijas have their own bullring.
Plaza de Torros is one of the smallest ones you will visit, but it has a really charming mini museum inside and decent size well preserved bullring.
Their opening hours are a bit random so check below before you head there (even though they are supposed to be open, they tend to close for siesta). It’s on the way to the Parque La Muralla, so you can’t miss it.
No matter what your stance on bullfighting may be, the building is a beautiful monument and a part of the Spanish culture and heritage, and a beautiful place to visit.
Opening Hours:
Winter hours: Monday to Sunday 10:30 to 19:00
Summer hours: Monday to Friday 11:00 to 21:00 – weekends 11:00 to 19:00
Entry: 4 euros per person
Location:
5. The Old Town
Mijas is a maze of cobbled white-washed streets, one prettier than the other. Unlike the more famous sister town of Frigiliana, it’s much more manageable to walk the streets as its mostly flat.
Get lost in the small streets, and discover the prettiest houses, plants, or views on your own.
Say hello to local Spanish grandmas sitting on the bench, pat a cat that’s enjoying the sun and stop over for a glass of Sangria in a local bar when you get tired.
6. The Chapel of La Virgen de la Pena
The chapel of Virgen de la Peña at the edge of the village, just off the main square, is a small religious monument carved into a rock formation.
A small park with water features that stretches next to it offers spectacular panoramic views of the coastline, alongside a small gift shop and a restaurant.
The chapel itself is not big by any means, but a nice spot to stop by.
Location:
7. Drink at the Square
After strolling to the chapel, you will notice a restaurant terrace right at the entrance to the small plaza.
The tables are covered by the shade of trees, and if you walk to the edge of the park, you get a chance to admire some of the best views from Mijas Pueblo.
Stop over for a drink, before heading back to your hotel.
I hope you enjoyed this itinerary and that you will have a wonderful time in Mijas!
Before you venture off, check out the ideas below for exploring in Fuengirola.
Explore More Around Mijas
Best Things to Do with Kids on Your Trip to Fuengirola, Spain
How to Spend a Day in Fuengirola
7+ Exciting Day Trips from Fuengirola, Spain
10 Cool Things to Do in Fuengirola, Spain
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