Holiday Ideas on the Mijas Costa

The municipality of Mijas is formed from two large centres; the Riviera del Sol and Sitio de Calahonda and includes the lovely white village of Mijas itself. It can be regarded as three distinct areas each with its own merits. Mijas Pueblo, the original white village, with its exotic Arabic charm. Los lagunas, the central more commercial and industrial region and Mijas Costa, about twelve kilometres of Coast from Calahonda to El Chaparral and includes a number of fine Beaches and coves.

The area is well catered for with Golf courses, bars, sports centres, restaurants and supermarkets. The region is very popular with British tourists and has a large ex.pat population so English is widely spoken.

Mijas Pueblo

Mijas Pueblo the original village is a beautiful white washed jewel with winding cobbled streets and retains its Andalucian charm, popular with artists it is a little away from the bustle of the more commercialised centres. Located to the west of Fuengirola it sits below the Sierra de Mijas mountains and just 25 minute drive from the airport.

Quiet and full of charm this village has not surprisingly attracted a number of artists some of who’s work can be bought locally along with traditional wares from the numerous craft shops, including linens and wicker work.

One of its old traditions is maintained in the donkey-taxis, the burros which used to work the quarries are now used to offer rides to tourists, generally to found in the plaza.

Surrounded by beautiful aspects of the coast and mountain scenery visit the Mudejar Church of Immaculada Concepcion dates from the 17th century.

While there is also the 16th century shrine of La Virgin de la Pena, both well worth looking at and keep an out for the natural mineral water spring on the edge of the village.

Other local attractions include the rectangular bullring; the Paseo de las Murallas to take in a traditional Spanish bull fight, then visit the bull-fighting museum, one of three. The Museum House of Mijas presents the local history of the area while the unique and slightly bizarre miniature museum of Professor Max is housed in a caravan. Exhibits include a ballerina carved on a toothpick, a shrunken head and a depiction of the Last Supper on a grain of rice!

Churches are well represented here, take a look at the Shrine of the Calverio, erected around 1710 up on the hillside, great views from up here. The Shrine of the Virgin de la Pena is carved from the solid rock and the Church of the Immaculate Conception rebuilt from the ruins of a Moorish Castle.

La Cala, a Few Minutes from the Resort

La Cala de Mijas has grown from a tiny fishing village to a population in excess of 10,000, many British. Again facilities here are very good including, post office, library, health centre, shops and a cultural centre. The street market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There is an annual fair from 25th July ,a full week of celebrations and festivities, tapas, wine, music and dance.

If you are a golfing fanatic are just want a relaxed holiday game, this is golfing heaven. Mijas Golf International includes two 18 hole courses while La Cala now has three, and there is a further 18 holes at the Miraflores Golf course as well as a number of smaller 9 hole courses.

Holiday on the Mijas Costa

Mijas Costa is where the action is; a string of villages, coves and beaches along 12 kilometres of one of the best parts of the Costa del Sol.

Beaches are well maintained and clean with good facilities, small cosy coves and large open stretches of blonde sand cater for all tastes. Water sports are especially well represented here with water skiing, scuba diving , jet skis and parasailing.

If all that sounds too much just enjoy a relaxing drink or a snack of char grilled sardine sat one of the many beach bars (chiringuitos). The nearby marina at Fuengirola hires out sailing dinghies, jet skis and wind surfers or you can even charter a boat for the day.

Adalucia is about festival and carnival and Mijas has its fair share, the Three kings in January, Holy Week at Easter, and the splendid Corpus Christi procession on the Thusday after Trinity Sunday in June. San Juan on June 24th includes beach bonfires and fireworks.