Free walking tours in Mijas and what to see

Must-sees

Mijas has two sides: the village, in the mountains, and the coast. Mijas Pueblo is a cluster of white houses, steep streets and flowerpots on the walls, about 400 metres up and with views down to the sea. There you will find the hermitage of the Virgen de la Peña, carved into the rock, the unusually shaped bullring, and the church of the Inmaculada Concepción beside the wall gardens, which act as a viewpoint.

In the village you can also see the Historical and Ethnological Museum and the Contemporary Art Centre, with work by Picasso. The donkey taxis are a traditional sight, although these days they divide opinion. On the coast, La Cala de Mijas keeps the feel of a fishing village, with a watchtower and a wooden boardwalk along the dunes. For walking, the Sierra de Mijas has trails that start from the village itself.

Free tours and guided visits

In Mijas Pueblo you can find free walking tours of the old town, the hermitage, the wall and the viewpoints, paying what you like. Even so, the most common format is guided visits included in trips from Málaga, Fuengirola or Marbella. If you are staying here, day trips to Ronda, Granada or the Caminito del Rey are the most recommended. There are also guided hikes in the mountains.

How long to spend

Three or four hours are enough for Mijas Pueblo, without rushing and with time for lunch. If you want to add the coast, spend a full day: the morning in the village and the afternoon in La Cala. With two days you can add a hike in the mountains or a nearby trip. If you are travelling in summer, go up to the village first thing or at sunset, when it is cooler.

Where to stay

Staying in Mijas Pueblo is a good option if you want peace and to see the streets once the tour groups have left. La Cala de Mijas is better if you want the beach, restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere. Las Lagunas, next to Fuengirola, is practical for getting around by public transport, because it is close to the commuter train to Málaga.