Scattered around the Costa del Sol are many pretty white washed villages. One that is extremely popular with locals as well as tourists, is the beautiful ‘Mijas Pueblo’. It is located 428 meters above sea level and nestles in the glorious Mijas mountains not far from Fuengirola or Benalmadena. The local population is 7,500 and is a real mixture of Spanish, English, Dutch and other nationalities.
Due to the amount of foreign and English speaking people living in and around the pueblo, the local Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) has set up a foreigners department that deals with many problems that people may have who do not speak Spanish.
Many artists and writers who have wanted to benefit from the year round warmer climate, have made this picturesque village their home.
Unlike some Spanish villages, Mijas Pueblo has somehow managed to maintain most of its Andalucian way of life and the typically narrow cobbled streets of this white village have so much to offer in the shape of souvenir shops, boutiques, bars, restaurants and wonderful crafts shops that sell local hand made pottery, leatherware and jewellery alongside paintings and prints by acclaimed local artists. You will indeed soak up the relaxed ‘mañana’ atmosphere as you take a stroll around the shops or take shelter from the heat in the beautiful gardens that lead you to the most amazing views of the coastal resorts below and the clear blue Mediterranean Sea.
Being built on a hillside means the village is on different levels. The main square is surrounded by many of the shops and several good restaurants. Also on this level you will find a couple of museums, the Folk Museum shows the trades and history of Mijas in bygone years and the Miniature Museum, that has items from 50 countries and was established in a caravan in 1972 by a famous hypnotist.
There is also a wine museum ‘Museo del Vino’ that gives wine lovers the chance to learn more about Mijas’ small but growing wine industry. You can also sample some fine wines and cavas alongside tapas or some fine gourmet food.
Other sights to see include the Santuario de la Virgen de la Peña. This is a shrine that is carved out of rock and is a tribute to the patron saint of Mijas. This shrine dates back to 1586 when an image of the Virgin miraculously appeared there. Another is the Iglesia de Santa Ana which is a small 18th century hermitage.
At the top of the pueblo you will find the Bullring which is strangely oval in shape. It was opened in 1900 and still holds bull fights and horse displays to this day. Also located here is the bullfighting museum that is dedicated to years of bullfighting.
As you take a leisurely walk around the pueblo you will find many places to sit and contemplate life going on around you. The Plaza de la Virgen with its bandstand is one of those places. Once a week this is where you can also sample the local Malaga wine as you watch some of the most amazing Flamenco dancing. The dancing is very popular, so get there nice and early to get a good viewing point and hopefully one of the chairs that are put out in the shade.
One way to take a look around the village is by ‘Donkey Taxi’. For a few Euros you can take a donkey ride around the streets of the village or if you want a slightly more luxurious trip pay a few more Euros and go by donkey and cart. During the summer months you can go by horse and carriage and these can be found in Plaza de Pina.
So if you are spending your holidays on the Costa del Sol, a visit to Mijas Pueblo is fully recommended.
Thank you to sjdunphy on Flickr for the images of Mijas Pueblo.
