Things To Do
in Mijas
Mijas, Spain is a picturesque Costa del Sol town famed for its whitewashed hillside pueblo and sweeping views of the Mediterranean. Sprawled between the Sierra de Mijas and the coast, it comprises a traditional hill town and modern coastal resorts such as La Cala de Mijas and Calahonda. The old town of Mijas Pueblo exudes Andalusian charm with narrow lanes, flower-filled patios, and whitewashed houses.
The surrounding coast offers beaches, viewpoints, and a relaxed Mediterranean vibe that blends history with seaside leisure.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Mijas Pueblo, where whitewashed buildings adorned with colorful flower pots create a picturesque setting. Visit the iconic Plaza de las Flores, where you can sip on a local café con leche while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Don't miss the chance to explore the quaint shops selling handmade crafts and souvenirs.
After a delightful lunch at a traditional tapas bar, head to the Mijas Bullring, an impressive example of Spanish architecture. Spend time wandering through the local artisan shops and galleries, where you can admire the work of local artists. As the sun begins to lower, take a moment to enjoy the stunning views of the Costa del Sol from the lookout points around the village.
As twilight descends, find a cozy restaurant with a terrace overlooking the sea for dinner, where you can savor delicious seafood paella. After your meal, take a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, enjoying the lively ambiance created by street musicians and performers. End your night at a local bar, sipping on a refreshing sangria while mingling with locals.
Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast at a beachfront café in nearby La Cala de Mijas, enjoying the sound of waves crashing. Once energized, rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the calm waters along the coast, taking in the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The morning sun provides the perfect backdrop as you glide over the water, spotting schools of fish beneath the surface.
After a refreshing swim, indulge in a leisurely lunch at a beachside chiringuito, where you can feast on grilled sardines and local seafood. Spend the afternoon sunbathing on the sandy beach, or join a beach volleyball game with fellow visitors. As the heat of the day begins to wane, take a beach walk to admire the coastline and perhaps collect some unique seashells.
As sunset approaches, find a spot on the beach to witness the sky transform into a canvas of oranges and pinks. Head to a nearby restaurant for dinner, where you can enjoy fresh fish and traditional Andalusian dishes. Cap off your day with a cocktail at a beach bar, listening to live music as the stars begin to twinkle overhead.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $3-6 |
| 🧃Bottle of water | $1-2 |
| 🍷Glass of wine at a restaurant | $5-9 |
| 🏖️Beach chair rental | $6-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning hill town with classic Andalusian charm
- Close to beaches, golf courses, and Málaga city culture
- Can be hilly and challenging for some walkers
- Some older areas close early or on siesta hours
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The bill, please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Mijas
Visit one of these nice places.
Narrow stairways, blue doors, and cascading flowers provide quintessential Andalusian photos, especially during golden hour.
Church perched on a rock with sweeping panoramas of the village and sea; ideal for dramatic skyline shots.
Palm-lined boardwalk, fishing boats, and sun-kissed reflections—great for sunset photography.
Terraced terraces offer shaded overlooks of both coast and mountains; perfect for landscape images.
Food in Mijas
Mijas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Skewered sardines grilled over charcoal on the beach; best enjoyed in La Cala.
Must-Try!
Lightly battered fried fish served with lemon and sea salt.
Thick, creamy tomato soup garnished with hard-boiled egg and jamón; refreshing in warmer weather.
Chilled tomato-based soups; perfect for hot days.
Crispy pork roll filled with ham and cheese; a hearty Andalusian staple.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering fresh produce, cheeses, olives, and street-food stalls during peak season.
Large market with clothing, crafts, fresh foods, and tastings; great for sampling local snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite 'hola' or 'buenos días.' Use 'por favor' and 'gracias' often; a little Spanish goes a long way.
Some shops close for a siesta in the early afternoon; most places reopen for dinner around 7-9 pm.
Be patient with service staff; maintain a relaxed, friendly pace in social interactions.
Safety
Tipping in Mijas
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Spain is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common; in casual bars and cafes, small tips are fine. Always check your bill first—service charge is rarely included.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, sunny days with water temperatures pleasant for beach days. Expect crowds on weekends; carry sunscreen, a hat, and stay hydrated.
Milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Good for hiking and outdoor exploration; occasional short showers.
Mild to cool days with occasional rain. Rain gear is helpful; many outdoor spots are quiet and peaceful.
Pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes. Ideal for outdoor activities, photography, and village festivals.
Mijas at Night
Hiking in Mijas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest and hillside routes with viewpoints toward the sea and Málaga city.
Easy-to-moderate coastal walks with sea views and occasional coves.
Iconic gorge walkway—requires transport, a longer day trip from Mijas, but highly scenic.
Airports
How to reach Mijas by plane.
Main international airport serving Málaga and the Costa del Sol; about 20-40 minutes by car to Mijas depending on traffic.
Smaller airport with international connections; roughly 1.5–2 hours by road, best for occasional trips via rental car or bus.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A sizable international community from the UK, Ireland, Germany, and Scandinavia, many with second homes.
Residents who work in tourism, hospitality, and local services; a mix of generations.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The region is famous for its golf courses, including La Cala Golf and Santana, with coastal and hillside layouts.
Local clubs play in regional leagues; opportunities to watch games in nearby towns.
Courts and clubs available across the coast for recreational play.
Beach activity like paddle boarding, kayaking, and snorkeling along the coast near La Cala and Fuengirola.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mijas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most tapas bars offer cheese, vegetable dishes, gazpacho, and salads. Ask for sin carne or sin pescado and enjoy olive oil–driven plates.