MIJAS, VOLVER A VIVIR — DESTINO SEGURO AL AIRE LIBRE

 

Situated in the heart of the Costa del Sol, Mijas combines to the perfection its condition of mountain village with the important touristic development in its coastal zone. Its privileged geographic situation, between the sea and mountain, is the reason for its multiple charms, being situated among the most attractive destinies in the province. Its extensive territory is divided in three urban districts, each offering a distinctive look to the municipality. This way, we can find in Mijas deeply-rooted traditions along with innovation and modernity.

It offers the traveler the contrast between the traditional image of these lands and the adaptation to our time, all without losing the essence. The walk through whitewashed corners, patios, gardens, hermitages ... the town retains the leisurely pace and charm of yesteryear, sheltered by the mountains and extending the view to the countryside and the sea. We invite you to visit the old town and the most interesting places. For this Mijas offers a public parking open 24 hours.


Monumental village

On the slope of the mountain range is where you will find Mijas village.The old part of the village with its whitewashed streets (declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1,969) has a design of Arabic origin serving as an improvised balcony with fantastic views to the Mediterranean. The oval bullring; the parish church ¨ Inmaculada Concepción¨; or the sanctuary ¨Virgen de la Peña¨ (XVII century), the village patron, are some of the most emblematic monuments. Also, its ancient Moorish wall, with splendid gardens and balconies that give a magnificent panorama to the traveller. The donkey taxis are an interesting and original way to tour the village. Mijas Pueblo also offers visitors interesting museums: El Carromato de Mijas (miniatures colection) , the Flour Mill, Casa Museo de la Villa (historical-ethnological museum), the Contemporary Art Center (CAC Mijas) with the second most important Picasso pottery collection in the world and works of other authors such as Dalí, Miró, ... and the interpretation center of the watchtowers in the Torreón de La Cala (Mijas Costa).


Beaches and leisure on the coast
The abrupt mountain landscape gives way to the smoothness of the coast, where the district of Las Lagunas can be found. This zone is the industrial and commercial center of the municipality. Here, you can also find many sport and culture centers, the highlight being the Theatre of Las Lagunas.

 

Mijas has a wide and a well maintained coastline where the blend of beach, nature and sun offers a very pleasant and special experience. The seafood cuisine and Mediterranean hospitality is the ideal combination. Mijas beaches have nine “Q” Flags for Tourist Quality and three Blue European Flags, whilst the rest of the coast has the “ISO 14.001” Environmental Certification, thus guaranteeing the conservation of the natural values of our Coast.

The coast of Mijas has a seabed with a large biodiversity; with European, African, Atlantic and Mediterranean species. Calahonda´s seabed was listed as “Site of Community Interest” (SCIES 6170030 Calahonda) in June 2006 to ensure the conservation of habitats and species that live in that area which is of 1403.57hectare in size. Its uniqueness is due to the shore of the natural range of habitat and home to un spoilt stretches, where abundant vegetation flourishes, especially the Oceanic Poseidon. Also of great value, is the existence of Gorgonians (a type of coral) and the fact that the area has cetaceans.

In the heart of the Mijas coast you can find La Cala, a central district with 12 kilometres of coastline. This area, which has an important fishing tradition, is home to one of the most important watchtowers of the municipality: Torreón de la Cala and the Coastal Footpath, a pedestrian and bicycle path that becomes the backbone of the Costa del Sol through its beaches. Your tour along this path will open a window to unknown places, communication with singular watch towers of cultural and historical interest, Mediterranean coastal sand dunes of hosting species of protected flora and fauna, beautiful spots for whale and seabird watching, as well as offshore cetaceans. A walk along this coastline path will bring you closer to a coast devoted to leisure which offers attractions such as: water sports and catering establishments where you can sample delicious local cuisine.

The climate of Mijas along with the landscape allows for innumerable sport activities; paragliding, hang gliding, skin-diving, hiking routes through the Mijas mountain range and mountain sports in general, also you can find numerous golf courses and an acuatic park, AquaMijas.

Fiestas, handicrafts and gastronony

The local fiestas take place in the first fortnight of September, in honour of the Patron, the “Virgen de la Peña”. The 17th January is the feast day of San Antón (in the Osunillas district, one and a half kilometers from the village), patron saint of animals, where people can take their pets to be blessed. The Mijas Theatre Festival, is also one of the most important summer events in Mijas. Apart from the afore  mentioned, throughout the year you can find a long list of open-air dances, pilgrimages, concerts, expositions, theatre…in the whole of the municipal terminal. There’s always something going on! You can also enjoy the programme “VIVEMIJAS DE NOCHE”, throughout the months of July and August, which includes a handcraft fair, a tapa route and live musical entertainment.
Within the handcraft section you can find crafts of embossed silver, esparto grass and wickerwork. In the gastronomy, apart from the many international restaurants, there’s also a wide range of local dishes to be found: salmorejo, maimones, cachorreñas and gazpachuelo to mention a few and typical sweet dishes like "garrapiñadas" (sugared almonds) buñuelos and hornazos go back to the arab era.