Due to its close proximity to Málaga, Mijas is one of the region’s most-visited white villages. Collect the best viewpoints and enjoy a slice of village life with our guide to the best things to do in Mijas on a day trip.
Mijas is a white village high above the Costa del Sol in southern Spain.
Like many villages in the area, Mijas has a long history.
A Moorish Castle occupied the village from the 8th to the 15th century. In a prime location high above the coast, the remains of the castle today provide one of the best viewpoints along the Costa del Sol.
Before this, the Romans used Mijas as an important trading link on the road between Málaga and Cadiz.
Today, a day trip to Mijas from Málaga is one of the popular excursions on the Costa del Sol.
It’s the easiest way to see one of the white villages if you are based around Málaga or Marbella. This makes it very popular with tour groups and can get busy, but it’s a beautiful village with many interesting things to do.
If you have more time, read our driving route of the White Villages which includes a few less visited, but no less charming, villages in the hills of Andalucía.
WHERE IS MIJAS?
Mijas Pueblo is 428 metres above sea level on the Costa del Sol, around 8 kilometres from Fuengirola. The main airport, Málaga Costa del Sol, is 25 minutes away by car.
HOW TO GET TO MIJAS
Mijas is a 30-minute drive from Málaga, making it a perfect day trip. Driving yourself to Mijas via the AP 7 toll road is very easy. Select Mijas Pueblo in Google Maps or your car SatNav to ensure you end up at the right village.
Unfortunately, getting to Mijas via public transport is difficult, so we don’t recommend it. However, there are a few organised tours from Málaga if you don’t want to drive yourself. More about these later.
WHERE TO PARK?
As you drive into Mijas, you’ll notice there is a lot of off-street parking. If you arrive early in the day, this is a good option. However, they fill up quickly on busy days.
The best place to park is the main multistorey car park, which we have marked on the map above. It’s located right near the Tourist Information office and has toilets available. It’s the ideal place to start this day trip itinerary.
TOURS TO MIJAS
If you want to take all the hassle out of your day trip to Mijas, you can organize a tour from Málaga, where they will pick you up, drive you to Mijas and drop you back in Málaga.
Here are a few we recommend.
Mijas, Puerto Banús & Marbella (Viator) – This tour departs from Malaga, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, or Marbella and includes stops at Mijas, Puerto Banús, and Marbella, the area’s three best day trip destinations.
Mijas, Puerto Banús & Marbella (Get Your Guide) – This tour only departs from Málaga but it includes a bit more time in Mijas before going on to Marbella and Puerto Banús.
Hotel Pick up from Málaga or Marbella (Viator) – This tour will pick up from any hotel in Málaga or Marbella and includes transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, as well as a guided walking tour of Mijas.
Private Group Tour (Get Your Guide) – If you are with a group, this private tour for up to 8 people includes hotel pick-up in Málaga and a guided tour with a certified historian in Mijas.
TOURS IN MIJAS
If you are happy to make your own way to Mijas but would still like to enjoy the experience of an expert guide, here are some tours in the village we recommend.
Chocolate Factory (Viator) – This very well-rated tour visits the Mayan Monkey chocolate factory and includes a hands-on chocolate-making experience and plenty of tastings.
Panoramic Tuk-Tuk Tour (Viator) – This comprehensive tour on an eco-friendly electric Tuk-Tuk is a great way to see the best of Mijas and get the most panoramic views.
WHAT TO DO IN MIJAS ON A DAY TRIP?
ERMITA DE LA VIRGEN (CHAPEL OF THE VIRGIN OF THE ROCKS)
From the tourist office, walk over to the Chapel of the Virgin of the Rocks, next to El Compass, one of the first amazing viewpoints you’ll encounter on this day trip.
The chapel was carved out of the rock in the 17th century. Inside, the well-preserved chapel is adorned with religious artefacts, including the image of the Virgin of the Rock.
FLOUR MILL & MINIATURE MUSEUM
Walk along the viewpoint, taking in the amazing views of Fuengirola on the coast off to the distance, then head towards the Flour Mill and the Miniature Museum.
Held in a bright yellow caravan, the Miniature Museum of Mijas has a host of tiny curiosities, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper printed on a grain of rice and fleas dressed up in costumes.
The Flour Mill is a recreation of an old mill with traditional machinery. You can see it from the Miniature Museum, and we think there is probably not much need to go in on a day trip.
PLAZA DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN
From the Miniature Museum, walk along Avenida del Compás to Plaza de la Constitución. This small, pretty square is very popular with tour guides, so you won’t have it to yourself. But it’s worth a quick look for the fountain made from the rocks left behind by a landslide in 1884 that claimed many lives.
Just behind the plaza is a lookout point worth checking out.
MIJAS FORTRESS
Next up from Plaza de la Constitución is the Mijas Fortress.
What remains of the fortress, built during the Middle Ages, is now a lovely walk through a walled garden with panoramic views over the Mediterranean. Along a paved path, there are interesting water features and fountains.
You don’t need long to explore, but it’s a great photo location in Mijas.
BULLRING
The Bullring, built in 1900, is nestled into the rock, replicating the white houses of Mijas. It’s unique in that it’s oval-shaped to fit into the tightly packed hill town.
If you just want to stroll past, it’s an interesting landmark to capture from the outside. Otherwise, you can take a look inside for €4.
LA MURALLA (FORTRESS WALLS & BOTANICAL GARDENS)
The continuation of the fortress walls near the Bullring forms the Botanical Gardens of Mijas.
The Botanical Gardens are designed to provide colourful flowers all year, using the contour of the walls, which pass deep gorges in the cliff face.
After long periods of low rainfall, the gardens didn’t look their best during our visit. Nonetheless, with superb views of the Costa del Sol, it’s still a great thing to do in Mijas.
It’s free to enter the gardens and stroll around.
CALLE SAN SEBASTIÁN
Next, we suggest heading towards Calle San Sebastián, stopping at Calle del Pilar on the way. Calle del Pilar is a narrow staircase that climbs up the hill, making it a great photo opportunity.
Calle San Sebastián is one of the most photographed streets in Mijas. The narrow street is lined with colourful plant pots and has several cafes to enjoy a coffee in the sun.
The San Sebastián Chapel on the corner of the street is a beautiful, whitewashed building and another interesting landmark in the village.
CALLE MÁLAGA
Take a leisurely stroll along Calle Málaga, a more commercially focused street with smart boutiques and interesting shops.
Pop into Sabor a España, a shop dedicated to nuts. The family-owned company has a great selection of treats to take home as a gift.
CONTEMPORARY ART CENTRE
A little further along Calle Málaga, you’ll find the Contemporary Art Centre. This was a big surprise for Mark and I on our latest visit to Mijas.
The small collection includes a room dedicated to Picasso featuring 15 of his works. A second room houses a temporary exhibition, and a third has some interesting Dalí’s.
At just €3 to enter, it’s well worth popping in to check out this small, interesting gallery.
TOWN HALL & PLAZA VIRGEN DE LA PEŃA
Follow the road around from the Contemporary Art Centre to the Town Hall to get a snap of the beautiful building before heading into Plaza Virgen de la Peńa.
This is the main square in Mijas and a meeting point for cultural events throughout the year. We were lucky enough to arrive during the Cheese and Wine festival, which also included a free flamenco show.
It’s a nice square with plenty of café options regardless of what events occur during your visit.
WHERE TO EAT IN MIJAS
As a tourist favourite, there are plenty of places to eat in Mijas.
You could head to the restaurants below Plaza de la Constitución, which have wonderful views over the coastline. You’ll get tourist-targeted food, but the views might be worth it.
The other option is to plant yourself in any of the squares around town and people while you have lunch.
But after several visits, we recommend Restaurant Pampla Tablas y Tapas for the best food we’ve had in Mijas. They have excellent sharing boards, some tapas options, and delicious Thai-inspired specials.
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– Paul & Mark.
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