Mijas is really two destinations sharing one name: Mijas Pueblo, a whitewashed village clinging to the mountainside above the coast, and Mijas Costa / La Cala de Mijas, a relaxed beach and golf strip below. Most visitors combine both — a morning in the village, an afternoon on the coast.
This guide is written by the SolGuide team, who live and work on the Costa del Sol year-round. Everything here reflects real local knowledge — not recycled tourist board copy.
Top Things to Do in Mijas
1. Wander Mijas Pueblo
Mijas Pueblo sits around 430m above sea level, and its whitewashed streets, flower-covered balconies and artisan workshops have made it one of the most-visited pueblos blancos in Andalucía. The main viewpoints along Paseo del Compás offer sweeping panoramas across the coast to the Mediterranean.
2. Ride a Burro Taxi
Mijas's donkey taxis (burro-taxis) are a genuine local tradition dating back decades, offering short rides through the village streets. They're touristy, sure, but also a real, long-standing part of Mijas culture rather than something invented for Instagram.
3. The Oval Bullring
Mijas's Plaza de Toros is one of only a handful of oval (rather than circular) bullrings in the world, built into the hillside with views over the coast. Even if bullfighting isn't your interest, the structure and viewpoint are worth the short visit.
4. La Cala de Mijas & the Golf Coast
Down on the coast, La Cala de Mijas is a relaxed, low-rise beach town with a laid-back promenade and none of the crowds of Fuengirola or Marbella. The surrounding area is nicknamed Costa del Golf for its dense cluster of golf courses — genuinely one of the best golf destinations in continental Europe.
5. Carromato de Max Miniature Museum
Housed in an old gypsy caravan in Mijas Pueblo, this quirky little museum displays an extraordinary collection of miniatures, from a flea wearing a dress to microscopic sculptures — an odd, memorable half-hour stop.
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Mijas Restaurants: Where to Eat
Mijas Pueblo's restaurants cluster around the main squares and viewpoints — expect to pay a bit more for the views, but quality is generally solid. Down on the coast, La Cala de Mijas has a good, low-key mix of chiringuitos and international restaurants reflecting its large resident expat community, generally at more relaxed prices than Marbella or Fuengirola's busiest strips.
Getting Around Mijas
Mijas Pueblo and Mijas Costa are separate driving destinations connected by a winding mountain road (MA-409), so plan your day around which one you're focusing on.
- Bus: The M-122 connects Fuengirola with Mijas Pueblo directly. Coastal buses link La Cala de Mijas with Fuengirola and Marbella.
- Hire car: The most flexible way to combine both the village and the coast in one day, and essential for reaching the golf courses.
- Taxi: A reasonable option for the village-to-coast trip if you don't want to drive the mountain road yourself.
Mijas on a Budget
Mijas Pueblo costs nothing to wander — the viewpoints, streets and Old Town charm are all free, aside from the optional donkey taxi ride. Golf on the coast is a genuine splurge, but La Cala's public beaches and casual restaurants keep the coastal side of a Mijas trip affordable too.