This destination is for travellers who want to enjoy an authentic taste of Spanish rural life and the very best of the Costa del Sol
Spain has become acclaimed for its archipelago of islands and sensational metropolis. Synonymous with sandy beaches and chic city breaks, Spain received an estimated 94 million foreign visitors last year and expects to receive even more in 2025.
And while most travellers will be making a beeline for the country’s popular beaches and cities, there are an array of petite villages and small towns worth adding to your itinerary. Ranging from mountain villages to los pueblos blancos (“the white villages”), Andalusia offers its distinct brand of Spanish wonder. Andalusia is an autonomous community in the southernmost region of Spain. And while provinces like Cádiz, Seville and Granada have shone a light on Andalusia, there is still much to discover within Malaga. One village in particular is perfect for those curious about authentic rural Spanish living, but still keen to explore the Costa del Sol coastline.
Mijas is situated on the Sierra de Mijas foothills. The municipality is actually composed of three distinct areas: Mijas Pueblo (the village), Las Lagunas (the modern residential and commercial hub) and Mijas Coasta (the coastal strip). Mijas Pueblos is renowned for its iconic white-washed villas, but it has a rich history worth exploring as well. Mijas was named by the Moors that conquered the area in the 8th century (named “Mixa” by an Arab leader and later changed to Mijas when the Spanish reconquered the town). The village’s appearance today is typical of the Arabic era, reflecting its astounding history. Another key characteristic of the village are the burro-taxis: brightly dressed donkeys that travel up and down Mijas’ cobbled streets.
This is a great way to navigate the steep lanes of the village and visit the famous La Plaza de los “Siete Caños” (a historic fountain where water used to flow from the mountains). From here, you can also visit the 18th century church, Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepcion, for a few photo-ops in the garden and against the stunning Mediterranean backdrop. While Mijas doesn’t have a beach of its own, it’s close enough to one that you can still enjoy the best of the Costa del Sol. Just a 15-minute drive away is the seaside resort of Fuengirola, with seven straight kilometres of sandy beaches and a busy promenade of bars and restaurants.
That said, Mijas’ culinary offerings will give you a unique taste of the local products, including cured ham, olive oil, almonds, wine, cheese, honey, and seafood. Mijas offers plenty of panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the surrounding mountains. It’s also full of rich historical landmarks (don’t forget to check out the famous Mijas Bullring) and is perfectly positioned to both escape from and enjoy the busy beaches of Costa del Sol.