Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Mijas, Spain

Mijas is a municipality that encompasses two primary areas. The first is the old village, an enchanting ensemble of brilliant white structures set against a breathtaking landscape situated a few hundred meters above sea level, yet just a brief journey down to the beaches of Fuengirola.

Historically, it was a Moorish town, centered around a castle, of which a few small remnants and the original street layout persist.

Additionally, there is Mijas Costa, located further south along the coastline between Fuengirola and Marbella.

This area is characterized by all the features of a contemporary Mediterranean retreat, boasting expansive golf courses, numerous sandy beaches, and upscale residential communities with modern properties.

1. Mijas Pueblo

The oldest portion of Mijas is positioned at an elevated location away from the coast on a mountainside, where the whitewashed houses contrast vividly against the evergreen foliage and bare rock.

It exemplifies a quintessential rural Andalusian village, albeit with a substantial expatriate community: The streets, designed on a Moorish plan, are adorned with cobblestones, the upper levels of residences feature wrought-iron balconies, and hanging flowerpots introduce vibrant hues to the white walls.

There are several excellent lookout points to capture photographs of the Sierra de Mijas surrounding the village: You can ascend a section of the old walls or visit the terracing at the Plaza de Toros for stunning vistas.

2. La Cala

Located further south of the mountain village, La Cala de Mijas is among the coastal sections of the municipality.

Prior to the advent of tourism, it was a traditional settlement, and although it has undergone some development, it retains a charming atmosphere.

The beach holds the esteemed Blue Flag designation for its facilities and cleanliness, featuring a long stretch of soft sand lapped by gentle waves.

The boardwalk that runs parallel to the beach is quite recent and extends for miles, lined with family-owned shops, cafés, and chiringuitos (typical Spanish beach bars). During the summer evenings, concerts occur near the 16th-century Torre Vieja watchtower, and the El Baratillo street market operates in La Cala on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

3. Museo Histórico – Etnológico

Mijas Pueblo’s history and ethnology museum occupies a charming location within the village’s former town hall.

Upon entry, visitors will observe two plaster sculptures of Hercules flanking the entrance, seemingly supporting the structure; this is intended to symbolize the duties of Mijas’s former municipal representatives. The museum features numerous displays that breathe life into centuries-old industries and trades, showcasing tools and techniques related to carpentry, basket weaving, winemaking, tillage, baking, oil extraction, and fishing, alongside depictions of the interiors of traditional rural homes.

4. Museo de Miniaturas

This museum showcases the miniature collections of the eccentric stage hypnotist and magician, Juan Elegido Millán, also known as Professor Max.

He passed away in 1975, and throughout his career, he traveled globally, acquiring hundreds of small curiosities that are now exhibited.

The original museum was housed within Professor Max’s wagon, but this was succeeded by the current mock version established in 1992. Among the peculiar items on display is a genuine shrunken head, crafted by the Shuar people in Ecuador and Peru.

Additionally, there is a portrait of Abraham Lincoln painted on a pinhead and representations of the Seven Wonders of the World rendered on a toothpick.

5. Castillo de Colomares

Inspired by his disappointment over the lack of monuments dedicated to the 15th-century explorer Christopher Columbus, Dr. Esteban Martín y Martín took action, resulting in this fairy-tale castle.

The design was conceived by the doctor himself in the mid-1980s and, remarkably, was constructed by only two local bricklayers over a seven-year period.

Architecturally, it serves as a romantic representation of the various styles that Spain is renowned for, incorporating elements of Romanesque, Gothic, Mudéjar (Moorish-style), and Renaissance architecture.

A playful feature within the design is the oriental pagoda, reminding visitors that Columbus sought a route to China when he arrived in the New World.

6. Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña

Carved into a rock formation next to the Mirador de El Compás, this quaint hermitage dates back to the mid-16th century.

Legend has it that the carving of the virgin inside predates the arrival of the Moors, having remained hidden for centuries to prevent discovery.

This representation was entirely forgotten until the 1500s, following Mijas’ reconquest by the Crown of Castile.

A dove is said to have guided two brothers to the castle tower where they rediscovered the carving.

Regardless of the truth of the story, the grotto is charming and merits a brief pause during your visit.

7. Los Boliches

For those residing in Mijas Pueblo, the nearest beach is Los Boliches-Gaviotas, located approximately ten minutes downhill by car and part of Fuengirola.

This beach also holds the Blue Flag designation and offers everything one expects from a Costa del Sol beach.

The sand is impeccably clean, with rows of sun loungers beneath palm shade, and small boardwalks for easy navigation.

The surf is manageable, although on rare occasions, it may be too rough for young children.

The Paseo Marítimo Rey de España adjacent to the beach is a wide promenade featuring beach bars at regular intervals and a long line of apartments across the street.

8. Water Activities

Fuengirola boasts a large marina where numerous water sports companies operate.

For thrill-seekers, a variety of exhilarating options are available, including wakeboarding, tubing, waterskiing, or parasailing above the surf.

A jet boat experience delivers intense excitement, reaching speeds of 55 mph and executing 360° spins.

If more tranquil water activities appeal to you, many companies provide scenic cruises, including excursions for dolphin watching.

Additionally, yacht charters are available, allowing you to spend half a day or longer on a crewed vessel exploring the waters at your leisure!

9. Bioparc Fuengirola

In the Costa del Sol, old zoos characterized by cramped cages and unhappy animals are now a thing of the past.

Bioparc Fuengirola serves as a commendable alternative, embracing a more ethical approach.

The park showcases approximately 200 animal species across four distinct zones: Equatorial Africa, Indo-Pacific, Madagascar, and Southeast Asia, all within large enclosures designed to closely replicate their natural habitats.

Children will delight in observing pygmy hippos, orangutans, Sumatran Tigers, meerkats, gibbons, and gorillas in environments resembling the wild.

During summer, the park remains open until 1:00 AM; an excellent opportunity to see nocturnal inhabitants in action.

10. Parque Acuático Mijas

This water park guarantees a wealth of entertainment for children and a surprising degree of relaxation for parents.

Surrounding this meticulously designed park are palm trees and grassy areas equipped with tropical-style sunshades, making an ideal spot to relax while children explore various pools and attractions, including the thrilling kamikaze slide.

For younger visitors, a recently introduced feature dubbed Lizard Island provides a climbing area with slides, all surrounded by water.

The park also includes a wave pool, mini-golf, and live entertainment designed specifically for children.

11. Butterfly Park

Located less than 15 minutes from Mijas Pueblo by car, this attraction offers a different experience than those typically found in the Costa del Sol.

The Benalmádena Butterfly Park resides within a Thai-style temple, featuring blue roof tiles that were imported from Thailand.

The temperature is consistently maintained in the high 20s with elevated humidity, creating an ideal environment for diverse butterfly species hailing from various tropical regions across the globe.

At any given time, around 1,500 vividly colored butterflies flit about, and visitors have the opportunity to observe their eggs and caterpillars, allowing children to learn about each phase of the butterfly’s lifecycle.

12. Golf

While Mijas Pueblo radiates a rural charm, it is still situated on the Costa del Sol, meaning you are never far from a golf course.

Therefore, if you are skilled with a golf club, incorporating a round or two into your itinerary is effortless.

Within the municipality alone, there are nine golf clubs.

Along the coast at La Cala de Mijas lies La Cala Resort Golf, featuring three challenging 18-hole courses that capitalize on the area’s steep terrain.

For those seeking a more forgiving experience, La Noria offers a flat nine-hole par 33 course, complete with full club and buggy rental services, as well as a delightful bar for refreshment.

13. Sierra de Mijas

The vistas in Mijas Pueblo are impressive, but for those seeking more, numerous trails lead from the village’s edge up into the Sierra de Mijas.

These well-marked paths are easy enough for most age groups to navigate.

All you require is a sturdy pair of shoes, in addition to a hat, water, and potentially GPS access on your mobile device.

At the summit of Pico Mijas, reaching 1,150 meters, you can gaze out past Gibraltar toward Morocco’s Atlas Mountains.

The fragrances of pine scrub and wild rosemary, coupled with sights of kestrels and Spanish imperial eagles, will linger with you long after returning to Mijas for a refreshing drink.

14. Centro de Arte Contemporáneo

For decades, Mijas Pueblo has sustained a vibrant community of artists and writers, making it unsurprising that the village hosts an art gallery of considerable merit.

The gallery features 130 diverse works by Pablo Picasso, encompassing sculptures, engravings, and lithographs, along with the second most significant collection of Picasso’s ceramics in existence.

Visitors can also view pieces by the surrealist Salvador Dalí, as well as a variety of works produced by 19th-century artists from Málaga who are believed to have influenced the young Picasso.

15. Cuisine

On warm summer days, few appetizers can rival a chilled soup; both ajoblanco and gazpacho have their origins in this region of Spain.

Ajoblanco is crafted from almonds, garlic, and olive oil, typically garnished with grape slices.

Gazpacho, a Spanish classic, is made from tomatoes and cucumber.

If you visit a beachside chiringuito, be sure to sample espetos, which are sardines skewered and grilled over wood fires.

Tapas in this region are exceptional, and a plate of calamares, pescaíto frito (whitebait), or chipirones (baby squid) pairs wonderfully with a cold beer or a glass of local white wine from the nearby Ronda region.