Travel Guide to Mijas Pueblo, Spain
We’ve recently returned from a trip to Southern Spain, and one of our favourite villages was whitewashed Mijas Pueblo. In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do and a few restaurant recommendations in Mijas, Spain.
By: Lesley Stewart | March 2025
Nestled high in the mountains and overlooking the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast, Mijas is, simply put, postcard-perfect. A tiny village of gleaming white streets and charming plazas, it is a must-visit on any Southern Spain itinerary.
It's an easy day trip from Marbella or Malaga (or any of the Costa del Sol towns). Whitewashed facades and cobblestone streets are filled with potted flowers and bougainvillea, and the streets are filled with traditional Spanish terracotta roofs and wrought iron balconies.
There are a handful of small shops too, selling locally made crafts and gifts, while seafood is the cuisine among the numerous restaurants and cafes dotted around the historic centre.
Alongside Frigiliana, Casares, and Benalmadena Pueblo, Mijas is one of the best-known and most visited of Andalusia’s pueblos blancos, white villages that dominate the region’s steep, verdant hillsides.
Andalusia is a region that, after going several times, is undoubtedly one of my favourite places to visit in Spain. And while many travellers are drawn to the nearby coastline and its beachy towns, what really draws me to this region are the picturesque villages.
And Mijas Pueblo is easily one of Spain’s prettiest.
Historically important, Mijas started as a Roman settlement and grew under the influence of the Moorish empire, followed by Spanish settlers. Today, you can still see its architectural and cultural marks; look beyond the souvenir shops and discover beautifully preserved churches, historic plazas, and ancient towers.
And though the architecture may feel more humble than the region’s chic beach resorts, it certainly doesn’t lack charm. Read on for my tips for exploring Mijas, how to get there, memorable places to eat, and the prettiest streets.
Why Visit Mijas Pueblo?
Mijas is a unique mountain village in Andalusia that is completely worth visiting. Though it frequently gets overlooked for “shinier” coastal spots like Nerja and Marbella, it is quite the gem. There are beautiful churches and pretty Spanish streets, boutique stores, and a thriving local food scene, with restaurants and cafes spilling out onto picture-perfect plazas.
While the similar village of Frigiliana is more of a long-weekend destination with upscale hotels and a chic vibe, I found Mijas to be more laid-back. Our visit was relaxing, and it made for the perfect day trip from the nearby Costa del Sol.
Boutique Getaways & Hotels In Mijas Pueblo
Most travellers visit Mijas on a day trip from one of the nearby coastal towns. I recommend staying in Marbella or San Pedro, which is where we based ourselves. However, if you’re seeking an authentic Mijas stay, these are my top picks:
OPUNTIA Hotel Boutique: for the best boutique hotel stay in Mijas.
Charming Flat: for the best stylish apartment (sleeps 4).
Sierra Mar Penthouse: for the best chic apartment (sleeps 2).
Luxury Sea View Apartments: for the best contemporary stay (sleeps 2).
La Zambra Resort GL: for the best luxury hotel on the nearby Mijas coast.
If you’re planning a trip to Andalusia, don’t miss my 10-day Southern Spain itinerary, guide to the best coastal towns to base yourself, and guides to Marbella, Estepona, Malaga, Benalmadena, and San Pedro!
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Travel tip: The best way to explore Andalusia is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our car rental in Spain, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Hertz, Enterprise, or Sixt. Renting a car in Spain is easy, and driving in Southern Spain felt very comfortable. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
How to get to Mijas
Mijas is an easy 30-minute drive from the coast and you’ll heaps of parking here. Or you can take this local bus from runs regularly from Fuengirola, and also takes around 30-minutes.
If you’re visiting from other parts of the coast and don’t want to drive the mountain road, sadly public transport is a little more complicated. So, I suggest booking a Mijas coach tour. We did this on our second Mijas trip and had the comfiest, air-conditioned bus plus a friendly guide and plenty of freedom and time to walk around.
Book: I highly recommend this Mijas tour which picks up from all major coastal towns and includes a stop in chic Marbella and Puerto Banus.
MIJAS PUEBLO TRAVEL GUIDE
The best things to do in Mijas, Spain
Mijas quick guide:
Stroll through the Old Town.
Explore the plazas.
Visit the Plaza de Toros.
Visit a local museum.
Take in the views from the miradors.
Visit the nearby beach.
Enjoy the local cuisine.
1. Stroll through Mijas old town
Like any of Spain’s charming pueblos, Mijas’s biggest draw is its whitewashed streets; honestly, there’s no bad corner to visit. One of the best things to do in Mijas is simply follow your feet through the compact village - you won’t get far before turning into a pretty plaza or leafy park or discovering a mirador with gorgeous coast views.
Book: this small-group walking tour around Mijas Pueblo’s prettiest streets and hidden gems.
Prettiest streets
Start from the main pedestrian square and head uphill along the village’s narrow paths, passing traditional houses, tapas bars, and trinket shops.
Mijas Pueblo is so small that you’ll find its prettiest streets as you stroll around. However, we found the most beautiful and famous streets in Mijas are: Calles San Sebastián, Calle Carril, Calle de Coín, and the flower steps from Callejon de los Gitanos.
Along the way, there are other sights worth seeking out: historic gems, beautiful gardens, and enchanting little churches.
Ermita de Santa Ana
We love Ermita de Santa Ana, a small chapel that overlooks the village and mountains. Built in the 16th century, the chapel's site was once the highest and oldest part of the town. It's located in the Santa Ana neighbourhood, just outside the main centre of Mijas; it’s something of a hidden gem. But it’s quite stunning and very much worth the walk.
Iglesia Inmaculada Concepción
Closer to the centre of Mijas, another church worth visiting is Iglesia Inmaculada Concepción. Built in the 16th century, allegedly on the site of a former Mosque, the church features a stunning white façade and striking bell tower. Inside, the sombre interior, frescoes, altars, and religious artefacts reflect the artistry of the period.
Free to enter, there are lush, terraced gardens and a viewpoint just around the corner.
La Muralla at the Botanical Gardens
We found ourselves strolling through Mijas’s botanical gardens by accident and almost didn’t notice the pretty plants - the views from the observation deck are so stunning. However, the gardens are a peaceful and shaded spot, which is free to enter and always open.
You’ll also find the remains of La Muralla, or the ancient Moorish walls, here. This small section is all that’s left of the imposing Arab walls that once surrounded Mijas.
2. Explore the plazas
All narrow calles and streets lead to Mija’s buzzy plazas, and my favourite is Plaza de la Constitución. Full of life, I recommend you spend an hour or so in one of the cafes around the perimeter; they spill into the sun-soaked square overlooking the central fountain and it's the perfect spot for people-watching.
Nearby, my favourite Mijas cafe, Viento Sur, serves delicious brunches and coffee in a cute little white courtyard. There’s lots of little gift shops and boutique stores here, too, most selling local crafts and gorgeous postcards.
Mija’s main square is Plaza Virgin de la Peña. Though not as pretty, it’s a lively spot with free flamenco shows, the local tourist office, and a town hall. It’s also the starting point for exploring Mijas, with steps leading to the historic old town, churches, and museums. Stop by The Lemon Tree cafe for a coffee or fully loaded bagel.
3. Visit the Plaza de Toros
Let me preface this section by saying that I loathe bullfighting. Nonetheless, it is, historically, an integral part of Spanish culture, and matadors fanning their red cape is synonymous with our image of Andalusia.
Thankfully, the bullring in Mijas is no longer used and has been sympathetically transformed into a small museum. It’s worth visiting to understand the history, matadors, and cultural impact the sport made on the region, and the old posters and costumes transport you to another time.
The bullring was built in 1900 and is architecturally unique in that it's oval rather than round, and it’s actually quite beautiful. It’s small inside, but it’s only €3 to enter the museum and plaza. The Plaza de Toros is open daily from 10:30am to 7pm.
4. Visit a Local Museum
Though Mijas Pueblo doesn’t have grand museums by any stretch, one museum worth visiting is the Casa Museo Municipal. We sadly missed this little gem but have read great things about its displays. Locally preserved history and culture are displayed, alongside examples of life in Mijas over the decades. It only costs €1 to enter and is a peek back in history.
If you enjoy art, pop into CAC Mijas (Centre for Contemporary Arts), which displays artwork from Spanish artists, including Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali.
5. Village views from the miradors
Head to Mija Pueblo's brilliant miradors for breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside, pantiled rooftops, and even all the way to the sea. These viewpoints and observation decks are dotted around the village, generally at its highest points. My favourite Mijas viewpoints are:
6. Visit Mijas Costa
One thing you might notice in your planning is that Mijas is effectively split in two; in the mountains, Mijas Pueblo and on the coast Mijas Costa (or La Cala de Mijas). If you can, I suggest after wandering around the mountain village that you drive the 30 minutes down to the coast and visit the town’s beachy counterpart. There’s a gorgeous coastal walk, cute little beach bars, and sheltered coves for an afternoon swimming.
Where to eat in Mijas, Spain
A handful of cosy restaurants in Mijas offer traditional Andalusian cuisine; we enjoyed Restaurante La Reja, where you can try specialities like seafood paella and authentic tapas overlooking the main plaza.
For something more formal, check out Jazzy Eatery.
If you asked me where to go for brunch or lunch, I’d say head straight to Viento Sur. Set in a classic whitewashed courtyard, this open-air cafe was one of our best brunches in Andalusia. Eggs benny dishes are classic, with traditional Spanish-style toasts and delicious crepes.
For fully loaded brunch bagels, head to The Lemon Tree.
We didn’t get a chance to eat here, but Cafeteria Bellavista has great reviews for coffee and cakes.
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Tip: other than the prettiest streets and must dos, it’s important to mention something you absolutely shouldn’t do in the village - and that’s use the donkey taxis. We won’t go into the politics, though you can read more here; in short, it’s inhumane and brutal and should be avoided at all costs.
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