21 Best Things To Do in Mijas Pueblo | Mijas Travel Guide

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning that if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. See our Disclosure Policy for more information.

---

If you’re staying on the Costa del Sol, Mijas Pueblo is a great place to visit if you’re craving more than beach days and the typical tourist resorts.

Perched in the hills above the coast, it’s known for whitewashed streets, sea views, and a relaxed Andalusian feel. It also makes a perfect half-day or day trip from Marbella, Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Torremolinos.

Mijas Pueblo is compact and walkable, with plenty to see in a short space of time. You can wander pretty streets, stop for a drink in sunny squares, browse small shops, and enjoy views right across the Costa del Sol.

I’ve visited the Costa del Sol four times and explored Mijas Pueblo myself. I’ve spent time walking around the village, eating in local restaurants, and visiting the main attractions.

In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Mijas Pueblo, along with simple travel tips to help you plan your visit. You’ll find advice on where to park, where to eat, and how to make the most of your time.

If you’re keen to explore beyond the beach and see a different side to the Costa del Sol, this post will help you do exactly that.

21 Best Things To Do in Mijas Pueblo

1. Visit Plaza de la Constitución

The Plaza de la Constitución is a charming public square, located in the heart of the town and centred around a fountain. It’s a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike. It’s lined with bars, restaurants and small shops and is a great place for people-watching with a drink or bite to eat.

In every direction, you’ll find narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, vibrant flowers and restaurants with beautiful terraces.

The Plaza also holds many events and festivals throughout the year, including free flamenco shows every Saturday at 12 noon.

When I visited in December, there was also a small Christmas market in the Plaza de la Constitución.

2. Wander the Whitewashed Streets

One of my favourite ways to explore a new village or town is to simply wander and explore the tiny alleyways and streets.

Wandering off the typical tourist trail, you’ll usually find restaurants and bars that are less expensive than the restaurants in the main squares – the restaurants that are mainly aimed at tourists.

Mijas is a great place to get lost. Close your phone, don’t look at Google Maps and just see where you end up!

3. Visit the Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña

The Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña is a historic Catholic chapel and shrine, dedicated to the patron saint of Mijas, the Virgin of the Rock, which is located in a small garden.

The chapel is hewn into the rock and has a cave-like structure inside. While small, it’s worth a look as it’s an interesting structure and is right next to the panoramic viewpoint at Mirador del Compás. Entrance to the shrine is free.

According to legend, two local shepherd boys saw a Marian apparition in 1586 of a white dove on the castle tower, which then turned into the Virgin Mary. This led to the chapel being carved into the rock at this location.

4. Stop at the Mirador del Compás

The Mirador del Compas (or Compas Viewpoint) is a scenic viewpoint from a pretty garden, surrounding the Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña chapel.

You’ll be treated to incredible views of the coastline and ocean below, and the beautiful white-washed buildings of Mijas nestled into the hillside.

When I visited, there was a shop inside the gardens which sold gorgeous ceramics! I still have the olive oil dispenser that I bought from this shop for my kitchen!

5. Visit the Church of the Immaculate Conception

The Church of the Immaculate Conception sits within the Parque La Muralla, which enjoys views over the surrounding countryside and coastline.

The church construction was started in the late 16th century and was finished in 1631, built on the ruins of an old mosque and palace.

During renovation work in the 1990s, columns inside the church were found to bear paintings of the apostles, dating back to 1632.

The church is beautiful from the outside, and looks very Arabic in style.

6. Enjoy the View from Parque Botánico La Muralla

As mentioned above, the Parque La Muralla is an open botanical garden which contains the Church of the Immaculate Conception and provides breathtaking views across the surrounding countryside and coastline.

At one corner of the park, you will find a Mirador (viewpoint) overlooking the white-washed buildings in the village of Mijas.

It’s a great photo spot if you’re looking for the perfect Instagram shot! The trees of the garden also provide a cooler, shady spot from the heat of the summer sun.

7. Visit Plaza de Toros de Mijas

Whatever your views on bullfighting may be (I personally disagree with it), bullfighting is still a part of Spain’s culture and history.

The Plaza de Toros de Mijas is the smallest bullring in Spain and is located right next to the Parque La Muralla and the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

8. Learn About Mijas in the Museo Histórico-Etnológico

The Museo Histórico-Etnológico (also known as Mijas Folk Museum) is a small museum located in the centre of Mijas in the former town hall. While small, the museum only costs €1 and is worth visiting for 30 minutes to learn about rural life in Mijas.

Inside, you’ll find exhibits and displays that show what rural life was like in Mijas, including a display of an olive oil mill, local pottery and traditional tools used in local crafts and agriculture.

The museum is open from 10 am to 2 pm, and again from 5 till 9 pm daily.

9. See the Miniature Museum (Carromato de Max)

One of the more unusual things to do in Mijas is to explore the Miniature Museum (Carromato de Max). The museum is very quirky and features ‘the world’s largest collection of the smallest things’.

It’s interesting to see the miniature artworks, some of which are so small that they have to be magnified! The museum features 360 tiny artworks, including an actual shrunken head(!) collected by the founder of the museum during his travels throughout Europe, Africa and Latin America.

Some of the other exhibits include a ballet dancer carved on a toothpick, Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ painted on a grain of rice, dissected dressed fleas and even a naval battle, painted on the head of a tiny pin.

The museum exterior is also quite interesting in that it looks like a colourful old wagon.

If you’re looking for unusual things to do in Mijas, it doesn’t get more unique than this!

Entry costs €3 for adults.

10. Go on a Hike in the Nearby Mountains

If you’re a hiker like me, you won’t be able to resist looking at the mountains that surround Mijas Pueblo and wondering what incredible hiking trails are waiting to be discovered!

You can find the start of a walk above Mijas Pueblo by looking for Inicio Sendero a la Sierra de Mijas in Google Maps. This trailhead starts above the village and winds up the steep mountainside to offer incredible views over the village and coastline below.

For other hikes, I recommend downloading the All Trails app, which provides local hikes of all difficulties from town walks to short and multi-day hiking trails.

11. Visit Plaza Virgen de la Peña

Another charming and lively public square, the Plaza Virgen de la Peña is lined with shops, restaurants and bars for a bite to eat and drink while watching the world go by.

There are free flamenco performances on Wednesdays at 12 noon, and usually there are Christmas activities here in December and early January, such as carol singing and light shows.

When I visited in December, the square was busy with local families and children, and it had a really lovely atmosphere.

12. Make Chocolate in a Chocolate Making Workshop

Located in the Plaza Virgen de la Peña, Mayan Monkeys Mijas is a chocolate shop that also offers workshops to make your own chocolate!

Depending on your budget and time, you can take a 30-minute express workshop, a family workshop designed for families with children aged 3-12, or take a deep dive into chocolate craftsmanship, which includes a guided wine & chocolate tasting!

One of the more unique things to do in Mijas!

13. Visit CAC Mijas (Centro de Arte Contemporáneo)

If art is your thing, Mijas has its very own modern art museum! Open from 10:30 am to 2 pm, Monday to Saturday, the museum houses 400 pieces of art, including works by famous artists, including Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali!

The museum also offers temporary exhibitions at times, so there will usually be something different to see if you’ve visited before.

Unfortunately, the museum was closed when I visited Mijas, as I arrived in the village at 2 pm, so I didn’t get to visit CAC Mijas. It’ll definitely be on my list as one of the things to do in Mijas Pueblo on my next visit.

Entrance costs only €3.

14. Enjoy a Tapas Lunch

What else is there to do for lunch than dine on a selection of Mijas’ best tapas? For a fantastic and delicious lunch, I recommend Alboka Gastro, which is close to Plaza Virgen de la Peña.

We chose a selection of tapas to share, including croquetas, albondigas (meatballs), burrata salad, patatas bravas and a couple of other dishes. Everything was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented, too. I highly recommend Alboka Gastro for some great food and friendly service.

Other than Alboka Gastro, there are dozens of other restaurants, cafes and bars to try, some with terraces that offer great views!

15. Take a Tuk Tuk Tour

If your feet are tired or you struggle with mobility, you can book a tour on an eco-friendly electric Tuk Tuk!

Tuk Tuk Spain is the only company offering guided panoramic tours in Mijas Pueblo. They offer friendly guided tours of the key highlights of Mijas, including panoramic viewpoints that may otherwise be too far to walk to if it’s hot.

You can find Tuk Tuk Spain next to the miniature museum.

Book a Tuk Tuk tour here or explore some of my recommendations for the best tours on the Costa del Sol here.

16. Book a Group Walking Tour

There was a time when I preferred exploring a new town or city by myself. Then I took a walking tour and totally changed my mind. I love booking a walking tour when I’m visiting a new place.

Not only is it a great way to get to grips with a place and find your way around, but you’ll also learn about the history, architecture, culture and even get some good recommendations of things to do and places to eat from the local guide.

This Mijas group walking tour lasts for 1.5 hours, providing plenty of time in the rest of the day to explore the town again by yourself.

The knowledgeable local guide will share information about old crafts, traditional skills and trades that have shaped Mijas’ history and bring the village to life.

It’s also a great way to meet new people if you’re travelling solo on the Costa del Sol.

Book your group walking tour here.

You can also book private walking tours of Mijas Pueblo if you’d prefer not to be in a group.

17. Enjoy a Free Flamenco Show

I’ve mentioned this already above when talking about the Plaza de la Constitución and Plaza Virgen de la Peña, but it’s worth mentioning again, because when do you ever get to see a free flamenco show!?

Every Wednesday and Saturday at 12 noon, you’ll be able to enjoy a free flamenco show in Plaza Virgen de la Peña (Wednesday) and Plaza de la Constitución (Saturday), weather permitting.

18. Shop for Beautiful Ceramics

Everywhere you go in Mijas, you’ll notice beautiful ceramics in little shops. It’s impossible to resist – I buy pretty and colourful ceramics everywhere I travel to and collect them at home, so Mijas was a real treat for the ceramics hoarder in me!

Wandering around the little shops looking for pretty souvenirs is a great way to pass the time and support some local businesses in the process.

19. Visit the Cuevas de la Antigua Fragua

A small attraction, these cuevas (caves) aren’t worth a special trip, but are worth a stop on a longer walking tour of Mijas or if you happen to be close by.

The caves are free to visit and open all the time. The Cuevas de la Antigua Fragua, which means Caves of the Old Forge, are located in the historic centre of Mijas Pueblo.

There are three small caves in total, which are thought to have been either animal shelters or a storage place for an old forge.

20. Shop at a Local Street Market

Every Wednesday (usually from 10 am to 2 pm) you’ll find stalls in the Plaza Virgen de la Peña featuring local crafts, handmade goods, leather items, jewellery, ceramics, textiles and souvenirs.

While this market is smaller and quieter than some of the bigger street markets in coastal areas, it’s worth a visit if you happen to be in Mijas Pueblo on a Wednesday morning.

You’ll also find a small Christmas market in the Plaza de la Constitución in the winter months running up to Christmas.

21. Escape the Tourists in Osunillas

A part of Mijas that rarely gets explored by tourists is Osunillas, a nearby hamlet mostly consisting of white-washed buildings and residential streets.

If you want to escape the tourists and see the authentic side of Andalusian village life, a walk to Osunillas may be just the ticket. It’s also a nice walk if you’d prefer to stick to paved roads, rather than uneven mountain tracks and trails.

How to Get to Mijas Pueblo

By car: Mijas is easily accessible by car from the Costa del Sol. It takes 25 minutes to drive from La Cala de Mijas, on the coast, to Mijas Pueblo, 15-20 minutes from Fuengirola, and 25-30 minutes from Benalmadena. This means Mijas is a great day trip choice from most coastal resorts on the Costa del Sol to the west of Malaga.

If you need to hire a car, I highly recommend Discover Cars as a great comparison tool for checking prices across multiple car rental companies.

By bus: You can take the M122 bus from Fuengirola to Mijas Pueblo for around 2€. The M122 bus from Fuengirola takes around 30 minutes. You can also take the M112 from Malaga to Mijas Pueblo, which takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach Mijas. You can find out more about bus routes and timetables for buses to Mijas here.

On foot: If you feel like being energetic, you can walk from Fuengirola to Mijas. It takes around 2 hours, so it may be a good option to get the bus there and walk back to Fuengirola, as the way back will be downhill. You can find the Fuengirola to Mijas trail map on All Trails.

By taxi or Uber: If you don’t have a car and don’t want to take public transport, you can book a taxi or Uber to take you to Mijas. I generally recommend using Uber as the prices are agreed upfront, but there are also many local taxi companies available. A taxi usually costs between €13-17 one way.

I love the website Rome2Rio to work out the best way to get to a place. Rome2Rio outlines all of the ways you can get somewhere and how much each one costs.

By group tour: Alternatively, if you’d rather not have the hassle of travelling to Mijas by yourself, you can book day trips from Malaga and other surrounding towns. I recommend the following:

Day trip from Malaga to Mijas, Marbella and Puerto Banus: Group trip departing from Malaga which includes the above three destinations in one day.

Private day trip to Mijas: If you’d prefer not to be stuck with a large group, you can book a private day trip to Mijas with pick-up from Marbella, Ronda, Antequera, Málaga, Estepona, or Nerja.

Where to Park in Mijas Pueblo

One of the easiest and quickest places to park in Mijas is Parking Mijas – Municipal Público. It’s a paid, multi-story car park right in the centre of Mijas, only a 2-minute walk to the Plaza Virgen de la Peña and Mirador del Compas. The fee is €1 to park here for the day, so it’s extremely good value, considering it is so close to the town.

There is also a small free car park located at Plaza Fuente de La Seda. And you can find motorbike parking in the centre of Mijas here.

You can usually find free parking in most towns on the Costa del Sol. But you should look out for the following:

White lines or white bays – Usually means this is free parking

Blue lines or blue bays – Usually means this is paid parking

Yellow zigzag lines – Usually mean there are limits to parking. It may mean you can only park here during certain times, or it may be disabled parking. There will be a sign to explain the rules.