Holiday rentals in Mijas

Charming little Mijas began as a mountain village of traditional whitewashed houses nestled into the limestone sierra of Andalusía in southern Spain. Over time, it has expanded all the way to the coast, mingling modern amenities with tradition. Located a short drive north of Fuengirola, Mijas includes Mijas Pueblo, the old town, with its narrow streets, tranquil gardens, egg-shaped bullring, and historic churches; and Mijas Costa, a collection of coastal developments including the larger, more modern Las Lagunas and the smaller La Cala, a former fishing village turned tourist beach destination. Centuries ago, the inhabitants of this stretch of coastline had to fend off marauding pirates, a history that’s still visible in the defensive fortifications scattered among the wide sandy beaches. Today, a car-free Coastal Path for pedestrians and cyclists is a great way to explore the shoreline. Don’t miss the Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña in Mijas Pueblo, a monastery dedicated to the town’s patron saint, carved out of the rock in the mid-16th century by Mercedarian friars.

As you would expect of the Costa del Sol, Mijas is kissed by the rays of the Mediterranean sun all year round. Summers are warm and a bit muggy with highs in the mid-80s Fahrenheit, peaking in early September, when the town celebrates its patron saint with a religious procession, marching bands, a street parade, and other cultural events. Swimming season lasts from June until October, when water temperatures are typically above 60 degrees. November and December are the region’s wettest months; it’s about 58 degrees on average in January, with overnight lows hitting 42, so pack layers for your wintertime escape.

Museums

Mijas’ cultural offerings range from the formidable to the curious. At the El Carromato de Mijas miniatures museum, you can see The Last Supper painted on a grain of rice, the Seven Wonders of the World carved into a toothpick, and a bullfight scene rendered on a lentil. Don’t miss the Contemporary Art Center (CAC Mijas), which features a wide collection of contemporary paintings and famous ceramics.

Hiking

With its breathtaking Mediterranean sea views and rich biodiversity, the rugged mountain landscape surrounding Mijas is a magnet for hikers and nature lovers. Explore a network of five hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty, all of which begin at El Mirador de Mijas Pueblo; color-coded signs point the way. The red trail is reasonably low intensity, while the orange route, at five hours round-trip, is the most difficult — but your effort will be rewarded with panoramic views of the entire coast from the La Bola weather station.