Mijas is renowned as one of the most beautiful pueblos blancos (white towns) in the Andalusian province. Situated between Marbella and Málaga and high up above Fuengirola, Mijas is a beautiful picturesque typical Spanish village. When you wander through the narrow streets of Mijas you can understand what attracts people here. Despite its huge popularity with tourists, Mijas Pueblo has somehow managed to retain much of its traditional Andalusian way of life, along with all of its charm.
From the moment you arrive at the main plaza, Plaza de la Virgen de la Peña, across from the tourism office, you will immediately notice the donkey taxi station. Also available are donkey pulled carts and horse carriages. Needless to say, our daughter wanted to ride one of the donkeys. But you see, it’s not truly a ride, but rather a tour through some of the town’s streets, except you’re taking the tour on a donkey ride. And the worst part was, that my husband and I had no interest in riding these donkeys, so we had to put our trust in two American, sweet ladies that were going along with our daughter. Now for those of you that know me, being the most overprotective mother on Earth, this was a tough pill for me to swallow….but, hubby decided that it would be alright. And it was, our daughter had a delightful tour of Mijas riding a donkey, being guided by a total stranger, who assured me this was safe (I’ve noticed that I allow myself and my family to experience things on vacation that I would never try here at home in a million years!)
One of my favorite sites in Mijas was the Santuario de la Virgen de la Peña, (sanctuary of the Virgin of the Rock) built in 1586, a cross between a cave and a chapel carved out of the mountainside, dedicated to the patron saint of Mijas. Legend has it that the image was buried there for five centuries and unearthed by a builder whose children, who were shepherds, were brought to the spot by a dove. Nearby the chapel, lies the Mirador El Compás, viewpoint and terrace, offering phenomenal panoramic views across the Costa that form the backdrop to the shrine.
La Plaza de la Constitución, situated in the heart of the village, is lined with artisanal shops, full of ceramics and souvenirs, as well as some cafes and bars. One of the shops we visited was Mayan Monkey Mijas (Plaza de la Constitución 421, but they recently opened another location at 15 Plaza Virgén de la Peña), the smallest chocolate factory in the world. This shop sells handmade chocolate and delicious ice cream produced in their very own factory in Mijas. We sampled a few pieces and they were mouth-watering. If you have time, they also give tours of the factory and allow you to create your own chocolate flavors. A great activity for both kids and adults. Definitely a place to checkout if you’re in the area.
Another great spot in town is Plaza de la Libertad, where you can find San Sebastián Church, a beautiful 17th century church, located on the street of the same name, Calle San Sebastián. This street has become one of the most photographed streets on the Costa del Sol, as visitors find both the church and the typical street so pretty.
Mijas offers many shops selling beautiful and authentic Spanish souvenirs, but my favorite shop was Lo Artesano de Mijas (Plaza Libertad, 3). This tiny store had the most beautiful ceramic pottery and plates, and of course I had to add a few pieces to my collection back home.
Here are a few more photos of magical Mijas for your enjoyment.
Have you visited Mijas, and if you have, what was your favorite spot in this tiny, magical white washed town?
I love all of your pictures. I enjoy seeing the cultural differences from other countries as well as the architecture.
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What a nice looking place, and the architecture is amazing.. I want to go on a donkey taxi ride!
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love all you photos so beautiful what an amzing place Mijas is. . I’d love to travel there. the donkey taxi photo cracked me up. toooo funny
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What a beautiful place! I always feel so sorry for those donkeys, though LOL They always seem so sad!
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Yes, I agree 😦
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Wow! What an awesome experience.
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Wow, what a beautiful town! Those ceramic plates/etc are so gorgeous- I would have added to my collection as well!
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What a beautiful place.. I would love to visit Mijas someday 🙂
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Your photos are beautiful. I’ve never been, but it looks and sounds like an amazing place!
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Absolutely gorgeous. Reminds me of my summer in Italy.
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I love traveling to places so different from US! Your photos are wonderful! Makes me want to hop on a plane!
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I love all of the white building and all of the others as well of course, and those roofs, we don’t have any like that around here. Your photos and the views are stunning.
Terri R Beavers
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What a beautiful backdrop for all of your photos! I would love to visit there some day!
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What a beautiful place! I love all your pictures and the chocolate factory was such an interesting location. I feel as if I have already been there 🙂
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Great pics!!! Looks like a pretty fabulous place 🙂
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I have never been to Mijas. What a beautiful place. Looks like I do need to go!
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Wow! What a view is right. Looks absolutely incredible!
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I’ve never been, but holy cow that looks beautiful. I need to add that to my list of places to go (minus the donkey ride).
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What a view! Looks amazing!!!
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ALl of those views are amazing! I would love to visit such a beautiful place.
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That is a gorgeous view. I love the architecture.
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So beautiful! I love your daughter on the donkey 🙂 Que preciosa!
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How stunning. It really looks like a beautiful place.
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What a beautiful place! Your photos are just stunning, I hope I can visit there one day too!
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Wow. Just wow. I don’t even have words for how gorgeous that is!
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What a beautiful place! There is so much Spanish colonialism in Ecuador and very similar views. It’s amazing!
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Your pictures are gorgeous! I love all the flowers in the storefronts!
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What a gorgeous place to visit: It is always great to visit other cultures. My daughter would love to try that donkey ride
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Your pics are telling me that I need to visit there. This is so going on my bucket list. Great pics!
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What wonderful photos! I love all the pretty pink flowers.
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This looks like such a beautiful place. I would love to go and explore.
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What a beautiful place. I want to go there, I love all the white and history it looks to have.
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Oh wow, how fun! I would love to go to that place!
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Yes, that view in the first picture is absolutely gorgeous. That’s also a cool picture of the stone seat facing more lovely views. I think I would have gotten lost in the chocolate shop! I want a miniature donkey from that shop – too cute.
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This looks like a paradise. I need a vacation even more now after seeing these beautiful pictures.
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Oh my! The views and architecture are amazing. I love this!!!
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Such beautiful pictures, the buildings and scenery are just breath taking!
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Obviously, it was an amazing experience for you to visit this place. I was enjoying to see all the beautiful pictures in this post. Thank you for sharing.
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It IS magical! I always enjoy hearing about other bloggers’ travel stories because it gives me ideas and new places to add in my bucket list. Lovely photos, btw.
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I have never visit this place before. Looks really great views. Thanks for sharing it.
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wow, it looks so white, crisp and clean… what a lovely place!
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I bet this was an amazing experience.
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What a beautiful town. I love Spain, so much warmth and culture everywhere.
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I have never been but I want to go now!!! Love the history you told and the photos are beautiful!!
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Beautiful place !! I love those bright vibes with colourful flowers ! But sad donkeys 😦
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Paradise!!!! And Lovely pictures. Wish I could visit Spain someday 🙂
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Spanish architecture is simply one of the best. Gorgeous photos. I would love to see the place one day.
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Amazing photos. That is a beautiful town. That donkey tour sounds like fun.
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Wow, First time I’ve heard a Donkey Taxi ride. So cute..
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You got so many great pictures!!! What a lovely visit. I’d love to take the Donkey Tour. 🙂
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never heard of this place – but it looks awesome!!
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