Mijas Area Guide
About Mijas
The cultural richness of this beautiful area is evident from the moment you first set foot into the ephemeral sunlight. Mijas’ beauty lies in its quaintness; its hilly location and compact size posed challenges for architects centuries ago, but the result is spectacular. Many tiny square houses cling to the landscape just like fluff on a sweater, creating an iconic backdrop of scattered, red-tiled roofs and white-washed walls.
Around the central square in Mijas Pueblo, there are lovely cafes that boast excellent ‘menu del días’. While aiming at tourists, they offer great value which attracts locals, expats, and tourists alike.
A Glimpse into Tradition
The old bullring in Mijas Pueblo is amongst the most captivating in Andalucia. An affordable entrance fee stands between curious onlookers and the chance to stand in the midst of the ring, view the bull pens, and browse the memorabilia.
A Welcoming Hand for Expats
In a testament to its welcoming nature, the Town Hall has its own imaginatively titled ‘Foreigners Department’. Here, non-Spanish speakers can request assistance in all manner of matters, most of which revolve around the endless form-filling that each new resident to the country may undertake.
Local Amenities
The vast municipality of Mijas offers a diverse range of amenities, from the mountains to the sea.
- Mijas Pueblo (Historic White Village)
- La Cala de Mijas Beach & Boardwalk
- Numerous Championship Golf Courses
- AquaMijas Water Park
- Hipódromo Costa del Sol Racecourse
- Mayan Monkey Mijas Chocolate Factory
- Coastal Path (Senda Litoral)
- Weekly Markets in La Cala & Las Lagunas
- Excellent road access (A-7 & AP-7)
- Countless international restaurants
- Hiking and nature trails
- Vibrant nightlife in La Cala de Mijas
Schools and Education
The Mijas area is very popular with families, partly due to the excellent selection of international and local schools available.
- St. Anthony's College: A well-established international school located nearby.
- Numerous British Schools: A short drive away in neighbouring towns like Benalmádena.
- A comprehensive network of Spanish public schools in Mijas Pueblo, Las Lagunas, and La Cala.
Hospitals and Healthcare
Residents of Mijas have convenient access to world-class public and private healthcare facilities.
- Hospital Costa del Sol: The main public hospital for the region, located a short drive away in Marbella.
- Private Hospitals: Several private options like Hospital Quirónsalud are easily accessible.
- Local Health Centres: Public clinics (Centros de Salud) are located in Mijas Pueblo, La Cala de Mijas, and Las Lagunas for primary care.
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Conclusion
Mijas offers the best of both worlds: the timeless charm of a historic Andalusian white village perched in the mountains, and the sun-drenched vibrancy of a modern coastal resort in Mijas Costa and La Cala. Its spectacular scenery, welcoming community, and vast array of amenities make it a truly unique and desirable place to live on the Costa del Sol.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes Mijas Pueblo so beautiful?
Its unique beauty comes from its quaintness and spectacular hilly location. The landscape is famously defined by tiny, white-washed square houses with red-tiled roofs that cling to the mountainside.
Is Mijas a good place for expats to live?
Yes, it's very welcoming. The local Town Hall even has a dedicated 'Foreigners Department' specifically to help non-Spanish speaking residents with paperwork and other matters, making the transition to life in Spain much smoother.
What are the main areas within the Mijas municipality?
Mijas is a large municipality with several distinct areas. The main ones are Mijas Pueblo (the old village in the mountains), Mijas Costa (the coastal strip), Las Lagunas (the modern commercial area next to Fuengirola), and La Cala de Mijas (a popular former fishing village on the coast).