Mijas Pueblo, Costa Del Sol, Spain
Posted by Jackie Hewett on Fri 24th August 2007 at 11:50 PM, Filed in Europe
The name Mijas describes 3 different places. Firstly it is the name given to the wealthiest area, or province in Spain, but also it refers to a costal resort (also known as La Cala / Mijas Costa) and finally Mijas Pueblo (or village). Unsurprisingly both Mijas Costa and Mijas Pueblo lie within the province of Mijas. It is Mijas Pueblo that I wish to describe.
Although I have visited Mijas Pueblo more times than I can remember, I never tire of the place. Yes, it is a bit touristy with coaches frequently bringing people on day trips from cruises, but they visit with good reason. It is a very quaint spot with white-washed buildings that have a definite Moorish influence, and fabulous costal views. It nestles in the hills (about 10 minutes drive in-land / up-hill from Fuengirola) and its elevated position means the climate is generally a couple of degrees cooler than down on the coast with a gentle sea breeze. Many of the restaurants and bars take full advantage of the panoramic views, and whilst Fuengirola may not be the most up-market resort in the Costa del Sol, it looks good from the hill-side by day or night.
The village primarily centres around two squares. The lower square is called the Plaza de la Virgen which has a large paved area in the middle with a band-stand (often used for concerts and fiestas). Shops, bars and restaurants line two sides of this square, and running along another side is parking and area where the famous, but it has to be said slightly smelly, donkeys are tethered. Walk past the donkeys towards the view and you will find a paved and landscaped area that leads to a small chapel hollowed out from the rock called Santaurio de la Virgen de la Pena Limosnas. The paved are has a few fountains and in the high season a great little lunch-time restaurant serving basic, but good food and takes best advantage of the breeze and views.
Go up the steps at the far end of the Plaza de la Virgen and you will come to an upper area with the attractively mosaic floor of Calle de los Canos – a street with more shops and restaurants. Wind your way along the main streets and you are likely to come to the other square – the Plaza de la Constitution. From the far end of this square you can go up the hill to the small bull ring and a recently landscaped area with new fountains and a small cliff-edge walk along the walls of the fortress walls of the ancient village which are attractively light at night. Built into the fortress walls is an open-air theatre / auditorium where cultural events are held, including the August Theatre Festival.
View from a Mijas Restaurant
The shops in Mijas Pueblo seem to have something for everyone. There are the obligatory toys, t-shirts, ceramics and souvenirs, but amongst them you will find some very classy shops selling all manner of leather goods, Lladro porcelain and unusual jewellery - from Merano glass beads, Majorcan pearls and all manor of gold and silver creations.
Similarly, the restaurants cater for all tastes and pockets. There are plenty of places where you can get pizza, pasta, paella and fish for very reasonable prices. Some more up-market recommendations are:
Mirlo Blanco – situated at one end of the Plaza de la Constitution (no costal views) but serves traditional Basque and international cuisine.
El Padastro – accessed by a lift in a turret at the upper level (near the horse and carriages) which serves exquisitely presented international cuisine (can be small portions) in beautiful gardens, with of course the views.
Valporaiso – my favourite!! This is out of the village about half way up / down the main road between Fuengirola and Mijas. British owned (but don’t let that put you off), it has a beautiful outdoor dining area with marble floor, a huge overhanging grape vine, serving international cuisine (unusually good vegetables and desserts for Spain – probably due to the English influence). They also have nightly entertainment with dancing.
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