Marbella Guide - Mijas
Mijas, at 428 meters above sea level is a superb choice for a day out. When you wander through the narrow cobbled streets of this Andalucian village which is home to about 7,500 inhabitants and you can understand what has attracted foreigners to settle here over the years. Despite its huge popularity with tourists, Mijas Pueblo has somehow managed to retain much of its traditional Andalucian way of life.
The craft shops have some wonderful hand made pottery and often affordable paintings and prints by acclaimed local artists, such as Don Clarke and Michele Lehmann. The Mijas Village Tourist Office is located at Plaza Virgen de la Peña (Tel: 952 485820 )
Tiny shops line most of the narrow streets, all brimming with the local wares such as ceramics and leatherwork, jewellery and paintings. One of the best ways to see the village is by means of the local taxi service, being a quaint, typical Spanish donkey service. For 6€ you can take a donkey ride around the streets, or indulge in luxury and spend 12€ for a small cart pulled by a donkey. Horse and carriages work the summer months and can be found in Plaza de Pina.
In contrast Mijas Costa is a smart resort of sun worshippers attracted by 12km of excellent beaches, water sports and tourist facilities. Tourism is geared largely to the British market who flock to the pubs, British food suppliers and Indian restaurants during their stay in 'foreign' lands.
Make a nice morning trip though. Markets on Wednesday and Saturday.