Car Hire Mijas - Mini guide to Mijas

Mijas, perched high above Fuengirola and Mijas Costa, has spectacular views of the coast and surrounding heavily wooded mountains. Made up of a web of narrow cobbled streets, Mijas is complete with terraces, red tile roofs and archways.

The village has still managed to retain some of its quaint traditions, one of the most unusual being the donkey-taxis which line the central plaza. The village dates back to a distant time with two Mudejar churches here to prove it, as well as the sanctuary of the patron saint of Mijas, from the year 850.

The Mijas municipality includes two major urbanisations, Sitio de Calahonda and Riviera del Sol. One of the most interesting buildings in Mijas, the hermitage of El Puerto, can be seen from just about everywhere in the village, appropriately enough, halfway up a mountain. Also look out for the Mineral water spring at the entrance to the village.

The beaches at La Cala have been awarded the "Blue Flag" as among the best in the province and are geared to provide action with jet skiing, water skiing and parasailing all on the go. Weekly Flamenco shows are organised at midday in the main square in Mijas village. The entertainers are the municipal dance group and spectators are offered a free glass of Malaga wine, courtesy of the Mijas Tourist Office.

The nearby Riviera del Sol is similarly inviting and popular among foreigners, particularly the large commercial centre with its bar, telephone booths and grocery store combined. Just over the mountain top lies Ronda, one of Andalucia's loveliest towns. It stands on a towering plateau in the mountains of Malaga Province, and is famous through Spain for the plunging river gorge which divides the medieval from the 18th century parts of the town.

Malaga Airport is located 25 km (30 minutes by car) from Mijas. The journey by car is mainly by motorway and very straightforward.