Spanish
Cities and Towns
Once you have selected your preferred
region of Spain read up on some of the towns and cities to
narrow your choice for a property purchase. The most popular
of these are described in the following pages.
Alicante,
Almeria,
Altea,
Andalusia,
Aspe,
Barcelona,
Baza,
Benalmadena,
Benidorm,
Benitachell,
Blanes,
Calpe,
Cartegena,
Castilla la Macha,
Catalonia,
Crevillent,
Denia,
Elche,
Estepona,
Fuengirola,
Granada,
Guadix,
La Romana,
La Vega Baja,
Lorca,
Malaga,
Mar Menor,
Marbella,
Mazarron,
Mijas,
Murcia,
Nerja,
Orihuela,
Puerto Banus,
Quesada,
Salinas,
Salou,
Sitges,
Sotogrande,
Spanish regions,
Tabarca,
Taberno,
Tarragona,
Torremolinos,
Torrevieja,
Tossa del Mar,
Valencia,
Valencian Community,
Zurgena
Mijas
The Village of Mijas, aptly named 'Villa
Blanca', or 'white town' can be found perched high on the
hillside alongside the N340 highway near Fuengirola on the
Costa del Sol, Andalucia. If there were ever a typical Spanish
village worthy of a visit then this is the one.
Make your way up the winding, narrow
road towards the village and see the white-washed houses arranged
in tiers, clinging to the hillside. The road narrows as you
enter the village that, despite it's popularity with the tourists,
has managed to retain it's Spanish individualism and character.
The town council have used the village's charm to it's full
and exploited it's attractive character by providing for the
thousands of tourists who flock here in the summer. All over
the village are view-points and resting places, one of the
best being the Muralla Gardens, cleverly designed so that
flowers are in bloom all year round. The Plaza de la Virgen
de la Pena is another such place to sit, with the bandstand
in the centre.
Within Mijas there are so many beautiful
streets that have to be seen, it would be unfair to mention
any one of them . Tiny shops line most of them, 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. The village
is split into several levels, each being connected by narrow
roads and wonderful walkways.
Plaza de la Paz (Peace Square) keeps
up to it's name as you sit in one of the street bars and soak
up the atmosphere. This plaza is marked by a white statue
of a hand and a dove. La Plaza de la Constitucion is in the
heart of the village and in the centre of the square is a
beautiful fountain from which the birds drink. This fountain
was carved by Galiano. The square is surrounded by cafes and
shops. Here you will also find the Farmacia.
You are confronted with so many oportunities
to see the history of this sweet, little village, such as
the Santuario de la Virgen de la Pena, carved out of solid
rock and a tribute to the patron saint of Mijas. The shrine
dates back to 1586 when an image of the Virgin miraculously
appeared there. Subsequently an image of the Virgin was found
concealed in a recess in the tower where it had been hidden
for 500 years.
Perched high on the hillside, above the village is the Shrine
of the Calvario, built in 1710. It can be seen for miles,
peacefuly watching over the village. From here wonderful panoramic
views can be had. Access is gained by means of a winding path
from the village. The interior of the shrine is only open
on easter Friday but the views are worth the long walk at
any time of year.
Other attractions include the village
bullring which strangely enough is of oval construction, opened
in 1900 and still providing entertainment in the form of bullfights
and horse displays to this day. The Mijas Museum in the old
town hall has a wealth of exhibits and a gallery of work by
local artists. The bullfighting museum is located at the bullring
and is dedicated to the history of bullfighting.
In the Santana district stands a small
18th century hermitage known as the Iglesia de Santa Ana.
The Church of San Sebastian is also worth noting, with it's
wonderful facade. It dates from the 17th century and was rebuilt
in 1674 thanks to charity contributions. Altogether Mijas
is a Spanish experience never to be forgotten and day or night,
a visit here will leave images with you for ever.
Because of it's hilltop location Mijas
has splendid views all round. The best can be had from the
church on the hill or from the park at the top of the village.
If you arrive by coach, the coach park is in the middle of
the village and you will need to climb the steps to the main
town and main square. The square is surrounded by tourist
shops and several very good restaurants. Mijas also offers
a couple of museums. The folk museum shows the history of
Mijas and trades of bygone years. There is a unique miniature
museum, established in 1972 by a famous hypnotist and located
in a caravan. It displays items from 50 countries. The Town
Hall is also an impressive building, dating from 1987 and
also housing the tourist information service. The Town Hall
is open Mon-Fri 9am-3pm.
Local fiestas
17th January - Typical fair celebrated in the area of Osunillas,
including a pilgrimage to the San Anton Shrine.
March-April - Semana Santa (Easter Week) the biggest celebration
in Andalucia.
8th September (aprox.) - Annual week long fair paying homage
to Patron Saint of Mijas, the Virgen de la Peña.
Other local attractions
Horse racing at the Hippodrome, along the coast. Tel +34 952
592 700
Water park on Mijas Costa - Tel +34 952 460 404
Sports centre in Mijas - a range of sports all year round.
Tel +34 952 478 241
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