Mijas Things to Do

  Donkey (Burro) Taxis
by suvanki
 
  • Donkey (Burro) Taxis
      Donkey (Burro) Taxis
    by suvanki
  • horse-drawn carriage
      horse-drawn carriage
    by yumyum
  •   Things to Do
    by yumyum
  • La Cala de Mijas.
      La Cala de Mijas.
    by Regina1965
  • In La Cala de Mijas.
      In La Cala de Mijas.
    by Regina1965
 

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quad park costa del sol
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lievema 4 reviews
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Teenagers Quad Park

We offer a safe family oriented curcuit park for Quad Biking here
on the Costa del Sol.
Situated just outside of Fuengirola,in Mijas Costa between Malaga and Marbella.
This is the only 100% off road course on the Costa del Sol with over 100 acres of land with lots of different areas to explore.
No license required, and we accept drivers from 12 years
(subject to height restrictions)

Using 250cc 2 seater Quad Bikes, you just get on and ride - it’s as simple as that!! The forward gear is variable speed, so no changing gears and the speed is controlled by a twist throttle. The other control is the BRAKE!!!

Gloves,old trainers or waterproof footwear are highly recommended!!!

A full briefing follows covering all aspects of safety and how the Quad bike works. This is followed by practical instruction, learning how to turn, use the throttle and brakes (very important!!!). When the guide is satisfied all the riders are in full control of the quads then the trek will begin.

This is a complete guided Quad Biking tour whereby all participants follow the various trails behind the guide.
The Trek follows a short dirt track from our base to the park.

Our Quad Bike course has everything you need to get the very best from your exhilarating Quad experience. With sand hill areas and dirt tracks humps and bumps, plus plenty of water hazards and mud thrown in for good measure (subject to whether we have had any rain!!),
You are guaranteed a great ride on our all terrain quads and will be amazed at the experiance and what you achieve and you will leave with a big smile on your face!

Prices (Booking essential!)

50 Euros for 1 Hour - 1 quad or 2 Quads for half an hour.
(The quads are 2 seaters, so a parent can accompany the teenager or if there are 2 teenagers and you prefer just the one quad,then each teenager can share the Quad tour)

Off road fun doesn't come any more thrilling than this!

Written Dec 17, 2011

Address: Just outside of fuengirola near Mijas golf

Phone: 633364647

Website: www.quadsafaricostadelsol.com/quadpark.html

Related to:
 Adventure Travel
 Cruise
 Theme Park Trips

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La Cala de Mijas - by the ocean of Costa del Sol.
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Regina1965 975 reviews
The old Roman watchtower in La Cala de Mijas.
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La Cala de Mijas is a lovely little town in Costa del Sol. I have got friends who live in the mountains of Alhaurin el Grande and they frequent this beach as it is much quieter than the beach in Torremolinos, a lovely, clean and friendly beach. So I went there often and one of my friends owns a condo in La Cala so I stayed there overnight.

La Cala is located midway between Fuengirola and Marbella. It is a bit posh, I would say. Like all the other towns in Costa del Sol La Cala was a fishing village which has bloomed with the tourism - although it is untouched by mass tourism, which cannot be said of many other towns on Costa del Sol.

Travelling from Torremolinos to La Cala I took the train to Fuengirola (see my Torremolinos tip) and from there bus nr. 220 (the Marbella bus) to La Cala. The trip from Fuengirola by bus is ca 20 minutes and cost 1,25 euros in 2011. Travelling by bus to Fuengirola takes ca 40 minutes and bus 120 goes directly from Torremolinos to Fuengirola and then bus nr. 220 to La Cala.

There is a Mercadona in La Cala and Supersol and many restaurants and cafés. But I cannot recommend the nightlife there, once I and my girlfriend went out on a Saturday night there and there was nobody around. I guess people who want to party go to the nearby towns, Fuengirola or Marbella.

As in so many places on La Costa there is an old Roman watchtower by the beach.

Updated Nov 23, 2011

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La Cala de Mijas beach.
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Regina1965 975 reviews
Kids playing on the beach.
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La Cala de Mijas beach is a lovely little beach in La Cala de Mijas. It is quiet and people are very friendly. There are several chirinquitos on the beach, both of them very good and I have been to 2 birthday parties in these restaurants. My friends go there as it is untouced by mass tourism and you almost feel like you are on a secluded beach.

The beach is clean and there is a wheel-chair shower on the beach, the first one I have seen in Costa del Sol.

But beware of theft on the beach on the weekend, it is common and we had to help an American woman with 4 small children who had had her purse stolen there.

When I visited La Cala de Mijas beach in 2011 it had changed a bit, the ocean had moved closer up - this happened in several beaches in Spain and I saw the same thing happen in Gran Canaria in 2011.

And on one summer day in 2011 the ocean was filled with very large jelly fish, one of my friends got stung really badly, her whole neck was covered in large blisters.

Updated Nov 23, 2011

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Town Hall of Mijas
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karenincalifornia 1375 reviews
Interior of Mijas Town Hall
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The Town Hall of Mijas is definitely worth a visit - and it's free. If you park in the main parking structure for Mijas, and take the elevator up, you'll walk right past it. This is a beautiful multi-story building with striking Moorish archways, fountains, central courtyards, beautiful lighting fixtures, and stained glass windows. It was rather amazing to us that a relatively small town would have such a beautiful town hall.

Updated Apr 4, 2011

Related to:
 Architecture

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The best Mijas & surroundings tips
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iris2002 249 reviews

Saludos amigos

I found a FAB - comprehensive site that offers it all - so why not see what you can do in and around Mijas.... HAVE A LOOK

Places covered are:

Mijas
Rhonda
Fuengirola
Benamaldena
Puerto Banus
Marbella
Gibraltar
Tarifa
... and more

Updated Apr 4, 2011

Address: in and around Mijas

Related to:
 Arts and Culture
 Water Sports
 Road Trip

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Virgin of the Rock Shrine
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Jim_Eliason 3758 reviews
Virgin of the Rock

Legend has it that this Statute of the Virgin Mary dates back to pre-Moorish times and was hidden and forgotten for 5 hundred years until rediscovered in 1586. The statute looks no more than 100 years old at worst

Updated Apr 4, 2011

Related to:
 Historical Travel
 Arts and Culture
 Religious Travel

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Ermita de la Virgende la Pena
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suvanki 2037 reviews
Ermita de la Virgen de la Pena from the terrace
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From the viewing terrace by the Tourist Info Office, I'd spotted this rock building - It is another of Mijas Pueblos attractions.

It was the The Hermitage (or cave) of the Virgin de la Peña, which is now a shrine to the Virgin of the Rock.

This cave holds two rooms-One is a chapel/church, the other holds an exhibition/museum of clothing and rich tapestries, candlesticks, a photo of Pope Benedict.

The chapel has an alter, above which is an image of the Virgin of the Rock, surrounded by flowers and foliage. To the right of the chapel is a niche where rosaries/offerings are displayed-It is requested that No photographs are taken of these-I respected this, as did the rest of our group.

So, We had found a different church/chapel-well it wasn't enough to be a different kind of church-there was a legend attached to this place.

Outside the church is an info board which explains a bit of the history of this place;

"This is in effect a 17th Century cave-cum -shrine which was excavated by a Carmelite monk between 1656 and 1682 and to the side of whose Epistolary a sacristy made of irregular stonework, attempting to give the impression that it is a natural formation, has been added. The Eastern front also made in a similar manner and for the same purpose, has a doorway with a round arch and a small belfry gable.
In a small irregular niche excavated at the head of the shrine is an image of Our Lady Virgen de la Pena, Protectress of Mijas, which enjoys a large devoted following among the towns people

and here's the legend......Pour yourself a glass/put on the kettle etc. This is copied from the plaque inside the chapel.....

"In the village of Mijas in the year 1536 lived Pedro Bernat Manrique and his wife. Asuneion Alcantara y Torreras, both born in the area of Trujillo. The couple had a son called Pedro who married Catalina Lamaire Sanchez in 1573; she being the daughter of Juan Linaire Herraro and Pilar Sanchez Estevez; iron merchants from Torrijos of Toledo, family of the parents of Saint Teresa of Jesus.
The couple had two children-Juan and Asuncian, both working age (he was 12 and she was10) Their Father bought them a few lambs for them to look after.
One Sunday, the 30th of May (being the day of Holy Trinity) at midday the two children were playing, when all of a sudden the most beautiful dove flew between them. The children ran to catch the dove. They caught it a while it was perched on the old tower where the heavenly queen appeared. They stroked and kissed the dove with tenderness and were lost for words.
They awoke thinking it had all been a dream, as the dove was no longer there.
When they returned home, they told their parents what had happened, but they took no notice of their child talk.
The next day, Monday the 31st May they returned to the same place, having forgotten that had happen to them the previous day. Once again at the same time and at the same place the same happened to them. Again they told their parents what had happened,. Their parents told them that they should not return to the site, as something could happen to them.
They did not return until Wednesday 2nd of June. They had once again forgotten everything that had happened to them . It was midday and the children were looking after their lambs when they heard a voice "look at me than" ; they turned their heads to see who was calling them, there they saw the dove perched on the window of the tower. All of a sudden a beautiful light of colours shone around the dove, and amongst the light appeared a lady with a child in arms.
The dove flew down and settled on the breast of the heavenly lady.
The children knelt to see so much beauty. The little girl exclaimed " What a Beautiful Lady" "Who are you?" asked the little boy innocently. " I'm the Mother of God" said the lady "What do you want from me and my sister?" said the little boy. " I want to talk to you" answered the lady. The little girl warned the lady "Careful you are going to fall off the tower" " No my girl, I won't fall" answered the lady.
" Now go home, tell your parents what has happened and also tell the authorities of the village and the priest. Tell them that I have been hidden here for over 500 years" Having said this, she disappeared,
The children told their Father of the vision, he then informed the authorities and priest and then went with the children to the castle. The father, who was a builder, climbed the tower to the place the children had seen the dove. He knocked on the area the children had said and it sounded hollow. He began to break away the wall. He then exclaimed in a shocked voice " Jesus it's Here", and then fainted.
Later the Priest of the village presented the Holy Virgin to the villagers. The whole village knelt to pay their respects.
Inside the cavern where they found the Virgin, they also found a strange shaped pair of candle sticks, two guardians relics a ciborium, and pieces of jewellery and the history of the virgin. The virgin was known from then on as the Virgin of the Tower
They gave then the image of the Virgin for him to carry it to the Parish Church.
The next day was Corpus Christi. The celebration was more serious than ever due to the fact of the discovery of the Virgine which happened the 2-6-1,586 at midday, in the region of Philip 11. This is the Encarnacion, who appeared to the children Juan & Asuncian Hernal.

Mijas gained fame because of this legend .
There was a plan to build a chapel in this spot, but for many reasons, this didn't materialise, until Diego, a pious hermit priest, took on the project. He continued excavating until the chapel was finished in 1682.
When he died, he was buried in the chapel.

Worth a visit-
Free entrance.

There is a gift shop attached to this rock cave - I just had a quick look around - plenty of tacky religious 'souvenirs' / post cards etc.

There is a shop near the entrance to the garden, selling higher quality souvenirs/gifts /crafts etc.

Festivals
- June 2nd....The Virgin is processioned around the town, and children offer flowers to the icon

Second week in September
Feria of Mijas -When the Virgin de la Peña is honoured by lights/ fireworks. Also a fair is held along with music, dancing, concerts, competitions etc.

Updated Feb 20, 2011

Related to:
 Historical Travel
 Religious Travel
 Photography

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Donkey (Burro) Taxis
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suvanki 2037 reviews
Donkey (Burro) Taxis
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I wasn't sure whether to put this in Tourist Traps, Warnings and Dangers or Transport, but as it is a 'Thing to Do' in Mijas (Though not for me) I'm adding it here.

For some, it is their main reason for visiting Mijas Pueblo - the chance to have a 'Romantic' or 'fun' tour of Mijas either riding on the donkey or being pulled along in a carriage.

The Burro, has long been associated with Spain. This beast of burden was utilised to transport goods and passengers, before motor vehicles were affordable, or when the narrow alleyways or uneven surfaces necessitated the steadfastness of the donkey or mule.

With the arrival of tourism in the 1960's, the Straw Donkey was one of the popular souvenirs (along with out-sized sombreros, castanets, bull fighting posters and flamenco dressed dolls) being carried home on the planes.

During the 60's, workers returning home to Mijas Pueblo on their donkeys were a sight for tourists, who took photos of the donkeys, some posed with the donkey, or even rode the donkeys. Grateful for enjoying 'the Spanish Experience' tips were given to the owners - these were often more than the workers wages!
So, it wasn't long before they realised that there was an easier way to earn a living......Charging tourists to ride on the donkeys.

The Burro Taxi rank is near the Tourist Info Office. Here donkeys are tethered to a railing.
I visited in January, when the sun wasn't too hot, but I should imagine it would be very hot here in the summer, where there is no shade.

The donkeys are adorned with brightly coloured woven woolen strappings, eye protecters and blankets. Each has a Taxi number displayed on a plaque.

There was a covered area nearby, where a couple of donkeys were feeding. I'm not sure if there are regulations as to how many hours they must work before being rested/watered, or if there is a weight limit for riders/passengers. If there are, I'm not confident that they would be adhered to anyway.

I'm not sure how long each ride lasts. The Price board advertised 'Trips around Mijas' in Spanish, German, Japanese, English and French. Again I'm not sure if the 'drivers' offer any information about Mijas etc. during the trip.

Opening times
Summer: 10.00 - 22.00
Winter: 10.00 - 18.00

Prices;
Donkey Taxi: 10 Euros
Cart pulled by a donkey: 15 Euros
Photo-2 Euros

SEPE- Sociedad Espanola para la Proteccion de los Equinos includes some information about The Plight of the Mijas Donkey Taxis

Personally, I didn't see any overt cruelty, or any wounds- but I wasn't looking for these, and I was only here for a short time.

Mijas is quite easy to walk around for those that are able bodied, but there are some steepish streets/steps, so for anyone who has difficulty with mobility/breathing, this might be a way to see Mijas 'in comfort' - Although the Horse and carriage rides might be more comfortable in this case.

Updated Feb 20, 2011

Address: Avenida Virgen de la Peña, s/n.29650 Mijas-Pueblo

Phone: 627 02 69 58

Related to:
 Photography
 Family Travel
 Disabilities

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Tourist Info Office/Emergency numbers etc
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suvanki 2037 reviews
Mijas Tourist Info Office
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The first place that we headed for was the Tourist Information Office - Situated on the lower square (Plaza Virgen de la Pena) next to the town hall.

However, it was closed on Sundays!

Opening times:
Winter: Weekdays 09:00 -19:00.

Summer: Weekdays 09:00 -15:00 and 16:00 - 20:00.

Saturdays: 10:00 -14:00

Confusingly there was another window in this building with a sign stating 'Informacion 24 hrs'! (pic 2)

There are maps located around the town, that have listings of hotels, restaurants, shops, and services etc. The one in pic 3 was by the bus terminus, I saw another near the donkey taxis.

So, I've done a quick search and I've found the following.......Hopefully this info is accurate.

Some useful numbers/ addresses

EMERGENCIES........112

Costa del Sol Hospital.....952 86 27 48

Medical Centre:Urgencia.......952 486 466

Police ........952 486 228

Guardia Civil.......952 591 017

Fire Brigade ........952 586 382

Town Hall......952 485 900

Foreign Residents Dept.......952 589 010

Tourist information........952 589 034

BRITISH CONSULATE MALAGA
Edificio Duquesa
Calle Duquesa de Parcent, 8
29001 Malaga

Tel.: (+34) 95 221 7571 / 221 2325 Fax: (+34) 95 222 1130

Office Hours:
Mar. - Jun. Normally open to the public between 07:00 and 14:30 local time GMT
Jul.. - Sept. Normally open to the public between 07:00 and 13:30 local time GMT

If you loose your passport:
Report it directly to the police 952 376 000

To guard against identity theft - fax your details to the
British Consul 952 221 130

BANKS IN MIJAS

DEN DANSKE BANK INTERNATIONAL
Ctra. Mijas, KM 3,7
29650 MIJAS (MALAGA)
Phone: 952 463 336

BANESTO
Pl. Constitución, 1
29650 MIJAS (MALAGA)
Phone: 952 591 000

CAJA RURAL DE GRANADA
Virgen de la Peña, 2
29650 MIJAS (MALAGA)
Phone: 952 591 140

UNICAJA
Carril, 1
29650 MIJAS (MALAGA)
Phone: 952 485 019

CAJASOL
Virgen de la Peña, 13
29650 MIJAS (MALAGA)
Phone:952 591 099

LA CAIXA
Av. el Compás, 4
29650 MIJAS (MALAGA)
Phone:952 589 930

LLOYDS TSB BANK PLC SUCURSAL EN ESPAÑA
Ctra. Málaga-Cádiz, KM 196
29649 CALAHONDA-CHAPARRAL, MIJAS (MALAGA)
Phone: 952 933 469

CAJAMAR CAJA RURAL SOCIEDAD COOPERATIVA DE CREDITO
Virgen de la Peña, 8
29650 MIJAS (MALAGA)
Phone: 952 59

Shops etc

Post Office -(Oficina Correos), Calle del Pilar No.12. ( in the centre of the village)

Pharmacy (Farmacia )
Farmacia Don Antonio Nieves Moreno, Avenida Mejico. Tel. 952 486 438.
Farmacia in the Plaza de Constitucion, Tel. 952 485 042.

Supermarket
There is a small supermarket on the way into Mijas Pueblo, on your right in Avenida Mejico.
The local market is situated next to the post office in Calle Pilar.

Transport
Portillo Bus Company

Multi-Story Car Park - Take the first left after the Pharmacy in Avenida Mejico.

WEATHER
Weather in Mijas

Updated Feb 20, 2011

Address: Plaza Virgen de la Pena, Mijas

Phone: 952 589 034

Related to:
 Budget Travel
 Backpacking

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Casa Museo
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toonsarah 2342 reviews
Room set out like a typical kitchen
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This ethnographic museum is in a restored house typical of the region, and is worth visiting for the house alone. The rooms are set around a pretty courtyard, and on the ground floor display old farming tools and equipment, oil presses, kitchen implements, brick ovens and many more objects relating to regional daily life. Dotted among the exhibits there is also a series of small display cases with modelled tableaux, which give you an idea how the various implements would have been used and what people’s homes would have looked like (see photos 3 & 4). It seems that these have all been modelled by the same woman, as we saw some information about her in one of the rooms, which also contained a model of a bull-fight.

The museum has an upper floor but unfortunately it was nearly time for our bus to leave so we had to go without seeing it. I gather that it has changing exhibitions e.g. of art and photography.

The museum is open daily from 10.00-14.00 and 15.00-19.00 (Monday to Friday), 16.00-20.00 (Saturdays) and 16.00-19.00 (Sundays). Admission is free, which really surprised me considering how much is on display.

Written Feb 8, 2011

Address: Plaza de la Libertad

Related to:
 Museum Visits

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 This ethnographic museum is in a restored house typical of the region, and is worth visiting for the house alone. The rooms are set around a pretty courtyard,... 

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Q:  Hola I am trying to get in touch with the above church as my son had his christening/baptism in January 2003 and I need a copy... 

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A: First, it's spelled "Inmaculada" - this will help you find it on the Internet. I see one website for Masses says: " Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepción Calle del... 

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An Andalusian Week in Mijas Pueblo

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Pueblo Blanco

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