Mijas Transportation

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Mijas is very easily accessible by public transport. We caught the number 121 bus from the bus station; it cost just 1.40€ each way (pay the driver when you board) and took just over an hour going and a little less coming back. We checked the times of the buses in advance at the helpful Tourist Information Centre on the roundabout by Bajondillo beach, and learned that on a Sunday they left every half hour. Times may be different on other days so check before you travel, unless you want to spend a lot of time hanging around Torremolinos’ not very prepossessing bus station.

After leaving the Torremolinos sprawl, the bus went through Benalmadena with some attractive side streets to peer down and a large bull-ring. Beyond this our eyes were drawn to a large Buddhist stupa dominating the skyline on our left. Its situation on a ridge overlooking the coast suggests that it would be well worth a stop if you have your own transport, or you might even get off the bus for a look and wait half an hour for the next one.

We then followed an attractive route with views of the sea as we climbed round hairpin bends that seemed almost too tight for the bus to negotiate. There was a steep drop on one side of the road in places – this isn’t a ride for the faint-hearted! On arrival in Mijas the bus stopped near the main square at the foot of the hill, just across the road from a terrace with great views of the route we had just travelled, and near the shrine of the Virgin of the Rock. The return bus leaves from the same point but times are slightly more erratic – again, check before you travel.

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From Torremolinos you may take bus no. 121 to Mijas via Benalmadena. The journey took about an hour going there and about 40 minutes coming back. It all depends on the traffic. You can buy your ticket from the driver and in January 2011 it cost only Euro 1.40 one way.

From the bus window Benalmadena center looked also like a worthy stop and also a bit further along towards Mijas you will see a big Buddhist stupa on your left. Later the road is winding its way up the mountain with great views to your left, but the left side was also the sunny, hot side.

We went there on a Sunday in off-season but the bus seemed to run every half hour.

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Rather than walk around this lovely village, you can take a burro taxi which Mijas is well known for. The journey takes you around the square and down Ave de Mejico. You can either ride the donkeys or ride in a trap pulled by one. The alternative is a horse and coach ride. Rides are not inexpensive. They operate from 10.00am to 10.00pm in Summer and from 10.00am – 6.00pm in winter.

If you are just wanting to visit Mijas, you can take a day trip from Malaga or Torremolinos by bus. There are also regular buses running from Benalmadena Costa and Fuengirola. If you are driving you will need to take the E15 motorway and then follow the signs to Mijas.

Mijas Costa is only around 20 mins from Mijas Pueblo via A7 motorway.

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As is now a tradition with us, we again made the trip to the beautiful village of Mijas. It's so easy to get there by bus from Torremolinos. It only cost 1.25 Euros each way and takes about an hour to get there. Buses usually go there every hour and leave from the bus terminal in downtown Toremolinos.

Update: February, 2009
Again took the bus to Mijas. It now costs 1.30 Euros each way and you just pay the bus driver.

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A fun, but stinky way to get around Mijas is the MIJAS BURRO TAXI. I asked what the cost was and it was 10 Euros on a burro and 15 Euros for the burro & cart, for about a 20 minute tour through town. The burros were so cute, but like I said "STINKY". I'd rather walk.
Horario invierno de 10 a 5:30

There is so much to see in Andalucia, that we found having a car was a big plus. While we did take the train to Sevilla and Cordoba, the car got us to the Malaga train station, Granada, Marbella, and back and forth to Mijas from our rented villa. We booked a car through Auto Flores (Leamington Cars) in Malaga. It was very simple, the car rental was very reasonable, and there were absolutely no hassles.

We gave our credit card in advance and reserved a car - we got exactly what we requested. Instructions are posted on their website and in their email confirmation. Be sure to print these out before you leave. You pick up the keys and instructions for returning the car at a window (some tourist office window) (not a car rental window) near the exit to the parking lot. There was no line at window, and we received our keys immediately, along with confirmation that my credit card had been charged. The envelope tells you exactly where the car is located.

I definitely recommend this company for car rentals if you are flying into Malaga. Pay a little extra for a GPS system if you are planning on driving on the back roads through the mountains and hills. This was a huge help for us, and we never got lost.

TOO MANY PRIVATE VEHICLES @ the Costa del Sol

The new system is aimed at making public transportation more convenient and less expensive, in an effort to increase use. Currently 80 per cent of travelling in the Málaga metropolitan area is done in private vehicles and 20 per cent on public transport, according to the consortium, which was created in September 2003 to co-ordinate and integrate public transportation systems in the area. It is starting with the buses and will later address Cercanías trains and the city's future metro system, and says its objective is to change the private-to-public transportation ratio to 60-40.
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To be honest, I rented a car - from MALAGA airport ---- much better and was happy with the brand new wheels I got :)

CAR HIRE

Auto Fores > Paseo Maritimo,63, Edf. Lubina I - Fuengirola (just on the coast off Mijas)