Mijas dates back to the 2nd century BC. Since ancient times, its lands have been visited by the Phoenicians and Greeks, the Romans and Visigoths, later by the Arabs, and finally, in 1487, the town passed into Spanish hands. The name, also very ancient, has come down to us with a slight transformation: the Romans called it Tamisa, the Arabs Mixa, and the Spanish Mijas.
The settlement was located within the fortress walls; it is now one of three parts of the city located in the foothills. The other two, called Las Lagunas and La Cala de Mijas, are located on the coast.
The historic center abounds with landmarks. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Rock was carved out of the rock by monks in 1548. It contains an altar, a mass hall, and display cases containing richly decorated vestments and objects intended for the religious procession on the Day of the Offering of Flowers to Our Lady, the town's patron saint. The Church of the Immaculate Conception dates back to 1631. A large square Mudéjar-style bell tower stands out against the white walls.
Twenty-five years ago, during renovations to the church, eight frescoes by an unknown artist depicting the apostles, dating back to the first half of the 17th century, were discovered. The ancient Calvario Chapel, visible from anywhere, is built on a mountainside and painted white. Carmelite monks sought refuge there.
The emergence of a special taxi service, using donkeys as transportation, arose thanks to the ingenuity of local residents. Quarry workers—the local land is rich in minerals and precious metals—were often approached by tourists returning from work, asking to photograph the donkeys or take rides. Tips often exceeded a day's wages. Now, the animals, dressed in colorful blankets and with bell-adorned heads, provide rides for tourists.
The Museum of Miniatures was founded in 1972 by the owner of the collection, Spanish physician and hypnotist Juan Elegido Millano. On display are works from over fifty countries, collected during his travels—such as a ballerina carved from a toothpick, dried fleas in dresses, a prayer written on the edge of a business card, a naval battle scene on the head of a pin, and Leonardo's "The Last Supper" on a grain of rice.
At the town's highest point—820 meters above sea level—is a botanical garden surrounded by observation decks. Built into the cliff, the unusual oval-shaped bullring is over a hundred years old. Residents and visitors to Mijas can enjoy a 10-story multi-level parking lot with space for 600 cars.
For those looking to buy property here, a wide variety of properties are available, from affordable apartments and well-appointed townhouses to cozy houses and villas with land. This area of the Costa del Sol is attractive for its affordability, with properties in the area ranging from €100,000 and up.
