Free things to do in Mijas — beaches, parks, viewpoints, markets and walks that cost nothing. No ticket needed, great for families on a budget.
A tiny chapel carved into the rock in the 17th century to house the image of the village's patron — on a clifftop viewpoint with one of the best panoramas over the coast.
A short, steep path from the top of the village up through the pines to a small white hermitage on the hillside — about half an hour up, with a fine view back over Mijas and the coast.
Plaza de la Constitución, Mijas Pueblo
The parish church beside the Muralla gardens, built in the 16th century on the site of the old mosque and castle — its bell tower was once a defensive tower.
Landscaped gardens along the remains of the old Moorish walls at the top of the village, with a clifftop path and sweeping views down to Fuengirola and — on a clear day — across to Africa.
Sierra de Mijas, from Mijas Pueblo
The 1,150m summit of the Sierra de Mijas, topped by a white weather 'golf ball' — a steep, signposted half-day hike from the village with views from Málaga to Gibraltar. Take water; there is little shade.
Sitio de Calahonda, Mijas Costa
The sandy beach below the residential hills of Calahonda and Riviera del Sol at the western end of Mijas — sunbeds, beach bars and the far end of the coastal boardwalk.
The main village beach of La Cala de Mijas — sandy, well kept and right in front of the square and the tower, with sunbeds, showers and chiringuitos along the back.
Faro de Calaburras, Mijas Costa
A rocky, low-key stretch below the Calaburras lighthouse between Fuengirola and La Cala — more for rock pools, snorkelling and windsurfing than sunbathing.
The long beach running east from La Cala — a mix of sand and rocky patches, quieter than the village beach and good for a walk along the shore.
Plaza Virgen de la Peña, Mijas Pueblo
The main square of Mijas Pueblo and the natural starting point — café terraces, craft shops, the tourist office and the free Wednesday flamenco show, with the lanes of the white village climbing away behind.
A flat wooden boardwalk along the shore from La Cala de Mijas west towards Calahonda — around six kilometres each way, past coves, watchtowers and beach bars. Easy, pushchair-friendly and at its best early or at sunset.
The pine-covered mountain behind the village is laced with colour-coded walking routes of all lengths, starting from the old quarry road above the pueblo — the easy way to get some altitude and shade.
Plaza del Torreón, La Cala de Mijas
The squat 18th-century watchtower on the seafront at La Cala de Mijas — the village's symbol, now a small interpretation centre on the coast's defensive towers, in the square by the beach.