History
Founded in prehistoric times by the Tertessians, Mijas was originally known as Tamisa by the Romans; later the name changed to Mixa and finally to the current Mijas. The Romans were replaced by the Visigoths, and then, after 714, by the Moors.
At the time of emirate of Córdoba, it was conquered by Umar ibn Hafsun, remaining under the rule of Bobastro until the latter was defeated by Abd al-Rahman III.
In 1487 Mijas resisted to the attacks of the Catholic Monarchs during the siege of Málaga; later the inhabitants surrendered and were most sold as slaves. During the Revolt of the Comuneros it remained loyal to the Spanish crown, which granted Mijas the title of ‘Muy Leal (“Very Loyal”).
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Climate
The Climate of Mijas, due to the proximity of the sea, conditions mild temperatures, with an average of 18ºC without heat in summer and little frost in winter. The rainfall is below 600ml per year and usually occurs between November and January. The town boasts on average an impressive 2920 hours of sunshine a year. As the altitude ascends, the climate changes gradually. Temperatures can drop to 10ºC. On the mountain peak, there may be some ice in winter, while rainfall increases to almost 800ml.
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Health
Health services provided within the town consist of a Health center and two dental clinics. The public health center is available for everyone with Spanish residency. EU citizens can gain access to the facilities using the E111 form. There are voluntary interpreters for English speakers assisting in the center on Wednesday mornings.
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Local Farmers Market
Offering locally farmed fruit & vegetables along with fresh meat & fish, the local market is the best place in town to buy fresh food. You can also find fresh bread, wine, herbs and spices and there is even a shoe repair man.
The market is open Monday – Saturday (8am-2pm) and is located on C/ del Pilar.
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Town Hall/Ayuntamiento
The local town hall can be visited for paying taxes, fines, obtaining empadronamiento and digital certificates. There is also a foreigners office for any inquiries for expat residents. The staff speak Spanish, English, French, German, Swedish, Danish and Norwegian.
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Tourist Office
The local tourist office offers maps of the town and walking mountain routes, local newspapers in several languages and information on various day trips available in the area. There is also a scaled model of the village in the office and the staff can answer any questions you may have about Mijas.
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How to get to Mijas
Bus: There are regular bus services from the towns of Alhaurin el Grande, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena Costa, Benalmadena Pueblo, Coín, Malaga, Torremolinos and Fuengirola. Bus timetables and prices can be found here.
Car: The A-387 brings you all the way to Mijas from the Coast or from Coin and Alhaurin el Grande. From the coast, both the A-7 and AP-7 connect to the A-387.
Airports: The closest airport is Malaga, which is 25 mins by car from Mijas. Flights arriving at Malaga airport can be tracked here.
Gibraltar airport does have some limited flights and is roughly 1 hour drive.
Some people visiting the Costa del Sol do arrive via the airport of Jerez, travel time by car is 2 1/2 hours.
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Getting around town
One of the most distinctive methods of travel in Mijas is by donkey-taxi. This unique method of transport has been under pressure to cease due to EU regulations and animal rights groups. Tours start from 15€.
Horse carriages are also offered for tours around the village. Up to four people can be taken in each carriage. Price for a tour is 20€.
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