Mijas

About

Founded in by the Tartessians, whose original fortification are still visible in parts of the city’s wall, Mijas flourished during the ancient age thanks to its wealth of minerals. Frequent pirate attacks from the 15th to 19th centuries prompted the town to construct the watchtowers that still stand today. For much of the modern era, it was little more than a jumble of shacks, but thanks to the popularity of the Costa del Sol, it’s grown into a picturesque ‘Pueblo Blanco’, creating a setting befitting its rich history. Now, the city’s famous Burrito Taxis can bring visitors to the unique oval shaped bull-ring, or the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Rock, a 15th century chapel excavated in solid rock. Up the hill, the 16th century Church of the Immaculate Conception replaced an old mosque, and uses the Mosque's original towers as belfries.