TRAVEL GUIDES DIRECTORY: COSTA DEL SOL SPAIN: MIJAS

Nestled in the foothills of the mountain range, Mijas is a typical Andalucian village, perched high above Fuengirola . The town has spectacular views of the coast and surrounding lush and woody mountains and enjoys a uniquely mild microclimate. Such ideal characteristics have driven the pueblo to become one that is wholly devoted to tourism. With its outstanding infrastructure, Mijas is now surrounded by over 100 urban establishments, golf clubs, hotels, an exciting water park, and other facilities.

The municipality of Mijas covers an impressive 148 sq kilometers and includes two major urbanizations, Calahonda and Riviera del Sol . The former is known as the English village in Spain and the place to go to for karaoke, secondhand and thrift shops, British doctors and dentists, Indian restaurants, imported foods. Naturally enough, one will never run out of choices here when it comes to pubs and bars. Meanwhile, the nearby Riviera del Sol is similarly inviting and popular among foreigners, particularly the large commercial center that has a bar, telephone booths and grocery store combined. There s also a well equipped sports center that also features an 18-hole golf course and tennis club.

One of the most interesting structures in Mijas is the hermitage of El Puerto which can be seen just about everywhere in the village, and suitably enough, halfway up a mountain. Also look out for the mineral water spring found at the entrance to the village.

Mijas village is the perfect combination of serenity, tradition and culture, while Mijas Costa equals that magic blend of endless sun, soft sand and exciting water sports. The beaches at La Cala have been awarded the "Blue Flag" as among the best in the province. These resorts are certainly geared to provide action with the availability of jet skis, water skiing, paragliding and other sea sports and activities. While in the vicinity, be sure not to miss the chiringuito charm here as well. Sample a variety of Spanish seafood eaten with the favorite holiday drink, tinto verano : ordinary red wine topped with casera (lemonade).

Beginning in the sixties when this village was first discovered, nearly 60 nationalities have made the town their home. The effect can be seen and appreciated through the international cuisines, cosmopolitan clubs and organizations and, in general, the influence of foreign culture and various arts.

Fortunately, however, the village has still managed to preserve some of its quaint customs, one of the most unusual being the donkey-taxis which are found in the central plaza. The village actually dates back to long ago, and there are two Mudejar churches here to prove it, as well as the sanctuary of the patron saint of Mijas that goes back from the year 850.

During the month of January, Mijas celebrates the festival of San Anton which is observed with an open air party called romeria, at the holy hermitage and reached in carriages and on carts piled high with food and flowers.

There is a thriving arts and crafts movement in Mijas , particularly linen and wicker items and the locally made bread and honey is definitely worth trying Still on a culinary note, the traditional local fare includes gazpachuelo (an egg soup) and for those with a sweeter tooth, there are the typical cakes made with almonds, called bunuelos and homazos.

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