Mijas Pueblo, Mijas Costa or just Mijas? The difference explained
Many visitors get confused: is Mijas a village, a beach resort or a town? The short answer: Mijas is a municipality made up of three very different parts. We live and work in this area and explain it clearly, so you know exactly where to go for what.
Mijas is a municipality, not a village
The key thing to know: Mijas is the name of the whole municipality (municipio) in the province of Málaga, not of one place. That municipality has three zones, each with its own character: the mountain village of Mijas Pueblo, the coastal strip of Mijas Costa, and the modern inland district of Las Lagunas. So when someone says they are going to Mijas, they could mean three very different places.
The three parts lie fifteen to twenty minutes apart. We advise visitors to combine all three, because together they give the full picture of the area. See also our complete guide to Mijas Costa.
Mijas Pueblo: the white mountain village
Mijas Pueblo is the historic, whitewashed village at around 428 metres, against the mountainside. This is the Mijas of the postcards: narrow streets, flower pots, donkey taxis, artisan shops and a panoramic view over the coast. Here you find the old town hall, the Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña and the museums.
If you come for atmosphere, history and views, Mijas Pueblo is the place. Everything about it is in our guide to Mijas Pueblo.
Mijas Costa: the coastal strip
Mijas Costa is the municipality's coastal strip, about twelve kilometres between Fuengirola and Marbella. Here are the beaches, the promenades and the residential and holiday areas: La Cala de Mijas, Riviera del Sol, Calahonda and El Chaparral. This is where you stay for sun, sea and golf, and where Coral Mijas Stay is located.
If you come for the beach and a relaxed coastal holiday, Mijas Costa is your base. Start with our guide to La Cala de Mijas, the lively heart of the coast.
Las Lagunas: the third, often forgotten part
Tourists hardly know the third part: Las Lagunas, the modern inland district bordering Fuengirola. This is where most of Mijas's residents live and where much of the daily services, shops and businesses are. It is not a tourist destination, but it is where the real, everyday life of the municipality happens.
For a visitor, Las Lagunas is mainly useful to recognise as a name on maps and road signs; you do not need to go there specially for sights.
Which should you choose?
Our advice: do not think of it as choosing, but as combining. Stay on the coast in Mijas Costa for beach and convenience, and take a trip up to Mijas Pueblo for culture and views. That way you experience both faces of Mijas in one holiday.
To see that fully worked out, look at our 7-day Mijas Costa itinerary, in which we cleverly combine coast, village and surroundings.
What is the difference between Mijas and Mijas Pueblo?
Mijas is the whole municipality; Mijas Pueblo is the white mountain village that is part of it. The municipality also includes Mijas Costa (the coast) and Las Lagunas (the inland).
Is Mijas Pueblo the same as Mijas Costa?
No. Mijas Pueblo is the historic mountain village at 428 metres; Mijas Costa is the coastal strip with beaches like La Cala de Mijas, Riviera del Sol and Calahonda. They lie about 15-20 minutes apart.
Where should I stay, in Mijas Pueblo or Mijas Costa?
For beach and a relaxed coastal holiday, choose Mijas Costa (for example La Cala de Mijas or Riviera del Sol). Mijas Pueblo is ideal for a day visit for its atmosphere and views.
What is Las Lagunas?
Las Lagunas is the modern, residential inland part of the Mijas municipality, next to Fuengirola. Most residents live here; it is not a tourist destination.
How far is Mijas Pueblo from the coast?
From the coast (Fuengirola or La Cala de Mijas) it is about 15 to 20 minutes up to Mijas Pueblo via the A-387 mountain road.
Looking for a place to stay in Riviera del Sol? See the Coral Mijas Stay penthouse