Discovering Mijas (Costa Del Sol)

On cruise day #10 we docked in Malaga for a full day of sightseeing. I have been to this city before also via a cruise, so I was okay with going with the flow of whatever adventure my travel mates decide to do. The game plan here, just like the other ports, is to check out the HOHO bus for sightseeing. Upon inquiry we found out that the HOHO bus cost $30 pp; the taxi also charges $30 pp. However, the taxi (van for 9 people) had an advantage in that it promised to take us out of the city of Malaga into nearby towns; whereas the HOHO bus would only go around the city. So we chose to go with the private tour.

We let the driver take control of destinations for the day. He said he’s going to take us places that will not disappoint. The first place he took us was some 35 km away - about 30 min drive - to a town called Mijas. I have not heard of this town prior to today. It’s one of those small towns in the Costa del Sol region. This one is not by the coast, but nestled 400 km above sea level on the mountainside with gorgeous views of the coast some 10 km away.

The driver dropped us off at the city parking area and we explored the old town/village on foot. Nearby is the very charming La Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña de Mijas, the lovely chapel carved into the rock in the 17th century by the Carmelite monks. We reached the chapel through the beautiful landscaped garden and viewpoint. We made a point to stop here first so we can offer some thanksgiving prayers. The El Compas viewpoint provided panoramic views of the beautiful Costa del Sol coastline.

Across from the church and the garden is a gift shop/coffee shop combo with beautiful potteries hanging on its window. So colorful and attractive; so wanted to browse, but time is in short supply so we went on to the next street.




The little chapel on the hill, Ermita del Calvario.


Option




El Compas viewpoint.


El Compas viewpoint.

The Chapel of the Virgin of the Rock is a must visit.











Whitewashed houses and narrow cobbled streets, blue skies and chilly conditions, motorized tuk-tuks and donkey rides for tourists - all made for the total tourist experience. However, our goal was to check out the churches in this village; there are quite a few we found out from the tourist brochure/map we were given and all within walking distance from each other.



























To date, this is one of my favorite port destinations of my cruise "career". I have been planning on my mind ways to return here. Hopefully when the quarantine ends and "normal" life begins including normal travel activity, Mijas is going to be one of the "firsts" in my list of destinations.