HAIL A TAXI IN MIJAS, COSTA DEL SOL
Written: May 11 '02 (Updated May 09 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: The taxis and the view.
Cons: Soon "progress" and more mass tourism will reach this town.
The Bottom Line: A short trip to a whole other part of Spain.
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| JAMES23's Full Review: Spain |
"You're going to Mijas Senor? Make sure you don't miss seeing the local taxis".
It seemed a rather odd suggestion of what to look out for in a quaint mountain village I thought. Perhaps it was some ancient car, carefully restored and the pride of the area. I soon found out how wrong I was when I stepped off the local bus in the village's main square.
Across the road from me was the local taxi stand. There tied to it were several donkeys all with saddles and official taxi license plates attached to their bridles. These were the famous Mijas taxis. Exploring the narrow steeply sloping streets of the village it soon became obvious that the taxis were as practical as they were unique.
Mijas is a small village nestled in the mountains of Spain's Andalusian Mountains. It is far enough away from the developed resorts of the Costa del Sol to be isolated enough for those looking for a change from the fast paced beach and crowds of tourists. It is however close enough to be reached in under an half an hour from most of the resort towns on the local transit system.
Organized half day tours of Mijas can be arranged by any of the local travel agencies in the Costa Del Sol. The easiest way to get there though is by the local bus that connects the village with the towns of Torremolinos and Fuengirola.
The "Burro-Taxis" aside there are several other things to see here. First and foremost is the spectacular view of the coast and the resort towns, far below on the Mediterranean coast. In between you'll also see the quaint little villages. Their white walls and distinctive traditional red tile roofs dotting the valleys below.
The best place to view this is the park south of the main square where the buses stop. Here also you'll find the Chapel of the Virgin of the Rock, Church of the Immaculate Conception. A small but beautiful chapel carved from a rock cave that also overlooks the valley.
Like almost all Spanish towns there is a bull fighting ring, but Mijas is unique. It's the only square one around. Beside the ring there is a small museum devoted to this sport and filled with colourful posters and memorabilia. It is possible to buy a large poster here, an appropriate souvenir from Spain. Fights are scheduled on Sunday evenings if you're so inclined to view one.
The narrow streets and sharp inclines might be a little tiring for those who chose not to hire a "taxi." If you feel the need to take a short break then try the upper square. Here there are several cantinas with outside tables surrounding the small fountain. El Mirador Restaurant is located here. The name is Spanish for lookout and the restaurant boasts another spectacular view of the surrounding countryside and the coast.
Mijas is perhaps not as completely isolated as one would like. The main square contains all the requisite tourist amenities, ATMs, tacky souvenir stores, and even time share real estate agents. Walk a few paces away from the main square however through the narrow winding streets and you soon lose sight of all this. With a bit of imagination you are back in a quieter more simple era.
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Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Friends
Best Time to Travel Here: Jun - Aug
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Member: James Smith
Location: Toronto Ontario CANADA
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