Mijas pueblo

By Dee McMath

One of the jewels of the Costa del Sol is the beautiful little village of Mijas, which nestles comfortably in the mountainside at 428 meters above sea level; it is a superb choice for either holiday or full time living. Of the 7,500 population, there are so many foreign and English speaking residents in and around the pueblo that the Town Hall has a very helpful Foreigner's Department, which caters for the many needs of those who do not speak Spanish.

When you wander through the narrow cobbled streets of this Andalucian village, you can understand what has attracted foreigners to settle here over the years. Many artists and writers have made it their home, enjoying the benefits of an excellent all year round climate, without being part of the busier, more commercial coastal towns just 7 kilometres down the mountain side. Despite its huge popularity with tourists, Mijas Pueblo has somehow managed to retain much of its traditional Andalucian way of life, the locals displaying their unabashed passion for all things festive and an unmistakable relaxed 'mañana' outlook on anything that can be put off for another day.

The craft shops have some wonderful hand made pottery and often affordable paintings and prints by acclaimed local artists, such as Don Clarke and Michele Lehmann. A holiday memento could turn out to be a sound investment.