On the foothills of the mountain range, Mijas enjoys a uniquely mild microclimate, which has turned it into a town virtually entirely dedicated to tourism with an outstanding infrastructure. It is now surrounded by over 100 urbanizations, golf clubs, hotels, a funny water park and other facilities.

Mijas is a typical Andaluz village, perched high above Fuengirola and Mijas Costa like so many sugar cubes with spectacular views of the coast and surrounding heavily wooded mountains.

Since this village was first discovered in the sixties, close to sixty nationalities have made the pueblo their home and the impact can be agreeably appreciated via the international cuisine, cosmopolitan clubs and associations and, in general, the influence of foreign culture and the arts.

Fortunately, however, the village has still managed to retain some of its quaint traditions, one of the most unusual being the donkey-taxis which line the central plaza. The village dates back to distant time and there are two Mudejar churches here to prove it, as well as the sanctuary of the patron saint of Mijas, from the year 850.

During the month of January, Mijas holds their festival of San Anton which is celebrated with a romeria (open air party) at the holy hermitage and reached in carriages and on carts, piled high with flowers and food.

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.

One of the most interesting buildings in Mijas is the hermitage of El Puerto which can be spied, just about everywhere in the village, appropriately enough, halfway up a mountain. Also lookout for the Mineral water spring at the entrance to the village.

Just as Mijas village is serenity, tradition and culture, so Mijas Costa equals that magic combination of sun, sand and sea sports. The beaches at La Cala have been awarded the "Blue Flag" as among the best in the province and are geared to provide action: jet skis, water skiing and paragliding are all on the go.

Be sure to check out the chiringuito charm here too, where you can sample a variety of Spanish seafood eaten with the favourite holiday drink, tinto verano: ordinary red wine topped up with casera (lemonade).

The Mijas municipality covers an impressive 148 sq km and includes two major urbanisations, Calahonda and Riviera del Sol. The former is informally known as the English village in Spain and the place to come for karaoke, second hand shops, British doctors and dentists, Indian restaurants, imported foods and, naturally enough, a plentiful choice of pubs.The nearby Riviera del Sol is similarly inviting and popular among foreigners, particularly the large commercial centre with its bar, telephone booths and grocery store combined. The sports centre is also well equipped and includes an 18 hole golf course and thriving tennis club.