This White-Washed Mountain Village Near Spain's Mediterranean Coast Is An Underrated Paradise

If you're looking for underrated destinations in Spain to add to your bucket list, there's one tucked into the mountains overlooking the not-so-obscure Costa del Sol. Mijas Pueblo is the kind of place that feels like a secret, especially as you wind your way through various staircase levels and cobblestone streets. This picture-perfect Andalusian village is filled with whitewashed buildings that sit on the mountainside. While you may be tempted to immerse yourself in Spanish culture in the busier nearby spots like Marbella, Mijas Pueblo moves at a slower pace, offering visitors an authentic taste of southern Spain without the crowds.

Mijas Pueblo is one of Andalusia's most well-known "pueblos blancos," which translates to "white town." As you explore the streets, you'll find tapas bars tucked into narrow alleyways, artisan shops, and sidewalk cafes where locals chat over coffee and pastries. One quirky attraction is the town's donkey taxis, where travelers can take a donkey ride for about $16 or explore by donkey cart (suitable for two passengers) for $22.

Getting to Mijas Pueblo is surprisingly easy — it's just around 30 minutes from Málaga and 15 minutes from the beaches of Fuengirola, so it's a perfect day trip to take a break from the Costa del Sol's busier spots. Whether you're soaking in the panoramic views from the Mirador del Compás, exploring historic chapels, or simply basking in the charm of this mountainside getaway, Mijas Pueblo is the kind of place that captures your storybook-loving heart.

Despite its postcard-worthy beauty, Mijas offers more than just aesthetics. It's a town steeped in history — all the way back to the Phoenician era. The Romans knew the area as "Tamisa" and used it mainly for sourcing materials from the mountains. Later, it became a Moorish settlement called "Mixa," and its mountain location made it a strategic site during centuries of conquest. Today, you'll find little hints of its past in the town's architecture and the remains of ancient fortress walls. The town is actually really popular among expats, with at least 78 nationalities settling down in the area.

One of the town's most famous landmarks is the Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña, a chapel carved directly into the rock in the 17th century. It's said that two shepherd children were led to the site by a dove, where they encountered the Virgin Mary. At this site, you can also visit the famous Mayan Monkey Mijas, the world's smallest chocolate factory. History buffs should definitely check out the Fortress of Mijas, which dates back to the Middle Ages.

Okay, so we know what you're thinking: what about donkey taxis? Donkeys had been used as working animals in the area for a long time, but workers began realizing in the 1960s that tourists interested in taking photos with them and riding them would give them tips. So, a new industry was born. However, it's controversial, with some saying the donkeys are mistreated. Luckily, a rescue center has proposed a compromise to protect the donkeys while supporting their place in local tradition — Donkey Dreamland also books visits for anyone wanting to spend time with donkeys now living their best lives.

Even if you're staying in a swanky resort town on the coast of Spain, Mijas Pueblo is worth the short jaunt for a day trip. While driving to Mijas Pueblo is probably your best bet, there are some public buses that depart from a handful of nearby cities. Just be sure to look up official bus schedules ahead of time to confirm availability and pricing. The closest airport and main gateway to the area is Malaga Airport for anyone looking to fly into the "sun coast." You can easily explore on foot as it's one of Spain's most walkable cities.

A must-see in town for art lovers is the Contemporary Art Center, which is home to amazing works by revered artists like Picasso and Dalí. Another famous attraction is La Muralla, the remnants of the medieval fortress wall — it's now home to some gorgeous botanical gardens perfect for a stroll on a sunny day. San Sebastián Street is the place to go for the perfect Instagram shots, and the Ethnographic Museum of Mijas gives a great visual exhibition of the human history of the area, from traditional crafts and trades to a day in the life of an ancient resident.

While Mijas Pueblo is small, there's plenty to explore for those who appreciate a slower, more scenic kind of travel. You should also know that Mijas Pueblo is only the central town part of the Mijas municipality, so you might also consider venturing out to Mijas Costa and the suburbs of Las Lagunas. Whether you're stopping by for an afternoon or staying for a few days, this whitewashed mountain town is one of Spain's most underrated cities offering an authentic taste of Andalusia.