The picturesque village of Mijas is situated just a few kilometres from the coast, amidst fragrant pine forests on the southern slope of a mountain range bordering the Mediterranean. Whitewashed walls of houses, tiled roofs, narrow streets covered in geraniums and old churches are all classic picture-postcard examples of the Southern Spanish countryside and are still perfectly preserved today.

In addition to its Andalusian flavour, Mijas is situated 425 metres above sea level and boasts some of the best views of the Costa del Sol.

Highlights of the town include the Virgen de la Pena Sanctuary, a small pilgrimage church carved into the rock by monks in the 16th century. Inside the chapel is a sculpture of a local patron saint who, according to ancient legend, was hidden in this cave during 8 centuries of Muslim rule. At the exit of the church, there is a small but very comfortable square with a viewing platform.

A little further on is the small bullring, known as one of the few oval-shaped bullfighting rings in Spain. The seats are positioned so that during the show visitors have a great view of the sea. There is also a small bullring museum inside. The Mijas bullring is still active and bullfights are still held between May and October.

Close by is the largest church in the city, the Iglesia Inmaculada Concepcion. The church was built in the 17th century on the ruins of an ancient mosque and is a striking example of Andalusian Baroque architecture with three naves, an altar and several side chapels.

Around the church, on the site of a former Arab fortress, is a picturesque botanical garden with a fine collection of plants, streams and viewing platforms.

One of the special features of Mihas is the so called donkey taxi. Donkeys can be ridden in two ways - on horseback or in a cart. Each donkey has its own licence number. A special parking area for them is located right outside the town hall.

The tour bus makes a stop at Marbella, the most famous resort on the Costa del Sol. Since the early 1950s, this town has become the fashionable resort of Europe, with its magnificent 5-star hotels, yacht clubs, golf courses, gourmet restaurants and lavish villas. World celebrities, Arabian sheikhs and multimillionaires not only choose Marbella for their holidays, but also for their permanent residence. The yacht port of Puerto Banus is just 7km away, containing numerous restaurants, cafés and boutiques.

In stark contrast to the pompous attributes of a luxury resort, Marbella's picturesque old town is a beautiful backdrop. Narrow, flower-drenched streets lead out into small squares filled with palm and orange trees. Small churches and chapels, cobbled streets, the walls of an ancient Arab fortress and ancient fountains convey the special atmosphere of a typical Andalusian town. Walk through a small botanical garden with tropical trees, a fountain and ceramic benches and you come to the Avenida del Mar with a gallery of sculptures by the great Spanish master Salvador Dali.