Mijas Pueblo

is a beautiful white village, built on the hillside behind Fuengirola, and 25 minutes from Malaga Airport. This old village has lots of historic charm, donkeys, restaurants, narrow streets and views. The bus to Fuengirola and the beach takes 20 minutes, and from there you can go by train to Malaga, which is a city worth visiting. The mountains are very popular with hikers and have many marked routes. Golf is of course also a big thing here. 

If you have a rental car, you are only 1-2 hours away from Granada, Ronda, Cordoba, Jerez, Cadiz etc. And of course, some of the best beaches in Spain are located between Malaga and Jerez.