Where is Mijas?
Mijas actually is the conglomerate of three very different and distinct neighbourhoods. These neighbourhoods that make up what is considered to be Mijas proper are Mijas Pueblo, Las Lagunas and Mijas Costa.
Mijas Pueblo also is known as the Andalucian White Village. This part of Mijas is located high in a mountain that dominates the skyline in the area. It is a traditional village with many historic sites.
At the other extreme, in Mijas one will find Las Lagunas which is a modern -- some would say ultra modern -- commercial area with shops, stores and even some local industry.
Finally, there is Mijas Costa which consists of some highly regarded residential properties combined with bistros and shops that line the coast at Mijas itself. This stretch of beachfront properties extends for about a dozen kilometres.
Mijas Pueblo or Mijas the village nestles in the mountainside about 428 metres above sea level and has a population of approximately 7,500 which swells at different times throughout the year. The nearest main costal town is the popular holiday resort of Fuengirola and the airport at Málaga is only approximately a 30 minute car journey away.
Thankfully the village has managed to maintain much of its traditional Spanish charm. This whitewashed village features narrow, winding cobbled street with picturesque squares and breathtaking panoramic views.
Location of the Mijas on the Costa del Sol
This beautiful mountain village is located high above the Coast yet the airport at Malaga is only about 30 minutes from Mijas Pueblo while the larger resort of Fuengirola is only about 15 minutes away. The airport serves most of the major European capital cities making Mijas, although located away from the hustle and bustle of the Coast, a very accessible community indeed.
Mijas is only a short drive from the N340 motorway and the toll road which allow smooth access to the many different resort towns on the Costa del Sol including Marbella. As a popular location on the tourist trail, you can get to Marbella in around 15 minutes in the car from Mijas and once there it's possible to make use of the bicycle hire services available from several bike stands located throughout the town to make for a more leisurely visit of the town and beach front.
Working in Mijas
Mijas is one of the most popular locations for ex-pats looking to live and work on the Costa del Sol. As such there is a thriving international community that serves the local population. Tourism is the main industry for work opportunities but with the large number of ex-pats making up the general Mijas population (which is currently around 47%) there are also a number of English speaking businesses based in and around Mijas that offer employment opportunities.
Finding a job in Mijas is no different to finding a job anywhere else in Europe. There are employment websites advertising positions, local English language newspapers that carry employment sections as well and much more besides. Tourism related positions are popular with English speakers but it is also worth having a good level of Spanish for any job. Once you have your NIE and Social Security numbers you can apply for any job. It is important to do some research into potential work areas and what is on offer by Spanish employers before you take up a position. How does taking holiday work? What are the official working hours? These are just some of the questions you may want to look into when job searching. Starting a business and being self-employed, should you have a trade are also popular options.