Circular trail Ermita del Calvario (Ruta Amarilla) from Mijas Pueblo

We're lucky and snag a spot in the parking garage. Passing the donkey taxis (burro taxis are controversial), we climb up into the upper town – finally, up several flights of stairs – and cross the bypass (A 387). An information board marking the entrance to the hiking trail network is our starting point for the "YELLOW Route." It's a steady climb on rocky paths, and it's getting warmer and warmer, so we find the hike strenuous. But the view of the village of Mijas and the distant view of the surrounding area and the sea make up for it. We pass the Cantera del Barrio quarry. Here, we turn left and continue uphill again to the small Ermita del Calvario chapel. (The Calvary Chapel (Ermita del Calvario) is a small pilgrimage church on the mountainside of the Sierra de Ubrique at the foot of the rocky hill of La Viñuela, visible from every part of town.) We take a break there before descending back to Mijas. In town, we stop for refreshments in one of the many restaurants before strolling through the alleys lined with tourist shops. There are no refreshment stops during the entire hike. You should pack some food and, above all, drinks. Hiking boots are highly recommended. A hiking pole is helpful for the steep and bumpy descent. You should not leave the official hiking trails. There are numerous caves in the area. In August 2018, a 23-year-old German tourist fell through a hidden hole in the ground into a cave and was only found and rescued after three days.

The weather is becoming more and more summery and so the desire to go hiking increases. This time we went in the direction of Mijas, one of the most famous white villages, but also one of the most touristy. This is of course not the case at Christmas time and therefore very pleasant. The Sierra de Mijas extends behind Mijas - a wonderful hiking area, always with viewpoints to the sea. The paths are narrow and rocky, so not for people with knee problems and you should also be free from giddiness. Great prospects, we even managed to see Gibraltar, although it was quite hazy. The highlight of this circular hike was the small Calvino chapel. With the sunny temperatures we still felt like ice, so we went to the center of Mijas. The small detour to the bullring, which was built in 1900, showed us how long events were held here... Until the 2000's 🤨. There is no Christmas market, but it is decorated for Christmas and illuminated in the evening... Sometimes a bit strange Christmas trees (like picture 12), but tastes are different.