Audio Guide of Plaza of the Virgin of the Rock

Plaza of the Virgin of the Rock is an open public space, so it is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can be visited freely at any time. The hermitage, built into the rock, has specific opening hours; to check them, you can visit the Mijas Tourist Office or look for updated information on its official website.

Entry to Plaza of the Virgin of the Rock as a public space is completely free. The hermitage, carved into the rock, is also freely accessible, although voluntary donations may be accepted. There are no admission fees and no need to buy tickets to visit this iconic place.

Normally, about 30 to 45 minutes is enough to stroll around the square, admire the views, visit the Hermitage of the Virgin of the Rock, and take some photographs. If you want to enjoy the atmosphere and perhaps have a coffee on a nearby terrace, you could extend the visit to an hour or more.

Plaza of the Virgin of the Rock is famous for housing the Hermitage of the Virgin of the Rock, carved into the living rock by Mercedarian monks in the 17th century. According to tradition, the Virgin appeared here to two shepherd children. It is a key place of pilgrimage and devotion, as well as an exceptional viewpoint over the coast.

The best time to visit is early in the morning or at sunset, to enjoy the light and avoid the hottest hours of the day in summer, when it can be very hot. As for the time of year, spring and autumn are ideal, with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than in summer. If you prefer peace and quiet, avoid weekends in the high season.

Access to Plaza of the Virgin of the Rock is largely accessible, as it is flat and paved. However, direct access to the Hermitage of the Virgin of the Rock, being carved into the rock, may involve steps or uneven surfaces that make full access difficult for wheelchair users or people with very limited mobility. Caution is recommended, and it is best to assess conditions on site.

Very close to Plaza of the Virgin of the Rock, you can visit the Sierra Viewpoint, Mijas’s famous donkey taxi, the Miniatures Museum (Max's Carriage), and stroll through the village’s charming white streets. You can also visit the wall gardens and, a little farther away, Mijas Pueblo Castle, with stunning views.

To make the most of your visit, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes for walking along the cobbled streets of Mijas. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning views from the viewpoint and the beauty of the hermitage. If you are travelling by car, look for parking in the designated areas, which are usually paid. It is also worth checking with the Tourist Office for any special events or local festivals that may coincide with your visit.