Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña
A historic 16th-century cave chapel offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Costa del Sol.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, best light
Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña
Best Time
Beat the crowds, best light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 16th-century cave chapel offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Costa del Sol.
"So much history and beauty in one place. "
🎯 Arrive Early for Views
Beat the crowds and secure the best spots for those stunning panoramic views. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Driving is Easiest
While buses are an option, driving offers more convenience to reach the chapel. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Costa del Sol Views
Lookout point
Breathtaking vistas stretching across the entire Costa del Sol, offering a stunning perspective of the coastline.
Historic Cave Chapel
Chapel interior
A charming, intimate 16th-century chapel built into a cave, radiating centuries of history and peace.
Serene Atmosphere
Chapel and surrounding area
Experience a sense of tranquility and history, especially during quieter times or special events like weddings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Views & Peace
Getting There: Bus or Car?
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Views
Beat the crowds and secure the best spots for those stunning panoramic views. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Driving is Easiest
While buses are an option, driving offers more convenience to reach the chapel. :car:
⛪ Small but Historic
The chapel is intimate, fitting only about 20 people, so be mindful of space. :church:
☕ Nearby Cafe
There's a cafe nearby for refreshments after your visit. :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Views
Beat the crowds and secure the best spots for those stunning panoramic views. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Driving is Easiest
While buses are an option, driving offers more convenience to reach the chapel. :car:
⛪ Small but Historic
The chapel is intimate, fitting only about 20 people, so be mindful of space. :church:
☕ Nearby Cafe
There's a cafe nearby for refreshments after your visit. :coffee:
💰 Affordable Entry
Entry is very reasonably priced at around 1.75 EUR. :euro:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Costa del Sol and its historical charm as a small chapel built into a cave. The affordable entry fee and nearby cafe add to the positive experience, though it can get crowded during peak times.
"A beautiful church made of rocks at the edge of Mijas hills. The interior is beautiful. A must visit when in Mijas."
C Neon
"Nice place with views on the Costa del sol. Come early to avoid tourists. Price is 1.75 Eur with
Bus 112 and 121 from Benalmeda."
A. F.
"Lovely quiet church, appears to be be a cave, above ground, very tranquil for having a moment of peace."
Paula Edwards
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the Ermita by bus, with routes 112 and 121 from Benalmadena being recommended. Driving is also a convenient option, offering easier access than public transport.
Parking is generally easier if you arrive by car, especially compared to navigating public transport schedules.
Yes, you can take a Renfe train to Arroyo de la Miel and then connect to a bus or taxi to reach the Ermita.
Taking bus 112 or 121 from Benalmadena is a viable option, though driving might be more straightforward.
The chapel is located in Mijas Pueblo, and signage should guide you once you are in the vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is very affordable, typically around 1.75 EUR, making it an economical visit.
No advance booking is usually required for general entry to the chapel.
While specific hours aren't always listed, visiting in the morning or early afternoon is generally recommended to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
The lookout point is typically free to access and offers stunning views as part of the visit to the Ermita.
Yes, the chapel is a place of worship and may host events like weddings, which can add to the experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The lookout point offers incredible panoramic shots of the Costa del Sol. The chapel's interior, with its cave setting, also provides unique photographic opportunities.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules before flying a drone near the chapel and its surroundings.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the views. Late afternoons can provide beautiful golden hour light.
Generally, respectful photography is allowed inside, but it's always good to be mindful of worshippers and any posted signs.
Expect sweeping coastal landscapes, charming architectural details of the chapel, and potentially vibrant sunsets.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
A visit typically takes about 1-2 hours, allowing time to explore the chapel, enjoy the views, and perhaps visit the nearby cafe.
Yes, the area offers beautiful walking opportunities with stunning scenery, especially if you're coming from Santa Cilia.
It's a historic 16th-century chapel built into a cave, with a legend of a miraculous image found in a rock. +1
Information on specific facilities like restrooms isn't widely detailed, but nearby cafes might offer them.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding area or hike to the chapel.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers
These trails provide a chance to experience the local terrain and enjoy panoramic views that are often more rewarding than those accessible by car. 📸 Photographers
+1 Visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon can yield spectacular lighting for both landscape and detail shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend and History of the Ermita
This tradition of finding sacred images in natural formations is common in Spanish religious history, often leading to the establishment of chapels and pilgrimage sites. The Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña in Mijas, Andalusia, is a 16th-century chapel built into a cave, reflecting this historical practice.
+1 Its existence speaks to a deep-rooted devotion and the significance of these natural sanctuaries. The name 'Peña' itself refers to a large rock or cliff, highlighting the chapel's integration with the natural landscape. +1Some Ermitas, like the one in Rascafría, have seen efforts to revive traditions and pilgrimages associated with them, underscoring their cultural importance.
These sites are not just religious landmarks but also repositories of local folklore and community heritage, often passed down through generations. Experiencing the Views and Surroundings
or El Bierzo, these elevated chapels often serve as natural viewpoints. The location in Mijas, for example, offers breathtaking sights of the coastline, making it a perfect spot for photography and quiet contemplation. Beyond the immediate chapel area, the surroundings can offer more to explore. Some routes, like the one from Santa Cilia to the Ermita, involve scenic hikes with ascents of around 600 meters, providing a moderate challenge and rewarding views along the way.
+1 The combination of historical sites and natural beauty makes these locations appealing for both spiritual reflection and outdoor adventure. 
Social
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