Mijas runs multi-lingual guided tours for expats

FOREIGN residents in Mijas looking for a day out will be able to uncover intriguing detail about their town that they never realised they didn't know – guided tours for expats will now take place every weekend until late December.

These are particularly helpful for non-Spanish residents who feel they would get more out of the trip if the guide speaks to them in their own language – the tours will be multi-lingual, to increase their comfort and involvement.

Otherwise, they are a great opportunity for people to practise languages other than their own – English-speakers joining a French-speaking tour, or German-speakers taking part in a trip in English, for example. 

According to councillor for expatriate residents, Arancha López, the guided foreign-language 'Mijas Secrets' season is largely in response to the Málaga-province town's own non-Spanish community's suggestions.

“We always try to keep diversifying and listening to our international residents to find out what they want to know about their town, so we're constantly working on new ideas and activities,” she explains.

The tours cover Mijas' historical and heritage sites, showcase local trade – arts and crafts, traditional industry and local produce – and include visits to studios and workshops, food-tasting, and an introduction to life in past decades and centuries in the Costa del Sol municipality.

Even residents who have lived in Mijas for many years, or all their lives, or who were born there would enjoy the trips, since they are bound to learn fascinating facts about their town that they have never thought to delve into – and in a fun, interesting and engaging manner.

This weekend saw the popular 'Mijas Memories' tour hit the streets, and this coming Sunday (November 20) will involve a visit to handicrafts and traditional industry workshops.

The following Saturday (November 26) is a brilliant opportunity to improve one's camera skills – a trip led by a tour guide and trained photographer, Carlos Hevilla, who will help visitors take the best snaps on their phones, digital or film cameras or other devices as they visit Mijas' most attractive sites.

On the second and third Sundays of next month – December 12 and 19 – the tours will have a festive theme, and those taking part will get the chance to try out typical local confectionery found on family tables over the Christmas season.

Arancha López encourages as many expats as possible to join in and 'get to know their town better'.

“Mijas is a melting pot of different nationalities, with a real wealth of culture, history, diversity and great cuisine, so all foreign residents could do worse than finding out all about it so they can enjoy it to the full,” she says.

It has not been confirmed whether the tours carry a cost or whether they are free of charge, but if there is, indeed, a price tag, it is likely to be a token fee and very affordable, since the town hall wants to drum up as much support as it can.

Booking is essential, though, to be able to plan for numbers – contact or visit the tourist information office or town hall, or pop onto their websites, where you will find out details for phoning or emailing the organisers and putting your name down, as well as times, meeting points and language group slots.

As Mijas council has a close relationship with its expat community and is keen to hear their views, it is likely that the most popular visits on the schedule will take place again one day in the future.