If you want to enjoy the sun well into the winter months then there is a breathtaking European destination worth checking out with hardly any holidaymakers at this time of year.

Amelia Selby, a guest writer for Oliver’s Travels, has shared that the “most underrated” destination for winter travel in Europe is Mijas, a beautiful town located in southern Spain.

She said: “Mijas is a traditional Andalusian town on the southeastern coast of Spain, right between Malaga and Marbella.

“It’s an ideal destination for those seeking winter sun without the crowds, with Mijas boasting temperatures between 21 and 18 degrees during wintertime.”

This charming location is perched on the mountainside with views of the Mediterranean Sea and is known for its whitewashed buildings, and winding cobblestone streets.

It is famous for its beautiful buildings which are often decorated with flowers and ceramic pots. The most famous street in Mijas is San Sebastián Street due to how colourful it is and it is the perfect place to snap a photograph for social media. 

There is plenty to do no matter if you love being active or lounging while on holiday as there are many sandy beaches and fantastic restaurants as well as nature walks and hikes around the Sierra de Mijas mountains.

One unique way to explore the town is by donkey taxi, where there are short rides that last a few minutes or more comfortable carriage rides where you take plenty of pictures and get a tour. 

Anyone who enjoys exploring history while travelling should also know that Mijas dates back to the 8th history with links to both the Romans and Moors which can be seen in the town’s architecture. 

Mijas’ rich history can be seen in the remains of its medieval fortress which has now been turned into a botanical garden that has over 140 plant species with descriptions of every flower you can encounter as well as incredible views of the sea. 

One landmark everyone should visit is the Chapel of the Virgin of the Rock, a sanctuary curved into the rock that is a shrine dedicated to the town’s patron saint.  According to legend, a white dove appeared to two children and guided them to the sanctuary where the Virgin Mary appeared. 

One strange place to visit is the the Carromato de Mijas, a quirky museum that holds a collection of miniatures from around the world such as the entirety of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper on a grain of rice and a detailed portrait of Abraham Lincon on the head of a pin. 

Another great museum to explore is the Ethnographic Museum located in the old town hall which explores the local history of the town and also has exhibitions of the history of food where it explains how they used to make wine or honey. 

Mijas is also the perfect place for food lovers as there are many dishes such as gazpacho, a soup made out of chorizo, garlic, peppers, tomatoes and fried bread crumbs. 

You can wash anything you try down with a glass of vino de naranja, a famous orange-flavoured wine that is produced locally. 

No matter what you do in Mijas, you will be able to enjoy the sun which is why this beautiful town is the perfect place to escape the freezing British weather this winter.