Playa Benajarafe

Benajarafe is a 5-minute drive along the coastal road towards Malaga. It offers a 4 km long and 30 m wide beach. It's up to you whether you want to lie down in a quiet spot or take up a sun lounger and umbrella near the centre. 

If you head out in the morning, you'll also have a chance to find a parking space, which is scarce. Spending the whole day here is easy. There are several restaurants vying for your favour, you can also buy a snack at a local shop and top it up with a fresh baguette from the bakery, while a fruit shop and local ice cream shop offer a sweet spot. 

The beach is sandy, clean, full of small shells. The entrance to the sea is very shallow, without any insidious rocks. In the center of the town you can use the nets for ball games, petanque area and children's playground. The showers on the Costa del Sol do not work at this time (a precaution against prolonged drought), count on it.

Even if you come during the day in high season, you'll find plenty of space to unpack your sunbathing or picnic spot, although Benajarafe is very popular. Weekends by the sea are traditional for locals, they flock here from Malaga and the surrounding area, set up giant umbrellas, tables, chairs, picnic coolers and enjoy. When the beach is "packed" on a Sunday in July, it means the front row is occupied. The other twenty metres remain vacant, which you really don't get on the other side of Malaga.

So head to Benajarafe, have a nice day at the beach and continue with a tasting of papas asadas in the evening, or go to Ballandro - there's usually live music. By the way, Ballandro is a safe bet even in the off-season, as they are open all year round.