Benajarafe is the beach you go to when Torre del Mar's paseo feels busy. Nine kilometres west along the old coast road, it's a low strip of village between the N-340a and a very long, very quiet dark-sand beach.
There's no sight to tick off. What there is: a handful of chiringuitos that Malagueños drive out from the city for on Sundays, a 16th-century watchtower on the sand, and a promenade that's being extended year by year toward Chilches.
It's also where a lot of long-stay winter visitors end up — rents are lower than Torre del Mar, the bus into Málaga takes 35 minutes, and the beach in February is completely yours.
Come for a lunch and a swim, then cycle back along the coast into Torre del Mar for the evening. The route is flat the whole way.
What to see and do
- Playa de Benajarafe — Kilometres of dark sand, wide even in August, with lifeguards on the central stretch in summer.
- Torre de Benajarafe — One of the coast's surviving watchtowers, right on the beach.
- The chiringuitos — Sunday-lunch institutions for Málaga families — espetos, fried fish, paella, plastic chairs, no pretence.
- Coastal cycle route — Flat, mostly separated path back east to Torre del Mar and west toward Chilches.
Practical notes
- Free beachfront parking, even in high season, outside Sunday lunchtime.
- Very little shade — bring an umbrella.
- The N-340a crossing is fast-moving; use the marked crossings.
- Most chiringuitos close Monday and after sunset out of season.
FAQ
- Is Benajarafe beach good?
- Yes — it's long, wide, dark-sand and much quieter than Torre del Mar, with lifeguards in summer and easy free parking. Bring shade.
- How far is Benajarafe from Torre del Mar?
- 9 km west: 12 minutes by car, about 30 minutes by bike on the flat coastal route, or a short ride on the Málaga–Torre del Mar coastal bus.