Benajarafe – Beach, Coastal Paths and History

Benajarafe combines a beach with paths by the sea and cultural and historical attractions. Playa de Benajarafe has dark sand and moderate waves. There is also a coastal path, a completed section of the Senda Litoral and historical landmarks such as Torre Moya. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus on the beach, walking or cycling, or history.

Beach and activities by the sea

Playa de Benajarafe is divided into five named sections: Las Parras, Pataseca, Paseo Marítimo, El Cuartel and Los Laureles. The beach has Braille signage for blind visitors. Windsurfing is also possible at Playa de Benajarafe; the activity depends on conditions.

The 2025–2028 beach plan provides for five pedal boats in zone H-01 from 1 June to 30 September. This information describes seasonal planning, not guaranteed availability. If you are planning to use pedal boats during your trip, check current availability.

Paths to help plan your trip

The coastal path from Cala del Moral to almost the end of Benajarafe is around 14 kilometres long and can be used on foot or by bicycle. The approximate distance and the two stated ways of getting around give you concrete points of reference when including activities by the sea in your trip plans.

The completed section of the Senda Litoral has a continuous promenade reserved for pedestrians, improved beach access and signage along the entire route. Both finding your way along the path and access to the beach are features of this section.

Building history and earlier settlement

Torre Moya, also known as Torre Gorda, is officially listed as a B.I.C. monument and was built in the 18th century. Historically, it warned coastal residents of approaching pirates: smoke was used as a signal during the day and fire at night. Its history can therefore be understood both through the structure itself and its former warning function.

The Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Rosario was built in 1972 and is the work of architect Andrés Escassi. Its marble main altar contains a carved Baroque-style wooden chest with relics of San Faustino. An archaeological settlement associated with Benajarafe also shows phases of settlement from Phoenician, Punic-Republican and Nasrid times. These different periods add a much earlier perspective on settlement to the building history of the tower and church.

Local attractions and annual events

From Benajarafe, you can explore the Ruta de la Pasa, with its vineyards and drying floors. This offers a different focus from the coast. Maychoco operates an artisanal bean-to-bar chocolate business in Benajarafe, making chocolate from cocoa bean to bar.

The celebration in honour of the Virgen del Carmen takes place on 16 July. The chapel in Benajarafe Alto is the centre of a popular pilgrimage held every year in October. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these events, please check the specific date. This will help you take both separate dates into account when planning your stay.

Getting there by bus

Bus route M-260 connects Málaga via Torre Benagalbón, Torre del Mar and Vélez-Málaga, and serves Benajarafe. The stated timetable is valid from 30 April 2026 to 31 December 2030. Travel between Vélez and Torre del Mar is not permitted on this route. Check the current timetable before travelling and take this restriction into account when planning a journey on part of the route.

Discover more destinations: Trapiche, Chilches, Mezquitilla, Almayate, Torre Del Mar, Almayate Alto.

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