Beach

The nearest beach is a few steps away. Playa Valle Niza is usually quiet and empty, and there's always a place to sunbathe. There are no amenities, but since it's a short walk to the apartment, you can pop in for anything you forgot.

In high season, tourists come and service - lifeguard, restaurant, beach bar with sunbeds and umbrellas, toilets. 

Around the bend in the cliff you'll find another nearby beach, playa Almayate, with the fabulous chirinquito Origen. We really recommend visiting this beach restaurant. They have wonderfully comfortable beach beds, great food, English speaking staff, swings and toilets. It's not only open in high season, they will also offer a good lunch or dinner in September and June.

If you want to have a fabulous lazy day, head there first thing in the morning or book sunbeds the day before.

Three kilometres on the other side of Valle Niza beach is another peaceful beach, playa Linda. It could be considered part of the Benajarafe beach, but I mention it because it's where you'll find the Casa de Matilde restaurant, open all year round. It's not cheap, but the food is good. On weekends and in high season it's a problem to find a place without a reservation.

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. 

If you're willing to venture a little further afield to see the beauty of the beaches, Playa de Mónsul, where Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and The Neverending Story were filmed, is worth a visit. The beach at San José in the province of Almería is the most beautiful beach in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park. You will be greeted by fine sand, clear water, steep cliffs and an iconic rock in the middle.

It is one of the most famous beaches in Spain and one of the most popular holiday areas. In high season it will be packed with tourists.