Benajarafe Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Benajarafe
Benajarafe Location in Spain
Country	Spain
Autonomous community	Andalusia
Province	Málaga
Municipality	Vélez-Málaga
Population
• Total	10,000
Area codes	for multiple area codes

Benajarafe is a lovely town right on the coast in Vélez-Málaga, Spain. It's part of a region called Axarquia, on the eastern Costa del Sol in Málaga province. This town is about 9 kilometers from Torre del Mar and 20 kilometers from the big city of Malaga. Benajarafe has one of the best climates in Europe! Summers are sunny, and the sea is calm, just like the peaceful town itself. You can reach Benajarafe easily using the Mediterranean Motorway (E-15).

Exploring Benajarafe's Landscape
- Benajarafe's Coastal Charm
- Discovering Benajarafe Alto
Benajarafe's Rich History
Celebrating Benajarafe's Culture
Getting Around Benajarafe
Images for kids
See also

Exploring Benajarafe's Landscape

Benajarafe is split into two main areas: Benajarafe Alto and Benajarafe Costa. Benajarafe Alto is the older, main part of the town. It has many country houses spread out from the top of the hills down towards the coast. Many people living here are farmers. Some areas are still developing, with unpaved streets and streams that can get full when it rains.

In recent years, many new buildings have appeared, especially near the coast. In 2005, a beautiful promenade was finished, making the town even better for tourists. The most important feature for visitors is definitely the huge beach, which stretches for almost 2 kilometers. The old National Road 340 runs between the beach and the town. This road used to be very busy, but now most traffic uses the new motorway further inland. Many visitors from France, Germany, and England come here. Some even buy homes to enjoy their summers or winters in Benajarafe.

Benajarafe's Coastal Charm

Main street sidewalk

Benajarafe Beach has dark sand and gentle waves. It's about 1,600 meters long and 30 meters wide. The beach has helpful features like pathways, places for parasols, and showers. It's a great spot to relax by the sea.

Discovering Benajarafe Alto

The heart of Benajarafe Alto is the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora del Rosario. Every October, a special event called a pilgrimage happens here. The statue of the patron saint is carried from the church in Benajarafe Costa to the hermitage on the back of oxen. Local neighbors helped restore this church between 1996 and 1999. This area of Benajarafe is mostly connected by a paved road that starts at the Adelfas stream. It goes up to Loma del Niño Perdido, and from there, many dirt roads lead to homes.

Benajarafe's Rich History

People have lived in Benajarafe since the Stone Age (Palaeolithic era). Some historians believe the ancient Greek colony of Mainake was located very close to this area. However, the most exciting old discoveries have been found near the Vélez River, in Torre del Mar.

The name "Benajarafe" comes from the time when Muslims lived here. It's a bit of a debate for locals! The most common idea is that it comes from the Arabic "Ben ash-Sharif," meaning "Son of the Height." Another idea is "Bina' ash-Sharaf," which means "house on the hill." In 1483, a big battle called the Battle of La Axarquía happened here. It was the last victory for the Catholic forces in Andalusia during the Granada War.

Around this time, the famous Torre Moya (Fat Tower) was built. It's called "Fat Tower" because it's the biggest tower on the coast of Malaga. Its job was to warn people about pirates who attacked the coast for centuries. They would light fires: smoke during the day and flames at night to send signals.

Another important building is the old train station. A train line used to run from Malaga to Ventas de Zafarraya. It first ran on coal, then on fuel. This railway helped the town grow a lot. However, in the 1960s, they decided to close the line. The last narrow-gauge train journey happened in 1968.

Celebrating Benajarafe's Culture

Benajarafe has several fun festivals throughout the year!

Andalusia Day: On February 28, the town celebrates Andalusia Day. The Neighborhood Association organizes this event. They raise the flag and often serve free meals. There are also games, dances, and poetry readings.
Virgen del Carmen Festival: On July 16, the town celebrates the Virgen del Carmen, who is the patron saint. This is a regional holiday. People carry the statue of the Virgin from the church to the sea. In the evening, a fair is held.
Virgen del Rosario Pilgrimage: In October, the pilgrimage of the Virgen del Rosario takes place. Two statues, one of a farmer and one of a sailor, are carried in a procession from the church to the chapel. It's a tradition to make a big communal paella, and everyone attending gets a free dish.
Benajarafe Fair: Every August, Benajarafe holds its popular "Feria" (fair). This is a three-day party, day and night! From Friday to Sunday, there's a big street party. On Saturday and Sunday, famous singers often come to perform. On the last day, Sunday, there are games and competitions for children, followed by a prize ceremony. On the first day (Friday), a queen and bridesmaids for the fair are chosen. These festivities bring the community together for a great time!

Benajarafe also has a local football team called Club Deportivo Torremoya. It's named after the famous Moya Tower!

Getting Around Benajarafe

You can travel to and from Benajarafe using intercity buses. These buses connect Benajarafe with nearby towns like Málaga, Torre del Mar, Vélez-Málaga, Nerja, Periana, Riogordo, and Almayate. The Consorcio de Transporte Metropolitano del Área de Málaga operates several lines that stop in Benajarafe:

M-260: Málaga-Vélez-Málaga (via Benagalbón Tower)
M-362: Málaga-Nerja (via Torre de Benagalbón)
M-363: Málaga-Torrox (via Torre de Benagalbón)
M-364: Malaga-Periana (via Torre de Benagalbón)
M-365: Málaga-Riogordo (via Torre de Benagalbón)