FROM Fuengirola to Marbella, Mijas Costa’s 12km stretch of golden sand is divided into several sections, each appealing to different types of holidaymaker.

El Faro’s rocky, rugged coastline leads to a surprisingly sandy beach, with beach bars and restaurants, and sunbeds for hire in summer. El Faro also offers the town’s best fishing, and you can see the fishing rods set up along the shore late into the night.

La Cala de Mijas, presented with an EU blue flag for quality, is ideal for children and its 2km long beach is a haven for families, with a huge range of facilities and services and the kids will love the huge play boat and swings.

At Butiplaya, sometimes referred to as Torrevieja Beach, you will find a fantastic 1,5km stretch of sand, which has also been awarded an official blue flag. Loungers and parasols are available to rent on this famously safe and family-friendly beach.

At El Cabo Rocoso the rocks that line the water’s edge make this the quietest of the Costa’s beaches, with lots of nooks and crannies for peace-seekers to tuck themselves away. The area just in front of Chiringuito Antonio is ideal for swimming, and the area around the rocks is the best on the coast for snorkelling.