MOUNTAINS V.S. BEACH? IN BENARRABÁ, YOU DON’T HAVE TO CHOOSE.

Written by Dani Spencer

I’m one of six kids—and among my siblings, we had a pact: Each of us would work hard and buy a vacation home with its own unique identity. Between us we could share a bungalow on the beach, a quaint mountain home, a European escape, and a riverside retreat. 

Lofty? Sure. But at the time when we made the pact, I really believed there was no such thing as too many vacation homes.

Well, call it a shift in perspective, but after my stint at Rooral, I don’t think you need five distinct getaways when there’s one place that can fulfill the call of many. If you’re planning your next coliving experience and find yourself torn between mountains, beaches, rivers, or something else entirely, I’m here to tell you there’s no need to compromise—Benarrabá, a hidden gem in the mountains of Andalucía, has the remarkable charm to be it all.

Mountain Retreat

Did you know that Andalucía is the most mountainous region in Spain? Benarrabá sits in the heart of the Genal Valley, surrounded by breathtaking vistas of Mount Porón, El Peñón, and the Sierra de Frontales.

Step outside the coliving or coworking space, and within minutes, you’ll find yourself on a trail that can take you miles away from your laptop screen and deep into nature.

River Retreat

At the base of the Genal Valley lies the Genal River, a lush riverside sanctuary just a 30-minute hike away. Even in November, we found ourselves swimming in its cool waters, then warming up like lizards on sun-soaked rocks. I can’t recommend this enough.

Photo by Elvis Bekmanis on Unsplash

Beach Bliss

Benarrabá is located in Málaga province, which means you’re never too far from the coast. In just an hour by car, you can be in Estepona, and a little farther, Málaga itself. Several co-livers from Rooral even continued their journey together, soaking up the sun and surf after our time in the mountains.

Party Time

Alright, so you’re sold on Benarrabá—but maybe part of you is still hoping for a nightlife scene. I won’t over hype it, but for those in the know, Benarrabá has a surprisingly lively (and slightly underground) party scene. 

With two local bars and an incredible cast of abuelas, you might just find yourself dancing bachata into the wee hours of the morning. 

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