The small town of Vélez-Málaga is situated about 30kms east of Malaga. The capital of the Axarquia, it sits in an unbridled location, perched on top of a mountain commanding views over the surrounding countryside.
Vélez is most definitely one of the Costa del Sol's more authentic towns and remains predominately Spanish. You'd be hard pressed to hear anything other than Spanish (with an exceptionally heavy Andaluz accent) spoken on its streets.
One of the best beaches in this area is Almayate's. The coastline here is very underdeveloped. There are no large hotels or tower blocks, agriculture is the still the main industry in these parts.
To get to most of these beaches, you need to drive through a maze of sugar cane and bamboo, occasionally sneaking a glimpse of your destination through the vegetation.
Almayate's beach offers peace and tranquillity and is widely recognised as being one of the best nudist beaches in Andalusia.
People come far and wide to spend the day at Almayate. Let's have a look why......
Almayate beach
The beach itself is 2800 metres long and comprised of coarse, dark Mediterranean sand. It never gets busy, even at the height of summer. Being such a large stretch, you'll always find a quiet corner to yourself.
The dedicated nudist area is situated just in-front of the camping Almanat (a campsite that is completely nudist), at the eastern end of the beach, parallel to the river. Just keep your eyes open for all the vegetation that runs next to the Vélez river.
There's a kiosk and a restaurant that belong to the campsite. Although they are open to clothed beach-goers, its somewhat frowned upon and appears far more popular with naturists.
Activities and services
Almayate beach is not distinguished by the diversity of its services. If anything, its distinguished by its complete lack of them.
However, there is parking, the beach is regularly cleaned and there are two bar/restaurants that provide a great spot for an afternoon's meal or snack.
A little further along, is the Chiringuito/restaurant El Hornillero.
Set inside its own tropical gardens, yet right on the beach, El Hornillero offers some very good and reasonably priced food. All of the usual fish favourites and salads.
The stretch of beach just in-front of the restaurant is a popular spot for concerts and summer beach parties.
Although camping is not officially allowed on the beach, you'll occasionally see small groups of youngsters getting ready to spend the night around fires during the summer months. 
Visiting Almayate provides a great day out for anyone looking for seclusion, nature and if wanting to see what the Costa del Sol looked like 50 years ago. Very little has changed in Almayate.
How to get there
The easiest way to get there is by taking the old coastal road, the N-340, direction Almeria from Malaga. If coming off the motorway from Málaga, take the exit for Benajarafe and make your way down to the beach and the N-340. Keep going eastwards.
On the outskirts of Benajarafe, on the left hand side, are the remains of large Moorish watchtower. Continue straight on for about a kilometre, keeping your eyes peeled for a small dirt track veering off to the right. You'll pass an old shipyard and several greenhouses, immediately afterwards is the dirt track. Follow this track, through the vegetation and onto the beach, it leads to a small car park that rarely fills up.
If you miss this turning (easily done). Fear not. You can take the next turning, which is signposted and harder to miss. The one to the Almanat campsite. Just drive past the campsite entrance and you'll find the beach.
For more nudist beaches in the area, there's Playa de Guadalmar one of Malaga's city beaches and several more clothing optional ones, just past Nerja going into the Acantilados de Maro natural reserve - see the Nerja beach guide.