Cocktails, Andalusian kebab, and concerts by the river: the hidden bar that catches the attention of experts in this village of Malaga

'Freshwater sunspots', as they are called by the Repsol Guide, these references have been taken from their significant list of Soletes, those restaurants, bars and establishments that are worth enjoying. In this selection, on a "journey across different tables under the shade of trees and swayed by the sound of the current", we find a reference from the province of Málaga near one of the most influential rivers of the province, the vibrant Guadiaro River: we are talking about El Gato Verde, in Benaoján.

The people of Benaoján, natives of Benaoján or those living nearby this charming town in the Serranía de Ronda, are well aware of the town's virtues, everything it offers surrounded by nature. It is in Benaoján where they list as a must-visit the terrace of El Gato Verde, one of the Soletes added to their list this summer.

"Live music, craft markets, and an unmatched outdoor atmosphere for the whole family," they praise El Gato Verde, a venue that combines a bar, concert hall, restaurant, terrace, and even a cocktail bar. It truly has it all. It is undoubtedly one of the great recommendations of Benaoján, especially for its terrace, "which occupies an entire meadow on the bank of the Guadiaro River" where they highly recommend trying and enjoying "cocktails and bites like their Andalusian kebab in a Benaoján roll, which is quite a statement."

In the list compiled by the Repsol Guide, which includes another 11 references across Spain, they note that "just its location is worth a detour" to reach the MA-7401 road, at kilometer 2.5, where you will come across the beautiful venue in Benaoján. "In this impressive green esplanade on the banks of the Guadiaro, live music is played, yoga is practiced, or craft markets are organized," the gastronomic guide remarks, ending their compliments: "You can toast and eat wonderfully, to start with the latter, most recommend their Andalusian kebab in a Benaoján roll."

The 12 Soletes terraces near rivers recommended by the Repsol Guide

• Recreo Peral (Cuenca)
• Marina Villarreal (Olivenza, Badajoz)
• El Gato Verde (Benaoján, Málaga)
• Thermae El Pozo (Mula, Murcia)
• Soto Playa (Soria, Castilla y León)
• Monterreal (San Román de Cameros, La Rioja)
• Kafe Botanika (Donostia)
• Zubi Punta (Baztán, Navarra)
• Café del Río (Madrid)
• Le Pastis (Zaragoza)
• A Garrafeira (Leiro, Ourense)
• LUdol (Villalonga, Valencia)

*In bold, the only terrace from the province of Málaga and Andalusia.