Hi Porridge,
Mijas Costa doesn't live near Benalmadena, she lives in Mijas Pueblo and that is near Fuengirola. We have been friends for about 5 years now.
I agree that a lot of places on the coast can be touristy but you will find that Carihuela has many Spanish fish Restaurants and they are famous for their fresh fish. They have beach Chiringuitos and the restaurants are opposite them. And because Simon asked about Benalmadena then Carihuela is nearest place and he can walk to it from Benalmadena Puerto. I agree that a lot of Restaurants in Benalmadena and also in Fuengirola cater for tourists. But village of Mijas has also a lot of tourist places because they have got coach tours going there every day. You would need a car to drive in to those off the beaten track places.