A Guide of Benahavis

This particular area of Spain – the Costa del Sol – has a fabulous reputation for suiting just about anybody. Whether you’re looking for a holiday home or somewhere to retire to, there’s something for everyone: championship golf courses, luxury properties, world-class sports facilities, natural beauty, stunning cuisine and nightlife, and so much more.

So, let’s delve into what Benahavís is and what makes it so popular.

History of Benahavís

Benahavís is a picturesque village with a rich history rooted in its Moorish origins.

The area was founded during the 11th century, and its name is derived from ‘Ben al Havis’, which means ‘son of Havis’. This referred to the Moorish prince who ruled from Montemayor Castle. From this mountain, stunning panoramic views of the coast were visible, which helped it become a military stronghold during conflicts between different Arab kingdoms in Andalusia.

In the late 1400s, Catholic Monarchs – Isabella and Ferdinand – conquered Benahavís during the Christian Reconquista. It remained part of Marbella until 1572, when King Philip II granted Benahavís its independence from Marbella. However, disputes over land and jurisdiction raged for centuries.

Since then, Benahavís has been a small agricultural village known for almonds, citrus fruits, and olives. By the 20th century, Benahavís began attracting interest from tourists, eventually leading it to be developed into a thriving town filled with resorts, luxurious villas, a country club, and more for foreign residents.

It’s now known as the ‘dining room of the Costa del Sol’ thanks to its fabulous gastronomy.

What are the main attractions of Benahavís?

Benahavís is a beautiful town with cobbled streets overlooking the Mediterranean Sea that’s filled with fine dining restaurants and a variety of outdoor activities, with high-quality tennis courts and world-class golf courses.

Dining and nightlife

Arguably, the biggest reason anyone is living in Benahavís is because of the gastronomy on offer. This beautiful area of the Costa del Sol has an elite reputation for high-quality restaurants that serve a range of delicacies.

Restaurants in Benahavís serve up traditional Andalusian cuisine as well as international dishes, making it a culinary hub.

Montemayor Castle

The core of this traditional Andalusian village is Montemayor Castle, which acts as the focal point for the area. It’s an incredible spot for history and photography enthusiasts, with extraordinary views of the Costa del Sol coastline and, on clear days, offers sights of North Africa.

Natural surroundings

Due to the remote location of Benahavís, there’s a lot to see and do outdoors. It sits in the foothills of the Sierra de Ronda mountains with three rivers – Guadalmina, Guadalmansa, and Guadaiza – flowing through.

The area gives visitors and residents a chance to experience some hiking and walking trails, either along the rivers or up mountains to experience incredible views.

The Parque Torre Leonera features medieval watchtower ruins, which provide a gorgeous backdrop for a relaxing walk.

The Guardalmina river also offers many natural pools and waterfalls.

Private golf courses

Golf lovers are drawn to Benahavís because of the stunning array of golf courses in the area. In fact, Benahavís is often referred to as ‘golf valley’. It features the fantastic Villa Padierna Golf Club, La Quinta Golf Club and Los Arqueros Golf Club.

So, whether you’re planning on retiring to Benahavís or using it as a summer getaway, if you’re a golf lover, this is the place to be on the Costa del Sol.

Local festivals

There are two key festivals in Benahavís throughout the year: the Benahavís Fair in July and the Pilgrimage of the Virgen del Rosario in October.

Both events offer a glimpse into the culture and lifestyle of Benahavís locals and are fantastic experiences for foreign nationals.

Transportation in Benahavís

As Benahavís is located up in the foothills of a mountain range, it does sit quite a distance from other towns and cities on the Costa del Sol – but they are still fairly easy to access.

For example, Marbella centre is around a 35-minute drive. For public transport, it is two buses away, which takes between 60 and 90 minutes.

Benahavís is around one hour from Malaga airport by car, but closer to three hours via public transport.

What are Benahavís properties like?

Benahavís properties offer a mix of modern apartments and villas and traditional architecture.

The main types of properties for sale in Benahavís are authentic villas and townhouses, typically set in charming gardens with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

There is also a range of contemporary, modern apartments in elevated positions. This includes the prestigious gated community, La Zagaleta.

There’s something for every house hunter in Benahavís, so whether you prefer something old and authentic or a modern marvel, we’re sure you’ll be delighted with what’s available.

Speak to Bromley Estates Marbella

If you’re keen to make the move to Benahavís, whether permanently or just for a summer getaway, we can help you achieve your dreams.

At Bromley Estates Marbella, we’ve helped so many people find their dream properties in the Costa del Sol, and we can help you, too.

Interested in viewing properties in Benahavís and purchasing the Spanish home of your dreams? Contact us today by calling +34 952 939 460