Benahavís

Benahavís is a small and delightful municipality that boasts a diverse range of living environments, situated in the midst of lush valleys, forested hills, and mountain ranges. This area is regarded as one of the most breathtaking locations on the Costa del Sol. Visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery that blends with luxurious residences that overlook magnificent golf courses. The zone has low-density development, and it provides an exceptional quality of life, which is why foreigners looking to buy property on the Costa del Sol find it so desirable. It’s a natural haven of peace and beauty that’s only a short distance from Marbella.

Benahavís is renowned for its top-quality restaurants, earning it the esteemed title of the Gastronomic Corner of the Costa del Sol, including among others, Los Abanicos –one of its most popular restaurants to sample genuine regional cuisine, that also features hints of global flavour profiles-, Amigos Restaurant, El Cordero, Bodegón or Hills Café. It draws visitors who come simply to savour the cuisine. One of the most traditional dishes from Benahavís is marinated pork fillet whose recipe belongs to many families’ traditions.

The lifestyle in Benahavís is characterised by fresh air, ample space, rustic charm, and magnificent views of the countryside and sea. These elements contribute to the unique appeal of this municipality, making it an attractive alternative to the pleasures of coastal Marbella. Additionally, Benahavís’ proximity to Marbella and the excellent range of properties, living environments, and amenities contribute to its allure.

Benahavís, a district covering almost 150km², is located to the west of Marbella and is about 22 kilometres away from the city centre. This region, which extends from the seashore between Marbella and Estepona to the foothills of the Serranía de Ronda mountain range, offers a distinct setting and lifestyle compared to the typical Costa del Sol resorts. The picturesque village and rustic Andalusian surroundings are the centre of the area’s charm.

Bordered by the municipalities of Estepona to the west and Ronda to the north, Benahavís is situated on the foothills of the Sierra de las Nieves mountain range. Visitors can reach the area by taking the A-7 coastal motorway towards Estepona and then turning onto the A-7175 road towards Benahavís, or the scenic route along the A-397 road, also known as the Ronda Road, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape as it winds through the mountains. Benahavís is easily accessible from Estepona, San Pedro de Alcantara, and Puerto Banús, making it a well-connected area of the Costa del Sol.

Benahavís has a fascinating past that stretches back to the Roman era, and it has been inhabited by a range of civilizations throughout its history. In the Muslim period, it was called “Benahariz” and was a vital agricultural hub, producing crops like barley, wheat, and olive oil. The town was taken over by the Catholic Monarchs in the 15th century and given to the Marquís of Cadiz. During this period, the town was fortified, and the Castle of Montemayor was constructed to defend against pirate attacks. In the early 19th century, the castle played a crucial role in the Spanish War of Independence.

The remnants of a Moorish history can be evidenced in the settlement through the presence of the deteriorating 11th Century castle of Montemayor. This unstable Arab fortification rests atop the unique pinnacle sharing the same tag. Anyone desiring an upsurge to tour the ruins and soak up the picturesque outlook of the coastline should come equipped for a rigorous, yet fabulous undertaking.

A notable feature of Benahavís is La Aldea. Almost a village within a village, La Aldea was the brainchild of the British sculptor, David Marshall, whose gallery is one of its main features.

Benahavís has a population of around 7,000 people and covers an area of about 145 square kilometres, encompassing both urban and rural regions. The urban portion of Benahavís is located in and around the district, featuring narrow streets and traditional Andalusian architecture.

Benahavís is a region in the Costa del Sol that has become known for its exciting new property developments. The homes in this area offer plenty of space, charm, and stunning views, as well as easy access to practical amenities and leisure facilities. Recently, there has been a surge in the development of exclusive villas and luxury gated apartment communities in Benahavís, with many of these properties featuring contemporary designs and luxurious on-site facilities such as spas, heated pools, gyms, and concierge services. As a result, this part of the greater Marbella area has become increasingly popular among foreign buyers seeking a luxury property on the Costa del Sol.

Luxury properties for sale in Benahavís

When it comes to purchasing a property in Benahavís, there are several factors to consider, such as the size, age, condition, and location of the property. Benahavís is widely recognised for its opulent real estate market, with many of its properties consisting of high-end villas, estates, and exclusive gated communities.

The average cost of a property for sale in Benahavís is approximately €1,523 per square meter. On average, villas in the area cost around €3,367,000, while apartments cost an average of €395,000. However, it’s essential to note that these figures are simply averages, and the actual cost of a property in Benahavís can vary greatly, depending on the property’s features and location. Prices can range from hundreds of thousands of euros for a small apartment to tens of millions of euros for a large, luxurious villa with numerous amenities and a prime location.

If you’re looking for a property in Benahavís that offers stunning sea views, you’re in luck. Nestled inland amidst quaint mountains, lies this tranquil area that offers awe-inspiring panoramas of the Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent terrains. The higher ground properties in Benahavís are particularly sought – after for their stunning seascape, from luxurious villas to charming apartments, making it a popular destination for those looking for a serene and scenic environment with easy access to the coast. Whether you’re looking for a spacious family home or a cosy pied-à-terre, you’re sure to find the perfect property with a view in this idyllic area.

Benahavís provides a wide range of activities and attractions suitable for visitors of all ages. Tourists can enjoy several things while staying in Benahavís.

One of its main draws is the gastronomy. Known as the “gastronomic corner” of the Costa del Sol or “The frying pan” of the Costa del Sol, visitors can find a variety of traditional Spanish and Andalusian dishes served in the numerous restaurants and bars in the area. Also, this zone is famous for its fresh seafood, grilled meats, and locally produced wines, which visitors can savour and relish.

Our guide to the most popular restaurants is the following one: Amanhavis Restaurant – Benahavís’ best food has been served at this restaurant for over a decade-, Hills Café – A nice balance is struck between the relaxed vibes and the serious food-, La Escalera – You could describe this family-owned old favourite as ‘typically Andalucian‘, La Sartén – There is a select wine list along with traditional Spanish and international cuisine. As part of Benahavis’ gastronomic tradition, it is one of the oldest restaurants. A feeling of familiarity pervades the place -. Eugenio Las Cañas Restaurant – Another classic restaurant in Benahavís. It was founded in 1976. The restaurant serves traditional Spanish dishes as well as Mediterranean cuisine and international cuisine -, Los Abanicos, Amigos, El Cordero, and Bodegón Restaurants.

It also has a very popular activity such as the descent of the Benahavís River, a well-known adventure in which you will be able to descend a long river. In this adventure you will pass through different zones where you will have to walk, swim, dive, climb, slide down rocks and jump from heights of several meters.

Benahavís is also an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounded by the Sierra de las Nieves mountain range, tourists can indulge in various activities like hiking, cycling, and horse riding. Also the municipality has a sports centre, offering visitors a range of sports programs and activities to choose from.

For five days during mid-August, the residents of Benahavís participate in their annual fair, which involves processions, fair activities, fireworks, and feasting. Additionally, on October 7th, a significant pilgrimage celebrating the village’s patron saint, the Virgin of the Rosary, occurs.

Benahavís and its surrounding areas – a short drive inland from San Pedro de Alcántara-, have a number of educational institutions available for students of different ages and nationalities. Among them are:

1. Public school Nuestra Señora del Rosario, an educational centre for children of infant and primary years that offers bilingual classes at every level.
2. CEIP Daidín, an exceptional school situated at the heart of Benahavís that provides education for children from the age of three up to 12 years.
3. the private bilingual school, Colegio Atalaya, which caters to students from nursery to secondary level.
4. Laude San Pedro International College is another private school located in nearby San Pedro de Alcántara, offering the British curriculum to its international students.
5. The American School of Marbella, also located in San Pedro de Alcántara, is a private institution providing American-style education.

Benahavís is situated around 22 kilometres towards the west of Marbella Town, and is a popular tourist destination on the Costa del Sol. Although it is an independent zone, it is quite proximal to Marbella and its associated facilities. Commute from Benahavís to Marbella typically takes between 20-30 minutes, depending on the traffic and the destination. Additionally, this area has reliable public transportation links, including buses and taxis, to Marbella and neighbouring towns.

Even though Benahavís doesn’t offer a vast selection of stores, it does have its own collection of pint-sized shops for daily necessities. However, if you’re in the mood for a big shopping spree, Mercadona supermarket, located at the beginning of the municipality, got you covered.

Benahavís is known to be a secure destination for both residents and tourists. In comparison to other regions in Spain and worldwide, it has a low rate of criminal activities. The local authorities are committed to ensuring a safe environment, and as a result, there is a significant presence of police in the area.