Benahavís Pueblo

Benahavís Pueblo is a quaint town located in the southern region of Andalusia, Spain, in the province of Málaga. Nestled at the foot of the Serranía de Ronda mountain range, it is only a short distance from the coast and the renowned tourist spot of Marbella. The village boasts of its traditional Andalusian architecture, winding streets, and stunning mountain vistas. It is a favoured destination among tourists who seek an authentic Spanish village experience and opportunities for outdoor pursuits like hiking, cycling, and horse riding.

Benahavís has established itself as a culinary destination due to its exceptional restaurants, earning it the prestigious title of the Gastronomic Corner of the Costa del Sol. Among the most popular restaurants in the region are Los Abanicos, which serves authentic local cuisine with international influences, Amigos Restaurant, El Cordero, Bodegón, and Hills Café. The town attracts many visitors who come to indulge in its diverse cuisine. One of the most iconic dishes of Benahavís is marinated pork fillet, a recipe that has been passed down through generations of families.

With a refreshing atmosphere, generous room for movement, charming rustic aesthetic, and astonishing views of the land and ocean, the way of life in Benahavís dazzles. Such traits serve to unequivocally impress observers, seeking a newfound fixation aside from the extravagant indulgences found in coastal Marbella. In addition to a superb selection of abodes, living communities, and helpful facilities, Benahavís emits a consistently compelling appeal.

Benahavís Pueblo can be found in the western section of Marbella, located in the province of Málaga, Andalusia. It is positioned in the foothills of the Serranía de Ronda mountain range, roughly 7 kilometres inland from the coast and the famous tourist hotspot of Puerto Banús. With the A-7175 road, visitors can easily access the village by car, which provides a direct connection to the AP-7 motorway and the rest of the Costa del Sol region.

Benahavís Pueblo has a fascinating history dating back to prehistoric times and has been inhabited by numerous civilizations throughout the ages, such as the Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, and Christians. The village played a significant part during the Muslim era. Named “Benahariz”, this quaint town served as a major centre of agriculture and produced essential crops such as barley, wheat, and olive oil. In the 15th century, the Catholic Monarchs seized control and granted it to the Marquís of Cadiz. The area was subsequently fortified, and the Castle of Montemayor was erected as a defense against pirate attacks. During the early 1800s, 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. Following the Christian conquest, it underwent a phase of growth and progress. In recent times, Benahavís Pueblo has undergone a revival thanks to its picturesque natural surroundings and traditional architecture, making it a favoured spot for tourists and new settlers.

A striking aspect of Benahavís is its miniature village, known as La Aldea. This idea arose from the creative mind of British artist David Marshall, whose art gallery stands out as a prominent attraction amidst the construction.

Benahavís Pueblo spans a total area of roughly 145 square kilometres (56 square miles) and has a population of approximately 7,000 residents. The village’s historic core is quite compact, with narrow streets and characteristic Andalusian architecture that exudes a delightful atmosphere.

Benahavís Pueblo is renowned for its traditional Andalusian architecture, and most of the houses in the village display this style. These homes typically have whitewashed walls and tiled roofs, adorned with wrought-iron balconies and wooden shutters. Additionally, many of these homes boast inner courtyards, a hallmark of Andalusian residences.

In recent times, there has been some new construction in and around the village, resulting in the emergence of modern homes. However, Benahavís Pueblo has strict building regulations in place to preserve the traditional architecture and protect the village’s charming atmosphere.

Luxury properties for sale in Benahavís Pueblo

The cost of purchasing a property in Benahavís Pueblo is subject to various factors, such as the property’s size, location, condition, and demand for housing in the area. Generally, homes in the Marbella region are more costly compared to other parts of Spain due to its popularity as a tourist and expat destination.

Based on recent data, the average price of a house in Benahavís Pueblo is approximately €500,000, although prices may vary from €200,000 for a small apartment to millions of euros for a luxurious villa or estate. It’s worth noting that additional expenses associated with buying a property, such as taxes, fees, and legal expenses, can add several thousand euros to the overall cost.

Although Benahavís Pueblo is located inland, it is nestled in the foothills of the Serranía de Ronda mountain range, providing breathtaking panoramic vistas of the countryside and the Mediterranean Sea beyond. While not all homes in the village may have direct sea views, numerous properties situated on elevated terrain can offer partial or full sea views, especially from upper floors or terraces.

Benahavís Pueblo provides a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors and residents alike, including exploring the enchanting historic centre with its traditional architecture, and savouring the local Spanish cuisine at the numerous restaurants. Our guide to the most popular ones include:

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.

One of the main highlights in the area is the Benahavís River’s exciting activity that’s often enjoyed by visitors. Adventure seekers can partake in a daring expedition by descending along the lengthy river. Not only that, but thanks to its close location to Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, participants can also engage in various activities ranging from hikes, walks, swimming, diving, climbing, rock sliding, and leaps from several-meter heights across varying regions within the river’s surroundings as well as cycling and horseback riding nearby.

The village is also host to several cultural events throughout the year – the Benahavís annual fair among others-, music festivals and art exhibitions, offering ample opportunities for entertainment and socialising.

Benahavís Pueblo and its surroundings, are home to several local and international schools that offer education in English, Spanish, and other languages. These schools cater to a diverse range of students, including both expats and local families. Some of them include:

1. Atalaya College: A British curriculum school for students aged 3-18, offering education in English and Spanish.
2. Public school Nuestra Señora del Rosario, an educational centre specialist in teaching infants and primary level children. It provides bilingual lessons at all ages.
3. CEIP Daidín, a remarkable educational institution located in Benahavís that caters to kids between three and twelve years of age stands at the forefront.

In the nearby areas you can find Laude San Pedro International College, an international school for students aged 3-18, offering education in English and Spanish and the prestigious The American School of Marbella, also located in San Pedro de Alcántara, that is a private institution providing American-style education.

Benahavís Pueblo is located in the western region of Marbella and is about a 10-15 minute drive from the coast and the renowned tourist hub of Puerto Banús. This accessibility implies that residents and visitors can conveniently access the numerous amenities that Marbella and Puerto Banús offer, including shops, restaurants, beaches, and leisure facilities.

While the options for shopping in Benahavís may not be abundant, there are a few small shops available for purchasing basic necessities on a daily basis.

Benahavís Pueblo is widely regarded as a secure place to reside and visit. The village has a low crime rate, and incidents of violent crime are uncommon. The local authorities and police are committed to upholding the safety and security of the community, thereby ensuring that residents and visitors can feel reasonably safe while strolling around the village or partaking in outdoor activities.