Benahavís is a picturesque town located in the province of Malaga, set in the spectacular mountains that fringe the Mediterranean Sea. While it may be surrounded by truly breathtaking vistas of pine-covered, granite mountains, it is just a matter of minutes down the 7km of road to the stunning beaches of the Costa del Sol, with the vibrant town of Marbella and chic yachting marina of Puerto Banús in easy reaching distance from this beautiful white hillside village.
Benahavís is a charming, tranquil village with a rich history that dates back to the Roman era. Latterly, it has earned a reputation as the ‘dining room of the Costa del Sol’, thanks to its flourishing restaurant scene offering a tantalising range of cuisine, from local tapas to high-end gastronomy, all in the delightful setting of white-washed walls strewn with brightly coloured flowers set in polka-dotted plant pots.
While technically a village, Benahavís boasts an impressive array of amenities that would put many small towns to shame. This is largely due to the fact that the average property price in the area is the highest in Spain, significantly influenced by the presence of La Zagaleta, a luxurious residential estate located in the Benahavís hills. It is renowned for being one of the most exclusive and expensive gated communities in Europe, attracting some of the world’s wealthiest and most prominent individuals, including businesspeople, celebrities, and royalty.
This enables the local town hall to provide the close-knit community with football pitches, tennis and padel courts, a community outdoor swimming pool as well as vibrant street parties during fun holidays such as Halloween and Easter.
Natural outdoor pursuits
For those with a taste for adventure, it is one of the best places on the Costa del Sol for leisure pursuits. Surrounded by natural parks and hiking trails, it is an excellent base from which to head out and explore, and even when the holiday season is at its peak, it’s still possible to strike out into the hills and hardly see a soul. The mountain setting offers canyoning – wading over the rocks and boulders of the riverbed in one of the many cool streams that run carve through the rocks in the vicinity.
Golfer’s paradise
Home to several world-class golf courses, this region of Spain is well known as a golfer’s paradise. Top courses in the area include:
Los Arqueros Golf and Country Club
Designed by legendary golfer Severiano Ballesteros, this club offers a challenging and rewarding experience, with a stunning mountain backdrop and panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
La Quinta Golf & Country Club
This exclusive club is set in the heart of the exclusive La Quinta community, boasts two courses designed by the renowned golfer Manuel Piñero, surrounded by natural beauty and breathtaking views.
Atalaya Golf & Country Club
One of the oldest in the area, this venerable club’s Old Course was first inaugurated in 1968. The club now offers two 18-hole courses that cater to all skill levels, surrounded by the beautiful natural scenery of Andalucía with views of the Mediterranean Sea.
These golf clubs in Benahavís offer world-class facilities, exceptional service, and some of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the region.
Where to buy?
Benahavís offers a variety of options when it comes to choosing a place to live. Whether you prefer the quaint charm of the village centre or the tranquillity of the surrounding countryside, there is something for everyone.
For those who enjoy being in the heart of the action, the village centre is a great choice. Here, there is a range of apartments and townhouses, many of which have been beautifully restored to retain their traditional Andalucian features. Living in the village centre means the opportunity to be close to amenities, including shops, restaurants, and community facilities.
For those who prefer a more peaceful lifestyle, the surrounding countryside is the perfect place to call home. Here are a diverse range of villas and fincas, many of which offer wonderful views of the mountains and countryside. Living in the countryside allows residents to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the natural environment, while still being within easy reach of the village centre.
Ultimately, the best place to live in Benahavís depends on personal preferences and lifestyle. Whether living in the village centre or the surrounding countryside, residents enjoy being part of a diverse and welcoming community that maintains tradition while embracing modernity.