Benahavis Living.
Benahavís stands out as a charming mountain village along the Costa del Sol. Situated merely seven kilometres from the coastline, it takes only a few minutes by car to reach its scenic shores. While the village may be modest, the municipality encompassing Benahavís extends over a considerably larger area. Notably, it includes one of southern Spain’s most prestigious residential enclaves, La Zagaleta. This exclusive gated community boasts opulent mansions, villas, and a comprehensive country club. With exceptional sports facilities and breathtaking vistas of both the sea and mountains, La Zagaleta offers an unrivalled living experience.
The Spanish village, called a ‘pueblo,’ is nestled between Marbella and Estepona along the coastal stretch and Ronda in the mountainous region. Its origins can be traced back to the 11th century when Muslim settlers established the community adjacent to Montemayor Castle. This medieval fortress, which continues to captivate tourists today, predates the village by a century, showcasing a rich historical legacy.
Residing in Benahavís
The area stands out as a significant hub for golf aficionados, boasting 12 of the 70 golf courses situated on the Costa del Sol, complemented by picturesque nature trails that follow the Guadalmina River.
A gastronomic hub
The streets of this charming ‘pueblo’ have transformed into a culinary epicentre, drawing in visitors from both near and far. Despite its relatively small population of 5,980 residents, few villages can rival its impressive number of restaurants—55 establishments listed on TripAdvisor. There is even a college dedicated to teaching culinary skills, further enhancing the village’s gastronomic reputation. Among the favourites is Los Albanicos, a beloved traditional Spanish restaurant capable of accommodating up to 350 delighted diners on a bustling evening. Their menu showcases delectable delights like rabo de toro (oxtail) and roasted chestnuts. Another highly regarded destination for authentic Spanish cuisine is Rufino, where the vibrant terrace is always filled with satisfied patrons.
This town because of its location, which manages to combine mountain with sea makes its gastronomy is also based on these characteristics. That is why as the main ingredients of their dishes, venison, rabbit and pork are both yes and seafood delicacies and seafood.
For the type of public visiting this location has made it a cosmopolitan cuisine that stands out throughout Europe and that has nothing to envy of any large city. Also notable is the influence of immigrants and people of different nationalities that live here.
The typical dishes are the sausages water, pork, lamb, rabbit and partridge stew, paella, oxtail, beef tenderloin marinated or grilled and seafood zarzuela.
Leisure activities
Benahavís enjoys a favourable location with convenient access to several prestigious golf courses, such as Los Arqueros, La Quinta, and Los Flamingos Golf. However, the recreational opportunities extend beyond golf, making it a sought-after destination for canyoning, cycling, and hiking. Additionally, buggy tours are available for those eager to explore the undulating terrain and observe the local wildlife beyond the village. A noteworthy addition to the area is the recently constructed river walkway featuring a picturesque wooden bridge that connects both sides of the Guadalmina River. As you venture along the Benahavís road, you’ll encounter the starting point of a pleasant one-hour stroll through the flat countryside, leading into the scenic Las Angosturas Natural Park.
Local amenities
The outskirts of the village host a big Mercadona supermarket, offering convenient grocery shopping for residents residing in the developments along the road to Benahavís and those in the town itself. This eliminates the need for residents to travel to San Pedro Alcántara or the New Golden Mile for food shopping. However, the proximity of these larger towns ensures a wide range of additional services and amenities within easy reach. Benahavís prides itself on being a family-oriented community, evident in the presence of a local primary school and Colegio Atalaya, a private bilingual school catering to all age groups, accommodating both locals and expatriates alike. Furthermore, nearby Guadalmina, Estepona, and San Pedro also offer educational institutions to cater to the educational needs of the area.
Luxury Real Estate in Benahavís
Benahavís epitomizes luxury living. This idyllic village is home to some of the most exclusive residential areas, including La Zagaleta, El Madroñal, and Los Flamingos. La Zagaleta, and El Madronal are a haven for the elite, with mansions with private golf courses (la Zagaleta) and 24-hour security offers expansive villas surrounded by lush forests, combining tranquility with sophistication. Los Flamingos features elegant properties overlooking pristine golf courses and the Mediterranean. With its stunning landscapes, gourmet dining, and proximity to Marbella’s vibrant lifestyle, Benahavís stands out as a premier destination for discerning property buyers worldwide.
In recent years, developments in areas like Real de la Quinta have revitalized Benahavis, integrating sustainable designs and upscale amenities, which feature an artificial lake and a luxury hotel managed by the Banyan Tree Group.