Benahavis: One of the richest villages in Spain
The picturesque and authentic village of Benahavis is one of the richest communities in Spain, due to the many high quality developments around the village. For example, exclusive golf resorts such as La Quinta and Los Arqueros belong to Benahavis. La Zagaleta is also located in Benahavis, this is a gated community where some of the most expensive properties in Spain can be found.
The village is quite small, but the community itself is bigger. Here you will find beautiful nature, with many mountain ranges, forests and river valleys. Ideal for a walk along the rivers and mountains, with views of more than 100 kilometres, up to the African mountains on clear days. Even from your home in this mountainous village, you will have breathtaking views of the coastline between Marbella and Estepona. The natural beauty of the area is strongly preserved because Benahavis is not overbuilt. All this makes Benahavis one of the most desirable places to buy property in the south of Spain.
In total, Benahavis has a population of around 9000 inhabitants, with 84 different nationalities. It is an international environment, where you can live quietly, yet have all the facilities nearby such as the city of Marbella. The quality of life in Benahavis is very high and therefore it is an ideal place for people who are looking for peace and beauty.
The location
Benahavis is located in the western part of the Costa del Sol, some 10 kilometres inland from Estepona and Marbella. The village is well connected to Málaga, allowing you to quickly reach national and international destinations. Marbella and Puerto Banùs, for example, are only minutes away. Málaga airport is less than an hour away by car and from there you can reach many other countries.
Shopping
There are a few small shops for daily needs in Benahavis and a large supermarket on the edge of the town. However, if you want to do some shopping, you’ll have to head further out to the coast. Fortunately Puerto Banús, Benahavis, Marbella and Estepona are only a few minutes away by car, ideal for a shopping day.
Beaches
Benahavis is a mountainous village located about 10 kilometres inland, so to visit the beaches, it is best to head towards Marbella or Estepona which are only 10 minutes away. On the Costa del Sol, you will find numerous sublime beaches with all the necessary facilities to relax and unwind. Go for example to the child-friendly beaches in San Pedro de Alcántara, the quieter beaches in the west of Estepona or opt for bustling beach clubs in Puerto Banús.
Things to do in Benahavis
While nature is the central feature of this authentic village, there is much more to do in Benahavis.
Parque Torre Leonera
This is a small park with remains from the Middle Ages, ideal for a stroll. There is also a play area for children and there are regular open-air concerts.
The castle of Montemayor
This castle from the 10th century is now largely a ruin, but a number of walls are well preserved. The Queen’s Tower, for example, is one of its most important features and is still well intact, offering a wonderful view over the Costa del Sol.
Guadalmina River
This river is the place to be for canyoning, with a route via waterfalls and basins and is one of the most adventurous activities on the Costa del Sol. This location is also ideal for hiking along the path by the river. A spectacular bridge takes you along the traditional Moorish irrigation channel.
Golf
Amongst the residents of Benahavis, golf is the most widely practised sport and this is not surprising as there is a wide selection of golf courses in the area.
- Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club: Created in 1991, this 18-hole golf course is designed to blend in with its natural surroundings. It also has an extensive practice area with putting greens, practice bunkers and more.
- La Quinta Golf & Country Club: This course dates back to 1990 and was created by Manuel Piñero, a Spanish golf talent. The course has 27 holes and is beautifully situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains.
- El Higueral: El Higueral is also based in Benahavis. Here you can enjoy the beautiful views of the nature surrounding the golf course during a game of golf.
Culinary delights
Benahavis is known locally as “Rincón de la Gastronomia” which stands for the gastronomic corner, as some of the best restaurants in the region are located there. There is a choice of traditional Spanish dishes, dishes with a modern twist, as well as cuisine from countries all over the world. As Benahavis has the gastronomic qualities of a mountain village, there is a wide range of meat and traditional fish dishes. Benahavis is also home to the hotel school ‘Sabor a Málaga’, whose students often win culinary awards for their cooking skills. It may be a small village, but the range of restaurants is certainly not!
Events in Benahavis
- The Sunday market of Benahavis is one of the most popular markets on the Costa del Sol and therefore attracts people from different coastal areas.
- In summer, concerts and other musical events are regularly held in Benahavis. In addition, there are often culinary events in the many restaurants.
- In the middle of August, the annual fair of Benahavis takes place. Then there is a cosy atmosphere with fairground attractions, fireworks and good food and drinks.
Real estate in Benahavis
Does this sound like the ideal place to live? Check out the website of SLG Property, here you will find a wide range of properties. You will definitely find something to suit your needs!
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In our blog you can read much more about living in the south of Spain. Don’t hesitate to check out our other blogs for great tips and handy facts about the Costa del Sol.
