Founded by the Moors at the end of the 11th century, Benahavis has evolved into a stylish village, while retaining much of its original Andalucian charm.

Benahavís derives its name from the Arabic ‘Ben’, son of Havis,  which was the name of a remarkable Arab who reigned in the castle Montemayor and whose son had the idea to build a series of defences, protecting the Guadalmina River at the outlet of Las Angosturas, and the left flank of the Montemayor Castle.

Benahavis History
The castle was built prior to the construction of Benahavis and because of its strategic position it played an important role in the various battles between the Moorish kings of Andalucia. Its prominent situation, overlooking one hundred kilometres of coast, and even the coast of Africa, made controlling this castle strategically very useful.

Located on the southern face of La Serrania de Ronda mountain range, Benahavis is the most mountainous village on the western Costa del Sol, and the area boasts 9 of the coast´s top golf courses.  The Rivers Guadalmina, Guadaiza and Guadalmanza traverse the local terrain, and regions of great historical and natural interest can be found within its boundaries.  Montemayor Castle is well worth a visit.

Eating and drinking in Benahavis
Well known in Andalucia for it´s fabulous restaurants and local art and pottery, many tourists and locals flock here for an evening of fine food and entertainment. The main square and the narrow, cobbled streets play host to most of the restaurants, and there are several good hotels and cottages offering bed and breakfast in the village. Not one of the more expensive areas, Benahavis is situated inland between San Pedro and Estepona, and self catering accommodation is also available close by with a limited selection in the village itself.

Eating and drinking are important social happenings in Spain and you will find a very enjoyable atmosphere in the restaurants in Benahavis. Known as the gastronomic corner of the Costa del Sol, and with good reason, Benahavis is home to some excellent restaurants.  The village centre is literally full of them. Most serve typically Spanish cuisine, although you will also find Italian food, Indian curries, and more elaborate French cuisine.All restaurants will offer you a very good value for money, and really large portions. It is probably the reason they all do well.

Benahavis Hotels
Benahavis offers you a choice of various four and five star hotels, either in the village or on the golf courses.Two hotels are situated in the town, including the small but cosy Amanhavis Hotel and the Gran Hotel Benahavis with spa facilities and large swimming pool area. Various top European football teams stay here for their winter camps. Both of these are four star hotels.

The other hotels are all situated on various golf courses, such as El Paraiso ( four star ) and the two five star ones, Villa Padierna on Los Flamingos golf course and Westin La Quinta on La Quinta Golf. Also located on the Flamingos golf course is the Hotel Caledonia Golf and the Taberna del Alabardero Resort can be found on the Ronda Road.

Coast, country and golf
Benahavis is very close to nine of the many superb golf courses on the Costa del Sol, including:  El Paraiso Golf, La Zagaleta Golf, Los Arqueros, Monte Mayor and Atalaya Golf. Tee times can be booked in advance, which is always recommended during the busier times of year between October and April.

Situated so close to the coast, visitors can reach the beach from Benahavis in ten minutes, and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding Ronda mountains.  There are many intriguing places to visit in and around the village, including the fresh water rock pools at the foot of the mountains, where locals go to picnic and relax during the summer months.

Visitors also take advantage of the many walking trails that lead out of Benahavis Village, and explore the local countryside. Right next to the entrance of El Casar you can walk up to the top of the hills for superb views to Gibraltar and the African coastline.

Even though 50% of the residents here are ex-pats, the area has remained relatively unspoiled, and even the newer developments have been designed to fit in with the local landscape, and not spoil the surrounding countryside.

For holidaymakers who like to combine the peace and tranquillity of the countryside with a little more lively fun in the evenings, Puerto Banus and Marbella are only 15-20 minutes away by car, and San Pedro and Estepona are even nearer.

Local shops and bars
The village also has 3 banks with cash points as well as some local grocery shops for essential provisions. There is also an internet café on the main street. In addition, Benahavis has a public outdoor pool close to the Gran Hotel, with a bar selling drinks, snacks and tapas.
With mild temperatures all year round, and over 320 days of annual sunshine, this is the perfect destination for a relaxing holiday in natural surroundings.

Benahavis Shopping
Benahavis village offers visitors basic shops, where you can buy groceries, wine, and most of the essentials.  The main supermarkets and shopping malls, however are situated on the coast, just a short drive away.  Benahavis also hosts a weekly Tuesday market, where visitors and residents alike can buy fresh fruit and veg, local handicrafts and a range of gifts and souvenirs to take home.

On the way to Estepona you will find Supersol, Mercadona and Carrefour supermarkets, plus the La Colonia shopping centre close to the entrance of San Pedro de Alcantara (just east of the Benahavis exit of the N-340).  Opposite the Ronda road exit of the N-340 you will find several DIY, interior design shops and building suppliers on the beachside of the road. In Puerto Banus you will find several designer boutiques and original small shops in the Marina area, and the  fabulous El Corte Ingles department store overlooking the Plaza Antonio Banderas. If you want more choice, the biggest mall in Marbella, La Cañada, is situated just east of Marbella, with ample car parking facilities.  Everything from sports mega stores, a huge supermarket, clothes shops, leather ware stores and a wide range of restaurants, cafés and bars are situated in La Cañada, along with the Mega Bowl complex upstairs, and a multi-screen cinema. Many of the smaller shops in towns on the Costa del Sol close from 2pm to 5pm for siesta, but the majority of outlets in shopping malls are open all day.

Festivals and fiestas in Benahavis
Annual festivals and other events take place in the village throughout the year.  These include Andalucian Day in February, when the local mayor invites visitors and residents to a glass of wine on the village square, after the hoisting of the Andalucian flag, the yearly carnival which brings a riot of colour and music to the village, the half marathon, and a host of Christmas and Easter processions and activities.

How to get to Benahavis From Malaga Airport
Most visitors to Benahavis and the Costa del Sol fly into Malaga Airport.  Once you exit the airport car park, follow the Algeciras and Cadiz signs. You are better off to take the toll highway ( PEAJE ) just past the Mijas exit,  as the coastal N340 gets easily congested with traffic. The toll highway leads you directly to Marbella and from there follow N340 direction Estepona. About 2 kms after San Pedro de Alcantara, you will find the Benahavis exit. Follow the road for ten minutes into the centre of town.

The Costa del Sol´s best kept secret
The beauty of Benahavis is its Spanish charm, combined with its modern outlook and fabulous places to eat.  Whether you want tranquillity or the hustle and bustle of the coast at night time, you will not be disappointed with this little haven on the Costa del Sol.  Far enough away from the crowds to be peaceful, yet close enough for some late night action, Benahavis offers the best of both worlds. Benahavis is one the Costa del Sol´s most best kept secrets, and although it has become more popular during the past few years, it still has the feel and ambience of a typical Andalucian village – complete with whitewashed houses and historical monuments.