Visiting Benahavis

The beautiful white village of Benahavis is a hidden jewel in the mountains between Marbella, Estepona and Serrania de Ronda, just 7 kilometres from the bustling Costa del Sol. At the same time the town has preserved all its authenticity of a mountain village of Arab origin. Its territory is home to the most expensive luxury developments in Spain and therefore gathers one of the highest incomes per capita in the country.

A few kilometres from the most expensive resorts of the Costa del Sol hides the village of Benahavis next to Mount Matrona, in the foothills of Serrania de Ronda. And still more hidden is the luxury of large fortunes and mansions that don´t draw any attention or seek ostentation at all; who have fallen in love with that beautiful virgin land of large wooded areas crossed by the three rivers Guadalmina, Guadaiza and Guadalmansa.

So it is not surprising that the village of Benahavis has become popular as “the Dining Room of the Costa del Sol” for its varied and excellent choice of restaurants.

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1 Benahavís Tourist Attractions

Benahavís Tourist Attractions

Benahavis was founded during the Muslim domination and later became part of Marbella until the 16th century when it gained its independence and became an autonomous town.

Montemayor Castle

This fortification presumably plays a very important role in the formation of Benahavís. It was used throughout history as a defensive and surveillance element. From the wars between Moors and Catholics, the Moorish rebellion or during the War of Independence, when it once again took on a military value. Its location gave it a great view of the mountains and the coast.

We will find just ruins of its Moorish past, but it is nevertheless worth the effort to make the excursio. From this strategic location you can enjoy spectacular views of the Spanish and African coastline, including the Rock of Gibraltar.

The castle had three wall sections and the interior one is the best preserved. We can still see the cisterns that were used once for water storage and which still retain part of their cladding.

There is evidence of small ruby mines in the area around the castle, maybe if lucky you can find some.

Benahavís Fair

Benahavís Fair takes place by the middle of July, in case you are in the area in July. The Fair lasts 5 days, and begins with the lighting of the fairgrounds and a parade.

It is a very fun event for children and adults. There is music, rides and lots of places to eat and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Pilgrimage of the Virgen del Rosario

The Pilgrimage takes place on the 7th of October. During that day there are many events in which you can participate although they can vary: The day starts at 9am with free churros at Avenida de Andalucía, later the procession arrives at the Chapel and then from 2pm onwards there is live music and other activities in the Chapel area.

Natural surroundings

If you like natural pools, you will love the Rock Pool and Charco de las Mozas in Benahavís. To get there you have to park in the village or in the car park before getting there, and walk about 2 kilometres.

Don’t be overconfident if you do the available river hiking route; at some points you have to swim and you will need footwear to walk on the rocks.

Location of Rock Pool: https://goo.gl/maps/2vGpExderZtV2KJU7
Charco de las Mozas: https://goo.gl/maps/aSdG3oMVRbfTszjg9

Another recommended place to visit is the Torre Leonera Park, just before reaching the Guadalmedina River. The park takes its name from the tower that presides over it, a defensive fortification dating from the 12th to 13th centuries.

Many people choose this park as a place to rest before or after a walk along the river. It is also a good place to go with children to enjoy the rabbits that run free in the area.

They sometimes celebrate open-air concerts.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/VRnk3cmpwfzQp2Ft7

Golf courses

Since the municipality is home to large national and international fortunes, it also has the best facilities such as 7 golf courses: Gran Flamingo, La Zagaleta Club and La Zagaleta los Barrancos, Los Arqueros, Los Flamingos Golf and Monte Mayor Golf Club, all 18-hole courses and El Higueral, a 9-hole course.

Amid the vast undulating courses of Los Flamingos Golf is situated one of the best hotels in Spain, the Hotel Villa Padierna with its neoclassical style; the hotel of choice of Michelle Obama during her visit to Marbella in 2010.

Other places to visit in Benahavís

Church of the Virgen del Rosario: Religious construction from the 18th century which has undergone numerous alterations. (Map)
Benahavís Town Hall: The town hall of Benahavís is housed in this 16th century palace which follows a Nasrid aesthetic. Location: Avenida de Andalucía, 34. (Map)
Cardenillo Mines: Copper deposit with evidence of exploitation during the 2nd-1st century B.C. by the Roman Empire. (Map)
Lapiz Mines: exploited between 1749 and 1854, they produced up to 150,000 tons of graphite. It is among other sources, the basis of Manuel Agustín Heredia’s fortune. It is currently under study for reactivation.

Find out more about the heritage of Benahavís at: https://www.malaga.es/en/turismo/patrimonio/cnl-252/