Benahavis is located in the province of Malaga, between neighbouring Marbella, San Pedro de Alcantara and Estepona. To the north, it borders with the scenic town of Ronda, looking out at the snow-capped peaks of Sierra de las Nieves.
Striking mountain backdrops and dramatic canyon views come as standard here, no matter where you choose to stay in Benahavis. Our guests can choose to stay in the beautiful surroundings of Los Flamingos, Montemayor and the iconic Marbella Club Golf Resort, where facilities like restaurants, horse riding and golf have made these just as enticing to travellers as property investors.
The location of Benahavis gives easy access to all that Marbella has to offer, while providing a tranquil base away from the hustle and bustle. With Puerto Banus on your doorstep, you get the added advantage of some of the best restaurants, beaches, golf courses and private yacht charter services around, without being in the thick of it.
Benahavis itself is made up of several distinct areas. The administrative centre is located in Benahavis Pueblo (white village), but it’s probably best known for the security-gated private estates of La Zagaleta and El Madronal, as well as several other luxury developments.
Where is Benahavis?
Benahavis is easily accessible from both Malaga and Gibraltar airports, with a driving time of between 50 minutes and an hour. Benahavis is 65km from Malaga Airport, while Gibraltar Airport is 70km away.
If you are flying to Malaga in a private jet, there is a separate terminal, and some of our villas have helipads to facilitate a speedy commute. Our concierge team can also arrange a driver or a hire car to be ready and waiting for you when you arrive at the airport.
Marbella Old Town is 10km away from Benahavis, while Malaga Historic Centre is about an hour’s drive. Taxis are available in Benahavis on-call (no need to pre-book), or there are also UBER and Bolt in operation via the respective apps.
But how far is Benahavis from the beach? Whilst the town is situated inland, the closest beach is located only ten minutes away at San Pedro de Alcantara, so it’s easy to enjoy the Costa del Sol experience without having to stay right on the coast.
Please be aware that if you’re staying in a security-gated urbanisation such as La Zagaleta, El Madronal, or Marbella Club Golf, taxis will not be permitted to enter unless pre-registered with the gate.
Is Benahavis Worth Visiting?
With 320 days of sunshine per year, there’s not much you can’t do in Benahavis. This exceptionally sunny weather might be enough to persuade you to visit, but the town has a lot more to offer if you’re still on the fence.
Once famously nicknamed the ‘gastronomic capital of the Costa del Sol’, Benahavis is still a proud cultivator of local culinary talent through its local chef school. From traditional Spanish tapas to avant-garde gastronomic creations, the freshest ingredients and innovative flavours converge.
Benahavis is brimming with gourmet corners that only the locals seem to know about. Why not tantalise your taste buds and explore in depth our hand-picked guide to the very best restaurants in Benahavis?
The excellent air quality and diverse hiking routes make it an attractive destination for walkers, hikers and cyclists looking to enjoy the area’s abundance of natural beauty and wildlife. Beginners will love the Sendero Acequia del Guadalmina, a 4.6km short path and very easy that finishes once you reach the Guadalmina river.
Unsurprisingly, canyoning is extremely popular here, and outdoor pursuits are not in short supply. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the numerous mountain ranges, rivers, and woods by canoeing down the Guadalmina River, horse riding or hiking, or take a helicopter tour to take in the region’s stunning vistas from above.
Golf-lovers need not feel left out either, with courses like Atalaya, Los Arqueros, and the triple at Villa Padierna, there’s plenty to go at. Between all of these attractions, there is something for every age and ability, making a trip to Benahavis perfect for a multi-generational trip.
So, is Benahavis worth visiting? Undoubtedly, yes.
When is the Best Time to Visit Benahavis?
The most picturesque times to visit Benahavis are spring and early summer, when you can often see local deer and wildlife in the area without completely overheating in the scorching Spanish sunshine. But the famously dry and sunny weather in Benahavis means that temperatures are still sublime in autumn through to late October, so if you want to avoid the peak season for tourism, you’ve got several months to choose from.
Benahavis hosts various annual festivals and celebrations, with the standout being the summer feria. Starting in mid-August, the Benahavis Fair brightens up the town for about five days. It all kicks off with a warm welcome from the local mayor and key figures, who gather for a festive dinner, a lively parade, and the inauguration of the fairground.
Additionally, the patron saint festivities, held in early October to honour the Virgin del Rosario, span several days and are a significant part of the town’s cultural calendar. October 7th always sees the colourful Romería del Virgen del Rosario – a colourful parade of locals in costumes with plenty of dancing, food and drink.
Thanks to the scenery (and many villas having added features like indoor pools and spas), most villas make a perfect winter retreat. Being Benahavis, at Christmas the 3 Kings commandeer some seriously luxurious transport and visit the village by helicopter to give out sweets to the local children. It’s a very fun event to enjoy with your family!
Where to Stay in Benahavis
Benahavis itself is made up of several distinct areas. The administrative centre is located in Benahavis Pueblo (white village), but it’s probably best known for the security-gated private estates of La Zagaleta and El Madronal, as well as several other luxury developments.
Benahavis Pueblo has a couple of cute boutique hotels, such as the Amanhavis or Casa Ella, but most accommodation tends to be based in luxury apartments and villas. To enjoy this area to the full, a private villa in Benahavis feels like a home away from home.
Finca La Buena and Villa Jacques couldn’t be more different, but are two of our favourite villas in this affluent postcode. You can also find a suitably traditional Spanish villa to rent in our Character Collection.
If you need help searching for the ideal villa in Benahavis, get in touch with our expert team for help finding what you’re looking for.
The Best Things to Do in Benahavis
An advantage of staying in our private villas is that they offer everything you need whilst you’re here. But if you do want to venture out and explore the town, we’ve got plenty of recommendations for what to do in Benahavis.
The Best Restaurants in Benahavis
We couldn’t create a guide to Benahavis without mentioning the sublime culinary scene that this location is known for. If you are wondering where to eat in Benahavis, here are some of the LVC team’s favourites!
- Los Abanicos: Benahavis has a rich gastronomical history, and this traditional family-owned restaurant plays a starring role. Loved by locals and visitors alike, Los Abanicos serves up delicious, authentic dishes with a romantic atmosphere enhanced only by the impeccable service.
- Bodegon La Galeria: A firm favourite with the LVC team when it comes to Benahavis restaurants, this family-owned restaurant (which just recently relocated) is also a wine shop. If you value a terrific wine pairing with your meal, this is the place for you. Its cosy interior and charming terrace create a very welcoming ambience.
- Asador Tehuelche Grill Argentino: A memorable culinary adventure awaits meat-lovers here at Asador Tehuelche Grill Argentino. Located on the Benahavis road, you’ll find that this steakhouse is the perfect mix of rustic and traditional.
- Coto: Situated on the Ronda road by El Madronal, Coto is a complete rebuild of the old favourite El Coto roadside Venta, and a relative newcomer to the Benahavis restaurant scene. Breathtaking views are just one of the things that set this restaurant apart from the rest. Enjoy Mediterranean dishes with a contemporary twist by South African chef Clive RogersExpect to take your aperitif in the company of the odd Billionaire, as it’s the closest restaurant to La Zagaleta
In nearby San Pedro:
- El Ancla: Located in a secluded poolside setting, El Ancla is a family-oriented, beachfront venue that promises both a mouthwatering menu and a romantic yet refined atmosphere. The succulent sole cooked in salt is a must-try.
- Barbillon: This beautiful beach club offers guests a myriad of experiences with its beach club, pool and restaurant. The striking interior in Barbillion is only outdone by the delectable cuisine and relaxed beachy vibe.
- Nido: Situated closer to Estepona, Nido has a privileged beachfront location and palatial pool area. If it’s a chilled vibe and superb service you require, you won’t be disappointed
© Bodegon La Galeria Benahavis
Golf in Benahavis
As we’ve already touched upon, Benahavis is an incredibly popular Spanish destination amongst golf enthusiasts. Some of the best golf courses in Benahavis include the Marbella Golf Club resort, located up in the hills of the town. Designed by the renowned Dave Thomas, it prides itself on exceeding even the highest expectations, with a total length of 6,247m.
La Quinta Golf Resort attracts many leading golfers; the five-star venue promises a fresh Mediterranean Sea breeze with stunning views of the coastline. The 27-hole parkland was designed by former Ryder Cup player and three-time World Champion, Manuel Pinero.
The nearby Villa Padierna Golf Club is another five-star resort offering a picturesque sanctuary and fantastic golf. Play one of three courses: Los Flamingos, Tramores and Alferini.
Benahavis Nightlife
We’ve already discussed how you can spend your days in Benahavis. But what about when the sunsets, and you’re looking for the best spots for a pre or post-dinner drink?
- Coto: Sitting atop the popular Coto restaurant, you’ll find a chic cocktail bar that is perfect for evening drinks. The bar is elegant and trendy, and the cocktail menu rivals the culinary offering.
- Bodega LuJo: Delicious Spanish tapas and captivating cocktails are served with a smile at Bodega LuJo. The enchanting atmosphere is the icing on the cake.
- El Chico: The smallest bar in Benahavis serving up a range of Spanish wines, El Chico is somewhat of a landmark in this part of town. You might have to wait for a table here, but the live music and hot and cold tapas will keep you entertained.
Why not check out our Marbella nightlife guide for more ideas?
© Coto, El Madronal, Benahavis
Day Trips From Benahavis
Want to explore some more of the Costa del Sol? Benahavis is in the perfect location for spending a day visiting captivating Ronda, or the provincial capital, Malaga, with its historic centre, upmarket shops and galleries aplenty.
Ronda is easy to drive to under your own steam, just up the main A397, so it’s perfect if you wish to explore on your own timescale. We can also arrange a door-to-door guide to collect you, do the driving, then take you on a walking tour of the town, perhaps followed by a wine tasting and lunch in a family-owned bodega.
Benahavis has its own access to the AP7 Toll Road/Peaje, which makes it easy to visit Gibraltar, Malaga, or even Granada, Cadiz, Seville or Cordoba in a day. For a bespoke experience, consider private viewings and personalised tours, which our guest experience team would be happy to book for you, or we can even organise an overnight stay in one of the Andalucian cities, with a helicopter or jet transfer.
You can expand your mind closer to home as well, as Benahavis is home to beautiful art galleries and architecture. Discover the works of local and international artists at Arte by Leyton Fine Art Gallery, as well as the village’s own charming architecture.
A sightseeing highlight is the 10th-century Montemayor castle that overlooks the village, standing at 580m on top of a commanding pyramid hill. Local stories tell of underground passages leading to the coast, once used by Moorish troops.
Book a Luxury Home in Benahavis
Benahavis has so much to offer; incredible cuisine, spectacular scenery, and luxurious neighbourhoods that are home to some truly exceptional villas. With Marbella and Ronda close enough for a day trip, you can enjoy the best of Andalucia whilst also staying somewhere a little more laid-back and private, which is perfect if you want to relax whilst you’re away.
Take a look at our collection of villas in Benahavis & San Pedro de Alcantara to find more inspiration for your time in Spain, or get in touch with our team of Spanish travel experts to find out more about how we can help elevate your trip.
Lindsay Gregory
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