Benahavís

The Ultimate Area Guide to Benahavís Property

Benahavís is a picturesque village which has become increasingly popular due to its traditional architecture, remarkable beauty, and luxury real estate – making Benahavís one of the most sought-after destinations for those looking to escape the sun-drenched Costa del Sol.

What’s more, the municipality of Benahavís stretches beyond the village limits into surrounding areas that boast some of the most expensive properties in Spain. With so much natural grandeur and luxury offerings available in one place, it is no wonder why people from all over flock to this magical corner of Spain.

Where is Benahavís?

Benahavís is nestled in the hills of Andalucía near Marbella, Málaga province. Its location is easily accessible, as it is just a short drive from San Pedro de Alcántara, Puerto Banús and nearby Marbella and Estepona.

It is straightforward to reach from Marbella via San Pedro and has the new infrastructure to cope with the regular visits by tourists and locals.

What can you expect in Benahavís?

Benahavís is well known for its incredible natural beauty, with lush green hills and winding rivers that run through the valley. Its striking landscape is dotted with olive groves and pine trees, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Benahavís is renowned for its local restaurants and tapas bars, offering a variety of classic Spanish dishes and a relaxed atmosphere.

The village is home to many activities and attractions, such as golf courses, spas, tennis courts, hiking trails, horseback riding and more. From hiking in the nearby Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park to playing golf at one of the many prestigious courses within the municipality, there is something for everyone here.

What are the best areas for property in Benahavís?

As Benahavís is a large municipality, it also encompasses La Zagaleta with its luxurious mansions and Country Club lifestyle. La Zagaleta is a gated residential community located within Benahavís—a paradise for those looking for ultra-security and absolute privacy. Its luxurious mansions surround lush greenery, overlooking incredible golf, mountain and sea views. It offers its residents unparalleled security, complete privacy, and some of the most exclusive amenities in Southern Spain.

El Madroñal is another exclusive neighbourhood within Benahavís that offers spectacular views from its hilltop location and consists of only multi-million-euro luxury villas surrounded by protected green areas.

La Alquería is a newer urbanisation of exclusive modern-style villas arranged around the golf course. Those who like the convenience of apartment living may prefer Capanes del Golf, exclusive apartments and penthouses boasting onsite facilities such as a heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi, gym and sauna.

There are many other areas in Benahavís that will provide potential buyers with beautiful properties that meet their criteria and offer a range of benefits for those looking for the perfect location to call home.

What type of properties are there in Benahavís?

Properties in the Benahavís area are as varied as they are beautiful. From luxury villas in the uber-luxe private estate of La Zagaleta and El Madroñal to golf properties, modern apartment complexes like Benatalaya and Marques de Atalaya, and all kinds of villas and apartments, there are properties to suit almost everyone’s needs.

Whether you’re looking for a villa or apartment, with its multiple property types, Benahavís can offer the perfect location and type of residence for those seeking a luxurious lifestyle. Properties come with many amenities like spas and pools and often beautiful views of the sea and nearby mountain ranges.

In addition, the region’s low-density housing policy allows for elegantly spaced-out residential areas that provide exclusivity and privacy to residents.

No matter which type of property you’re looking for in Benahavís, you will be sure to find something that meets your criteria.

How much does a luxury property cost in Benahavís?

Properties in the Benahavís area range from high-end luxury estates to more modest apartments, with prices varying significantly according to size and location. From the €500,000 mark for a two-bedroom apartment to well over €20 million for a large private villa estate. Properties near beaches and golf courses are always highly sought after, driving up prices as demand for them remains consistently high.

La Zagaleta is the most exclusive residential estate in Benahavís and has been named the most expensive real estate in Spain, and prices for properties here start at around €4 million. With two championship golf courses, an equestrian centre and a private country club with restaurants and a heliport, it is easy to see why La Zagaleta enjoys such status amongst International buyers looking for total security, privacy and luxury.

Benahavís is also home to El Madroñal, an exclusive private residential estate with 24-hour security Properties here start at around €2 + million for a villa, rising to over €8 million.

Things to do in Benahavís?

The original village consists of charming, cobbled streets lined with whitewashed walls adorned with colourful polka-dotted plant pots containing perennially blossoming flowers. It is a haven for artists and craftspeople, and there are art galleries featuring prominent local artists and artisan craft shops around every corner.

Village life is lively and participative, with the whole community coming together for festivals like the local Feria in August or the wonderfully spooky Halloween festivals. The summer season sees huge foam bubble parties for the children with water slides, and it’s a village that goes out of its way to entertain both residents and visitors.

The immense appeal of Benahavís is that it is immersed in nature. Every vista provides breath-taking views of the Serranía de Ronda mountain range in which it nestles. It’s often hard to believe that the glitz and glamour of life in the nearby coastal towns of Puerto Banús and Marbella are less than a 20-minute car ride away when faced with such majestic, awe-inspiring natural landscapes.

Numerous hiking trails take to the mountains, with many dog walkers making the circuit around the lake next to the village on the east side or, for the more adventurous, ‘canyoning’ is a pastime that is growing in popularity. Guided groups are taken along the rivers carved through these mountains, leaving boulders that have created profound, crystal-clear pools – heavenly to traverse in the heat of the summer. Not for the faint-hearted, the riverbed can get slippery with some climbing to be done, but for many, the jeopardy is the appeal!

The Costa del Sol is not nicknamed the Costa del Golf for nothing. Golf lovers are spoilt here, with one of the most prestigious courses in the region, Los Arqueros Golf, a short drive down from the village. Designed by golfing legend Seve Ballesteros, it is just one of the twelve top-class clubs, all within easy driving distance.

The village has padel courts and a sports centre offering basketball courts, tennis courts and football pitches. There’s even a bowling alley at just a five-minute drive down from the village at Bowling Los Arqueros.

What are the restaurants like in Benahavís?

Benahavís is known as the ‘dining room of the Costa del Sol’ – this gives an insight into the range and quality of dining options in this small village! It is the gastronomic heart (or should that be stomach?!) of the region, with a vast selection of restaurants and cuisines to select from.

Los Abanicos is a firm favourite, now in the second generation of ownership, serving dishes created from quality local ingredients. We recommend you try their lamb shoulder, and you won’t regret it! There are restaurants to suit all palates, including Thai and Indian, as well as tapas bars aplenty.

Is the area suitable for families?

There are few areas better than Benahavís for families with children regarding safety and security.

The wealth of sports lessons, fields and pitches provided by the town hall is bewildering in its breadth, and of course, there is always the beautiful Andalucian countryside to explore.

There is a State Primary School in the area, with a bilingual Spanish/ English private school a five-minute drive away, and Spanish, English, French and German schools within practicable travelling distance.