Where is Benahavis?
Benahavis is situated a little under 40 miles to the west of Malaga on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol. Just 7 kilometres inland from Guadalmina, it is reached by a drive through the stunning scenery of the rio Guadalmina gorge.
What kind of place is Benahavis?
Originally a Moorish fortification, Benahavis is an extremely pretty, although expanding Andalucian village featuring whitewashed buildings, rustic styled luxury hotels and the best selection of restaurants in the whole of the Costa del Sol. Many of its picturesque streets are narrow and winding and can only be negotiated on foot, but its charm and beauty are such that nothing less than a relaxing stroll would be appropriate to savour its delights.
It is because of its wonderful location and compelling atmosphere that many expatriates have made Benahavis and its surrounding area their home. On the drive from the village towards the town of Ronda can be seen multi-million pound villas on vast plots and with gated entrances dotted about the valley.
What is there to do and see in Benahavis?
As this small village claims to be the culinary capital of the Costa del Sol, the first mention has to go to its restaurants. It is not just the visitors who stay in Benahavis who choose to eat here, but natives and tourists from far and wide make the journey especially to experience the delights of the many restaurants which have earned the village its title.
Lunchtimes and evenings see diners venturing into the village, where they have a choice of a range of fairly expensive establishments offering haute cuisine, or can take the less pricey option of eating at one of the excellent local tapas bars, or even a small pizzeria.
The other thing for which Benahavis is renowned is art. Not only is the village home to a number of artists and craftspeople, but its streets are lined with galleries and jewellery and antique shops. Practically a village in itself, and certainly a work of art in its own right, La Aldea is a courtyard surrounded by craft and antique shops in true Andalucian style and was the creation of the British sculptor, David Marshall, whose own gallery is one of the main attractions.
What is there to do and see in the area generally?
Whilst it might feel like a bit of wrench to leave this picture postcard village, there is plenty more to see and do in the area surrounding Benahavis.
With one golf course right on the doorstep, and numerous others within easy reach, fans of the sport can indulge their hobby whilst walking off the effects of the delicious local cuisine.
For those who enjoy the walk but without the competitive edge, the hike up to the 11th century Castillo de Monte Mayor will lead you past some rare botanical specimens, as well as affording you a view over more than a hundred kilometres of coastline.
Should you yearn for the attractions of a large resort, Puerto Banus and Marbella are only minutes’ drive away.