Benahavis

Benahavis

Benahavis is a beautiful inland, whitewashed town in one of the most mountainous areas in the western Costa del Sol; as such it offers some of the most remarkable and picturesque views to be had. The town is typical of these Moorish routes, narrow and winding back streets ending in town squares. It has its origins in Al Andalus, the Moorish kingdom, which at its height covered almost the entire of the Iberian Peninsula. The area around Benahavis is prestigious, largely due to its proximity to the coastal resorts of Marbella and Puerto Banus. Benahavis' outlying area is home to nine golf courses and numerous restaurants, often cited as the dining room of the Costa del Sol. Benahavis is located inland midway between the costal towns of Estepona (20 kilometres) and Marbella (20 kilometres) near to the beautiful Sierra de las Nieves yet still close to the coast.

History
In the centre of the town there are a number of points of historic interest including the 18th century church Virgen del Rosario and a 16th century palace. Overlooking the town there is the Castle of Montemayor, built in the 10th century this castle was for many years an important strategic fortress playing an important role in battles between the Arab kings of Al Andalus. It proved an invaluable location for years to come having such a commanding view over the Mediterranean sea of up to a hundred kilometres of the seaboard and the African coast, which was significant in a time of invasions and piracy.

Natural surroundings
The town is surrounded by natural parkland filled with an abundance of flora and fauna. Anything from a gentle stroll to a rigorous hike in the neighboring areas will bring your senses alive.

Cuisine
If there is anything lacking in Benahavis it is not the choice of places to eat. The area has been dubbed as the dining room of the Costa del Sol, serving every pallet and wallet. Typical food in the area comprises seafood, rice and meats, especially pork. 

Also part of Benahavís municipality is La Zagaleta, considered the most exclusive residential urbanisation in Europe and located on the road from Marbella to Ronda  in the former sprawling luxury mountain estate of Saudi entrepreneur, arms dealer and Marbella socialite Adnan Khashoggi. Today, the privacy of La Zagaleta’s residents – and even visiting holidaymakers and guests – is fiercely guarded, to the extent that their identities rarely transcend the sphere of unsubstantiated rumours. All that can be assumed is that they include the crème de la crème of Europe’s cultural, sporting, political, business and aristocratic elite.

Golf
As with restaurants, there is no shortage of golfing options around Benahavis, with nine courses all nearby. There is a course to suit various skill levels including the professionals who often come to the area to play. The courses in the area are; Benahavis Golf Club, Los Arqueros Golf, Atalaya Golf, Los Flamingos Golf, Montemayor Golf, Marbella Club Golf, El Paraiso Golf, La Quinta Golf, La Zagaleta Golf.

Los Flamingos, one of the most exciting developments on Costa del Sol. Los Flamingos offers you a choice of nine fantastic developments nestled within a secluded valley, three golf courses overlooking the sea and just minutes away from the beach and Marbella. On the Los Flamingos Golf Resort you can also find the five star Villa Padierna Hotel. This exclusive hotel was recently voted the number one New Hotel in Europe and one of the 30 Leading Hotels of the World. With such titles, you can expect perfectly prepared food and drinks as well as outstanding service. From a refreshing drink after a game of golf to an elaborate dinner with family in the evening, Villa Padierna is keen to cater to your every need. And did we mention the gorgeous Spa? Let yourself be pampered after a day of shopping and you’ll be all fresh to enjoy the night. Even former president Obama's wife came for a holiday here.

Climate
Benahavis enjoys a sub-tropical Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and warm winters. Cooling breezes from the sea make the summer heat manageable, temperatures are an average of 32 ºC in summer.