Benahavís

Benahavís is a charming and picturesque village located in the province of Málaga,
in the autonomous region of Andalusia, southern Spain
It lies between Marbella, Estepona, and Ronda, and is known
for its natural beauty, luxurious lifestyle, and gastronomic traditions
With its rich history, lush green surroundings,
and high quality of life, Benahavís is a popular destination for both tourists and expats

HISTORY
The history of Benahavís dates back to the Moorish period
when the village was founded by the Arabs in the 11th century
The name “Benahavís” is derived from the Arabic “Ben al Havis,”
meaning “son of Havis,” referring to a Moorish prince
The village’s strategic location on a hill made it an important defensive point
The Montemayor Castle, built by the Moors, played a crucial role in the region’s history
After the Christian reconquest in the 15th century, Benahavís continued to develop
and today it is a prosperous community

POINTS OF INTEREST

Castillo de Montemayor
This castle, built in the 10th century,
offers a stunning view of the coastline and surrounding mountains
The castle still has some well-preserved towers and walls

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario
A charming 18th-century church
an important religious and historical monument in Benahavís

Plaza de España
The village’s central square
surrounded by traditional Andalusian houses
and a popular spot for both locals and visitors to relax and enjoy the atmosphere

NATURE AND RECREATION
Benahavís is surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty
and offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities

Parque Natural de la Sierra de las Nieves
A nearby nature reserve known for its impressive landscapes,
hiking trails, and rich biodiversity

Río Guadalmina
A beautiful river where you can hike,
swim, and picnic in a picturesque setting

Golf
Benahavís is famous for its world-class golf courses
including La Quinta, Los Arqueros, and Marbella Club Golf Resort
which attract golfers of all levels

CULTURE AND EVENTS

Feria de Benahavís
This annual village fair, usually held in August,
is an important cultural event with music, dancing, fairground attractions, and local food

Semana Santa
Holy Week in Benahavís is celebrated with traditional processions and religious ceremonies
that reflect the passion and devotion of the locals

Feria de San Isidro Labrador
A festival in honor of the patron saint of farmers
featuring colorful parades, music, and dancing

GASTRONOMY
Benahavís is known as the “dining room of the Costa del Sol”
due to its abundance of excellent restaurants serving traditional Andalusian cuisine
Some culinary specialties include:

Chivo a la Pastoril
Stewed goat, a local delicacy

Platos de Caza
Game dishes such as venison and wild boar, often prepared with local herbs and spices

Pescado Frito
Fresh fried fish, a typical dish along the Andalusian coast

Tapas
A variety of small dishes
ranging from seafood and olives to different types of ham and cheese