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Top 5 things to do in Benahavís

Explore the best of Benahavís, Spain’s wealthiest area, and enjoy the view of over 100km of coastline from its hilltops.

Written by Carolina Alaniz

· 11 min. read

Benahavís, a luxury destination surrounded by nature

Explore the best of Benahavís, a luxury destination just 15 minutes from Marbella, surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes and world-class amenities.

Benahavís– an extraordinary destination

Situated in the heart of the Costa del Sol, Benahavís covers an expansive area of around 145km²– seventy percent of which is classified as being of environmental interest, and is a gateway to the Sierra de las Nieves National Park. Positioned on the southern face of the Serranía de Ronda mountain range, its standout feature is its unique positioning – 10 minutes from the beach, yet surrounded by unspoiled mountainous landscapes. Crediting its sought-after vistas to its dramatic elevation (an average of 484m above sea level), you can see over 100 km of coastline, Gibraltar and parts of north Africa from its hilltops.

Aerial view of Benahavís
Aerial view of Benahavis

Economically remarkable, Benahavís has emerged as Spain's most affluent municipality. The region boasts an impressive array of world-class residential developments showcasing unparalleled design, as seen in La Quinta, El Madroñal, and La Zagaleta.

At the heart of this breathtaking landscape lies the tranquil and traditional Andalusian village of Benahavís, framed by towering cliffs and rolling green hills. This area appeals to those seeking luxury and tranquility, but who don’t want to feel too far away from it all. Just a short drive from Marbella, but offering no shortage of amenities of its own, here are the top 5 ways to spend your days in Benahavís:

Dining scene in Benahavís
Gastronomic scene in Benahavís

The dining scene

Benahavís has earned its reputation as the "dining room of the Costa del Sol," widely referred to as “La Sartén de Andalucía” (the frying pan of Andalucía). Being home to some of the finest restaurants in southern Spain, it boasts the highest concentration of top-quality restaurants in the whole region. Amongst many of its great eateries include:

Los Abanicos.

This family-run restaurant, now in its second generation, is a cherished fixture in the heart of Benahavís village. While the cozy interior exudes traditional charm, it's the alfresco dining area that draws visitors, with tables scattered across the historic cobblestone streets offering a quintessentially Spanish dining experience. The restaurant's reputation rests on both its impeccable service—delivered by a loyal, long-standing staff—and its exceptional cuisine. Their signature dish, the slow-cooked baby lamb shoulder, is masterfully prepared over several hours until the meat achieves a fall-off-the-bone tenderness. The salt-roasted sea bass is equally noteworthy. 

Coto Restaurante.

Situated on the Ronda road between the two entrances to the exclusive Coto La Zagaleta resort and across from the luxury residences of El Madroñal, the restaurant enjoys a peaceful countryside setting. The venue offers several distinct spaces, guests can enjoy the stunning roof terrace with panoramic views and a generous lower terrace complimented by a beautiful fountain feature amidst landscaped greenery. The menu meets high expectations, showcasing mainly rustic Andalusian cuisine with a refined gourmet twist, though you can also expect international favourites from Sushi to Sunday roast. Headed by Chef Patron Clive Rogers, who has a love for gamey foods–his personal favourite menu item being the Beef Fillet.

Coto Restaurante
Coto Restaurant

Alcuzcuz Gallery Restaurant.

A very well kept secret, this unique restaurant in Hotel Alcuzcuz is located along the Ronda road, just one minute before Coto Restaurante. Simply, yet authentically, decorated in a charming fusion of Andalusian-boho style, the breathtaking view of the coastline from its alfresco dining area makes this place seem like a scene straight out of a romance film. Though the real star is the menu, a lavish celebration of true Spanish cuisine. From their crowd favourite Wild Red Snapper “A La Bilbania” to their exquisitely presented Artichoke Flower starter and Acorn Fed Iberian Dewlap, there is no shortage of delicious options. 

Views from the top of Montemayor

2. Amazing hiking trails

For those who get a kick out of dramatic scenery, fresh water swimming and walks in nature- Benahavís is the perfect spot for year round adventuring. Offering some of the most spectacular hiking experiences in Andalucía, the geography, history and expansive views can be fully appreciated on these routes:

Montemayor Castle Hike.

Best enjoyed outside of the summer season, this is a challenging but rewarding trek with steep elevation that leads to the historic castle ruins at the mountain's peak (600 metres). The approximately 8-kilometre round trip offers breathtaking 360° views of the Costa del Sol and Gibraltar on clear days. The medieval castle ruins at the top provide a fascinating glimpse into the region's historical heritage, as it once played an important role in defending the coastline against attacks from the Barbary pirates and the invasion of the Christian Monarchs, until it surrendered in 1485.

Benahavís River Walk – Guided Canyoning Adventure.

A great spring and summer activity, due to the cold fresh mountain water from the Río Guadalmina. This river walk could be classified as “difficult” due to the swimming and clambering required. However, the natural pools can be experienced by everyone, even families with very young children are able to visit, due to its various points of access, and easy parking. Highly recommended are local experts such as Marbella Adventures, who conveniently cater for beginners and experienced hikers alike. This trail has it all: waterfalls, cliffs, pool plunges, natural water slides and rocky corridors that require you to swim through its meandering passages. For the daredevils, there are plenty of spots for abseiling and cliff jumping too.

Acequia del Guadalmina trail

Acequia del Guadalmina trail.

This 7.3 km circular route begins on the outskirts of Benahavís village, winding down into the valley alongside an ancient irrigation system. The trail combines varied terrain, featuring an impressive timber boardwalk and natural woodland paths. Strategic rest spots double as viewpoints, offering spectacular photo opportunities of the scenery and make great locations for a peaceful picnic. The presence of the Río Guadalmina and its crystal-clear lagoons adds another dimension to the experience—hikers can cool off with a refreshing swim, making this trail particularly appealing during summer months. Without stopping, the walk takes between 1.5 to 2 hours, making it an ideal morning activity (and a perfect excuse to have lunch in the village afterwards).

Views of La Concha mountain from a Golf Course on the Costa del Sol

3. World-Class Golfing

A world-class golfing destination, Benahavís boasts several top-tier golf courses and respective clubs that attract international enthusiasts from around the globe. The region's unique topography provides an ideal canvas for courses that test both skill and strategy. Amongst the top courses to try include:

Monte Mayor Golf Club.

A course designed to complement the natural mountainous terrain, offering stunning views and a sophisticated golfing experience. The course requires players to navigate narrow fairways and strategically placed hazards, each hole presents its own microclimate due to the varying elevations, making club selection particularly crucial. The signature 18th hole features a memorable 200-foot drop from tee to green, offering both a thrilling finish and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Los Arqueros Golf.

Designed by the legendary Severiano Ballesteros, this prestigious course is known for its exceptional layout and immaculate maintenance, reflecting its creator's innovative approach to golf architecture. Renowned for its distinctive "risk-reward" holes, where players must decide between aggressive and conservative play strategies. The front nine holes demand precise shot placement, while the back nine challenges players with more dramatic elevation changes.

La Quinta Golf & Country Club.

A championship-level course that combines technical challenge with breathtaking scenery. Comprising three nine-hole courses (A, B, and C), each with its own character.

  • Course A emphasises technical precision with well-guarded greens and strategic bunkering.
  • Course B features more dramatic elevation changes and requires careful course management.
  • Course C combines length with subtle breaks in the greens that test even professional players.
The pool at the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace

4.  Luxury mountain resort experiences

Besides the abundance of fresh, clean mountain air, nature trails, natural pools and the proximity to Marbella’s pristine beaches, Benahavís is also home to many highly rated treatment centres, Spa hotels, luxury health retreats and upscale gyms. There are several prestigious resorts that offer exceptional day experiences even for non-guests. Top places to enhance your health journey include:

Anantara Villa Padierna Palace.

This five-star palatial resort offers an exceptional 2,000 square metre spa experience in the Benahavís hills that border Marbella West. The spa features Roman baths, a sea salt Hammam, a floatarium, cold plunge pool, laconium, Greek and Finnish saunas as well as eight specialised thermal circuits. Their grandiose outdoor pool surrounded by roman statues and cypress trees is the perfect way to cool off in the summer months, whilst the indoor heated pool provides a sumptuous setting with natural light for the cooler months. Their signature treatments blend Mediterranean wellness traditions with modern luxury, including unique offerings like wine therapy treatments using local Ronda varieties. The resort's medical spa also provides cutting-edge aesthetic treatments and personalised wellness programs.  

The Gran Hotel Benahavís Spa.

This elegant retreat stands out with its comprehensive thermal circuit and specialised treatment rooms, offering traditional Arabic hammam experiences that pay homage to the village's Moorish heritage. The spa's thermal journey includes contrast pools, aromatherapy steam rooms, and a Himalayan salt cabin for respiratory wellness. Their signature treatments incorporate local ingredients like olive oil and orange blossom, with therapies including hot stone and couples' rituals. The hotel's panoramic pools and terraces provide stunning mountain views while you unwind, and their wellness program extends to mindfulness sessions in the gardens. The spa also features a state-of-the-art fitness center with personal training services and daily yoga classes on their sunrise terrace.

Benahavís Racquet Club.

This premium sports and wellness facility offers far more than its world-class tennis and padel courts set against the backdrop of the Sierra Blanca mountains. The club features a comprehensive wellness centre with hydrotherapy facilities, including a heated indoor pool with massage jets and a therapeutic cold plunge pool. Their sports recovery program includes specialised physiotherapy services, sports massage, and rehabilitation treatments designed for both amateur and professional athletes. The club's wellness offering extends to meditation classes, pilates studios, and a nutrition centre that provides personalised meal planning and wellness consultations.  

The castle ruins at the top of Montemayor

5. Explore the history of Benahavís

The story of Benahavís traces back to the 11th century during the height of Moorish influence in southern Spain. The settlement's name carries significant meaning - "Ben" meaning "son of" and "Havis" being the name of a Moorish prince, literally translating to "Son of Havis" (Ben al Havis), whose Father was an Arab King. The medieval castle ruins still stand atop Montemayor, a castle which is said to have been commissioned by the Arab King for his son. These hilltop remains serve as a testament to the region's strategic importance during the Reconquista.

Archaeological evidence suggests that Benahavís was part of a critical border region between Christian and Moorish territories, with the village playing a significant role in the cultural exchanges of the 13th and 14th centuries. The traditional architecture – characterised by narrow streets, low-built white houses with terracotta roofs, and intricate wrought-iron balconies – reflects the blend of Moorish and Spanish Christian design.

The local church, while relatively modern, stands on foundations that date back centuries, symbolising the continuous cultural narrative of the region. Visitors can explore the subtle historical markers throughout the village – from the stone masonry techniques to the layout of the streets that still follow medieval town planning principles.

Roundabout at the entrance to the residential area of Benahavís

Benahavís: a lifestyle destination

Whether you’re looking for a permanent residence or private retreat, an investment in Europe's most stable luxury market is a smart investment. For those who value private and peaceful living, Benahavís strikes an ideal balance between accessibility and exclusivity - just 10 minutes from the Mediterranean's pristine beaches and 15 minutes from the cosmopolitan energy of Marbella.

Discover your slice of paradise with Panorama.

To see the best properties on the market, check out our comprehensive list of homes for sale in Benahavís and surrounding areas on our website, or better yet, contact our sales team so we can help guide you to your dream home. We’d love to hear from you!

Written by
Carolina Alaniz - Support Team Director - Panorama
Carolina Alaniz Support Team Director

Ensures smooth operations at Panorama with unmatched organisation and enthusiasm.