Benahavis

Benahavis village is situated between Marbella and Estepona in the foothills of the “Serrania de Ronda” at an altitude of approximately 150m above sea level and 7km from the beaches. It is one of the largest municipalities of the Malaga province and one of the richest villages in Spain. It can only be reached by one road, which is the reason it is such a secure and safe place. Only 40 years ago, it consisted of around 30 houses, but since then has seen a growth where there are around 2.000 inhabitants. The entire territory of Benahavis shows a total of around 6.700 inhabitants (2016), although plenty of foreigners have a second home without being registered at the town hall.

The village is well known on the Coast for its gastronomy and in summer we advise you to book a table as the village is packed in July and August with tourists coming up from the Costa del Sol.

Not to be missed

Thanks to its strategic location, Montemayor Castle became an important stronghold during the wars among the Taifa kingdoms of the former Al-Ándalus. The fortress was built in the tenth century and still retains some of the original walls, the Queen’s Tower, chambers and a water well. The spot also offers splendid panoramic views of the coast.

Benahavís also boasts several Arab watch towers which form a comprehensive defence system. La Leonera Tower, which controlled the access to the valley of the river Guadalmina, next to AlcuzcuzTramores and Daidín Towers are some of the towers still standing in the town.

Although it was built in the 16th century, Benahavís Palace clearly takes its inspiration from the Nasrid dynasty. The building has dark stone walls, a beautiful arcaded courtyard and a tower. Today it is home to the offices of the Town Hall.

The most significant piece of religious architecture in the town is Virgen del Rosario Church. Founded in the 18th century, it has undergone many renovations over the centuries. The present temple is a simple modern building with a single nave.

Local Fiestas

Benahavís Fair is the main event on the festive calendar of this town on the Western Costa del Sol. It is held in the middle of August and includes a variety of activities including a parade, evening festivities and the procession of the Virgen del Rosario. Two months later in October, the patron saint of the town is again in the limelight. This time in the Romería.

In Holy Week, two stewards and two stewardesses elected by the town demand and collect products from the municipal vegetable gardens. The curious booty is used to serve a multitudinous supper to which all the local residents are invited.

The same day, the figure of Jesus is placed in a small hut known as the Huerto del Niño, and next to this a tree from which a small figure of Judas is hung. The meeting of the Virgen del Rosario with her Son and the procession of both figures takes place on Easter Sunday, and is the most moving moment of Holy Week in Benahavís.

How to get there

Benahavís is about 80 kilometres from Málaga, and it will be about an hour’s drive. Take the AP-7 paid motorway towards the A-7 Mediterranean motorway and get off exit 181. Continuing on this motorway take the A-7175 until you get to Benahaví

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