

Benahavís Area Guide
· 11 min. read · by Manuel Dávila
Benahavís is a beautiful village close to Marbella that extends into the mountains of the Costa del Sol. In addition to its Andalusian-style urban nucleus, the municipality is an extensive natural area full of mountains and beautiful valleys. It is a green paradise with high views towards the Mediterranean. It is a peaceful place, far from aggressive tourism. In addition, the most spectacular villas of the Costa del Sol are located in this area. It is a place to live in luxury in the middle of nature.
- Table of contents
- Where is Benahavís?
- Why choose Benahavís as a place to live or invest?
- What types of properties can I find in Benahavís?
- Does Benahavís have sea views?
- What is the environment and landscape like in Benahavís?
- What is the connectivity and accessibility like in Benahavís?
- What services and amenities are in Benahavís?
- Best restaurants in Benahavís
- What international schools are in or near Benahavís?
- What else can I do in Benahavís and its surroundings?
- Is Benahavís safe to live in?
- Is La Zagaleta part of Benahavís?
- Our top Reason to choose Benahavís:
Where is Benahavís?
Benahavís is a mountain village in the province of Málaga with a privileged location. It belongs to the so-called Western Costa del Sol and is located 7 kilometres away from the beaches of San Pedro de Alcántara. It is nested in the foothills of the Sierra de las Nieves and neighbours Marbella, Estepona, Istán and some small villages in the Serranía de Ronda.
It is a location of great natural beauty. Particularly noteworthy is the area known as Cañón de Las Angosturas, which has formed over the years as the river Guadalmina flows through the mountains. It is a village that is full of vegetation and greenery thanks to these waters.

Why choose Benahavís as a place to live or invest?
- It has the most luxurious villas, of the largest dimensions and with the most stunning dream finishes on the entire Costa del Sol.
- The natural surroundings are enviable, filled with mountains, valleys, rivers, and trails for hiking, biking, or simply walking.
- It features some of the highest class golf courses on the Costa del Sol, with select member clubs.
- It is an area of very exclusive property owners. In fact, in some developments, the suitability of a potential neighbour is questioned as a prerequisite for buying a property.
- Benahavís is a safe, quiet village, very suitable for families, and charming for residential living.
- The properties offer spectacular views—some of the Mediterranean Sea, others of the golf courses, and some of the beautiful natural surroundings. Some properties feature all these elements at once.
- Benahavís Pueblo (Village) is just 20 minutes from Puerto Banús and 25 minutes from Marbella.
- The local gastronomy is highly valued on the Costa del Sol, with mountain and maritime dishes in the Spanish restaurants, and a varied offer of international restaurants.
- Foreign residents make up the majority of the population, interestingly, compared to nationals, accounting for over 60%.
- This municipality has one of the highest per capita incomes in Spain, due to the high purchasing power of its residents.
What types of properties can I find in Benahavís?
The urban development of Benahavís has been carefully planned, always respecting its spectacular natural surroundings. The developers have managed to preserve the charm of this privileged location, prioritising the views of the Mediterranean and maintaining the essence of Andalusian architecture.
The new properties in the area perfectly combine tradition with modernity. Many of them are inspired by traditional architecture, with a contemporary approach featuring large windows, avant-garde interiors and high-quality finishes. However, it is also possible to find buildings with more modern designs, in line with the latest architectural trends.
In addition to the exclusive La Zagaleta, Benahavís offers other high-end developments, such as El Madroñal, Los Flamingos, El Herrojo, Reserva de Alcuzcuz, Los Arqueros, Puerto de Los Almendros and La Quinta, all of which are surrounded by nature and have a unique appeal.

Does Benahavís have sea views?
Benahavís does not have direct access to the sea, as it is an inland village, located in the hills of the Sierra de las Nieves. Nevertheless, many of the developments and villas in Benahavís offer stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea due to their elevation and location. In addition, the distance to the coast is relatively short, allowing to enjoy the proximity to the beaches of the Costa del Sol, such as those of Estepona and Marbella.
What is the environment and landscape like in Benahavís?
Benahavís achieves a harmonious combination of the traditional and the modern. On the one hand, its urban nucleus retains the charm of a typical Andalusian whitewashed village, with Moorish-influenced streets that evoke times gone by. On the other hand, its urban evolution has given rise to first-class facilities, such as five-star hotels and world-class golf courses. Proof of this is that it is home to the most exclusive development in Europe: La Zagaleta.
Benahavís achieves a harmonious combination of the traditional and the modern. On the one hand, its urban nucleus retains the charm of a typical Andalusian whitewashed village, with Moorish-influenced streets that evoke times gone by. On the other hand, its urban evolution has given rise to first-class facilities, such as five-star hotels and world-class golf courses. Proof of this is that it is home to the most exclusive development in Europe: La Zagaleta.
What is the connectivity and accessibility like in Benahavís?
It is twenty minutes away from the coast and one hour from Malaga International Airport. It enjoys proximity to the AP7 motorway and the Mediterranean motorway which connects it easily to any point on the Costa del Sol.
What services and amenities are in Benahavís?
Benahavís has a small urban nucleus with family-run shops. If you want to buy vegetables, meat, bread or sweets, you will find some shops for day to day shopping. There are also a couple of large supermarkets in the area. However, if you are looking for a wider variety of products, we recommend that you go to the neighbouring town of Marbella.
Supermarkets:
- Shops in the town centre
- Carrefour Express
Fashion and decoration shops:
The two shopping centres nearest to Benahavís are in Puerto Banús: El Corte Inglés and Marina Banús. They are only about 15 minutes away by car and offer on-site parking. You can also drive from Benahavís to Centro Plaza in Nueva Andalucía or La Colonia in San Pedro de Alcántara. Both are at a safe distance from the village. Well connected, but 25 minutes away, is the popular shopping centre La Cañada in Marbella. It has the advantage of being the largest multi-brand shopping centre in the area.
Health centres and pharmacies:
- Benahavís CB Pharmacy
Best restaurants in Benahavís
Benahavís stands out as a true gastronomic enclave on the Costa del Sol, officially recognised as a village of special interest for its culinary offer. It combines the rich traditions of a mountain village with the freshness of seafood dishes, thanks to its proximity to the coast.
Most of the restaurants are concentrated in the village centre, where the atmosphere becomes vibrant, especially at night.
A short drive from the centre, we found our favourite restaurant: El Arbonauta, located in La Zagaleta. This gourmet restaurant, with a ‘travelling cuisine’ philosophy, offers a carefully selected wine list and pays special attention to every detail of service.
For a more local experience, but without sacrificing quality, we recommend the restaurants in the village centre, such as Los Abanicos, El Guarda 1926, Restaurante Amigos and La Terraza de Benahavís.
What international schools are in or near Benahavís?
The rest of the schools in the area are located in Estepona, San Pedro and Marbella. Estepona, for example, has such institutions as Mayfair Academy, Colegio Concertado (public-private school) San José and the Swedish school Svenka Skolan.
In San Pedro, Laude International College and Saint George's School, among others, stand out. Marbella offers a wide variety of international schooling options. For more information about the best schools on the Costa del Sol, we invite you to visit our blog.
What else can I do in Benahavís and its surroundings?
We cannot overlook the fact that Benahavís is a true paradise for golf lovers, home to some of the most prestigious courses in Spain, such as Villapadierna, La Zagaleta and La Quinta. In our golf section, you will find a detailed description of this varied offer.
Although Benahavís is known for its tranquility as a typical Andalusian village, it also enjoys a vibrant life. The locals organize an annual calendar of events, many of them aimed at children. Traditional celebrations such as the Andalusian Fair, Easter and Christmas activities adorn the calendar. A popular street market is held every Saturday at the entrance to the village, attracting residents and visitors alike.
Benahavís is nature at its purest, offering a wide range of outdoor activities. Hiking, canyoning, fishing and mountain biking are some of the options available, with routes for all levels. Do not miss the ‘Charco (pond) de las Mozas’, the ‘Cañón (canyon) de las Angosturas’, the ‘Embalse (dam) de La Leche’, the ‘Ruta de las Libélulas’ and the ‘Acequia (ditch) de Guadalmina’.
In addition, classic sports, such as football, paddle tennis, swimming and handball, can be played, thanks to the facilities of the sports centre and of the municipal swimming pool. Residents of La Zagaleta can also enjoy its Equestrian Centre, and those living in luxury residential communities are likely to have access to gym, spa and/or fitness facilities.
Is Benahavís safe to live in?
Benahavís is home to numerous gated communities with 24-hour security, but the safest, without a doubt, is La Zagaleta. It has security at all entrances and, to visit any of the residents, you need to notify the central control and be on the guest list to be able to access. In addition to La Zagaleta, there are many other areas in Benahavís with high levels of security. This makes it one of the safest areas to live in on the Costa del Sol.

Is La Zagaleta part of Benahavís?
Within the beautiful municipality of Benahavís lies Europe's jewel of luxury developments. Buying a villa in this area means accessing residential excellence. We are referring to the well-known La Zagaleta.
It is an amazing residential area in terms of its concept, with dazzling villas. It can boast exclusivity, security, privacy and ultra-prime services. It also benefits from its proximity to Puerto Banús and Marbella, with their glamour and cosmopolitan flair, but from a safe distance, allowing it to remain a haven of serenity.
Its origins date back to the 1990s. The founders of the project bought a single property that was gigantic, 900 hectares in size. The idea was to build a complex of villas in absolute harmony with the beautiful nature of Benahavís. Today in La Zagaleta there are just over 230 villas that are unrivalled. They stand out for their views, comfort, beauty, architectural specifications, community services, sporting options... and the category of their residents.
To find out more about La Zagaleta you can continue reading our Area Guide of La Zagaleta.
Our top Reason to choose Benahavís:
- Peaceful, yet close to everything: Enjoy a tranquil, natural setting, without giving up the convenience of having services and attractions nearby.
- Easy access to motorways. Located just 10-15 minutes away from Marbella and Estepona, with quick access to major motorways.
- Close to the best beaches : Only a short drive to some of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa del Sol, perfect to enjoy the sun and the sea.
- Surrounded by golf courses: The area is home to several nearby golf courses, ideal for golf lovers.
- Walking trails and outdoor activities: Plenty of trails for exploring nature and enjoying outdoor activities.
- Unbeatable value for money: Larger and more affordable villas compared to other areas on the Costa del Sol.
- Strong future potential: The area is developing rapidly, with projects like Real de la Quinta that add value to the investment.
Properties in Benahavís


Villa with stunning open views of the sea and mountains, Los Flamingos, Benahavís
€7,995,000 Los Flamingos



Impressive newly built villa in the Monte Halcones area, Benahavís
€9,600,000 Monte Halcones

Penthouse completely renovated with open sea views in Benahavís
€1,950,000 Monte Halcones

Exclusive apartment in a prestigious gated community in Benahavís
€999,000 Benahavis

Spectacular design villa that blends with nature, offering expansive sea views in Benahavís
€10,800,000 El Madroñal

Sky villa penthouse with breathtaking views in Benahavís
€2,900,000 Benahavis

Villa with beautiful panoramic sea views in El Paraiso Alto, Benahavís
€2,325,000 Paraiso Alto

Magnificent newly built villa with open and panoramic views to the sea in Los Flamingos, Benahavís
€5,750,000 Los Flamingos

Incredible contemporary villa in El Herrojo Alto, Benahavís
€6,500,000 El Herrojo


Penthouse in a privileged setting with panoramic views of the sea and golf course in Los Flamingos, Benahavís
€975,000 Acosta los Flamingos

Modern villa with Mediterranean elegance in Los Arqueros, Benahavís
€5,795,000 Los Arqueros

Unique apartment with open and panoramic views in Marbella Club Hills, Benahavís
€1,090,000 Marbella Club Hills

Magnificent villa with panoramic views in La Quinta in a gated and private community
€5,750,000 La Quinta

Villa with open panoramic views to the sea, in Real de La Quinta
€6,995,000 Real de La Quinta



Exclusive villa in Los Flamingos with stunning sea views
€6,200,000 Los Flamingos

Lavish curved mansion in Europe's most exclusive residential estate, La Zagaleta
€30,000,000 La Zagaleta

Single floor sky villa in a prestigious community with unrivalled views in Benahavís
€2,400,000 Benahavis


Modern style villa with beautiful sea views surrounded by renowned golf courses in Los Flamingos
€3,650,000 Los Flamingos


Charming Mediterranean Andalusian style villa in frontline golf in La Quinta
€2,950,000 La Quinta

Modern newly built villa with panoramic views in La Quinta
€4,950,000 Lomas de La Quinta


Luxurious apartment with private garden and pool in gated community in Benahavís
€1,299,000 Benahavis



Unique villa combining elegance and harmony in the natural surroundings of Benahavís
€9,495,000 La Quinta

Villa of Andalusian charm and sophistication in El Paraiso
Sold Altos del Paraiso

Villa with breathtaking sea and mountain views, on the front line of golf, La Zagaleta
€8,950,000 La Zagaleta


Scandinavian refinement in the heart of Benahavís
Sold La Quinta Hills

Spectacular family villa in the exclusive community of Los Flamingos
€6,995,000 Los Flamingos

Luxurious apartment in a brand new complex with own swimming pool in El Madroñal
€1,495,000 El Madroñal

Exclusive villa fusing luxury and nature in a natural setting in La Quinta
€6,495,000 La Quinta


Luxury dreamy penthouse with marvellous views in Buenavista, Benahavís
€1,495,000 Buenavista

Breathtaking villa with astonishing panoramic views, Benahavís
€8,295,000 La Quinta

Exclusive villa in La Quinta, a masterpiece of modern architecture
€10,700,000 La Quinta






Magnificent traditional Andalusian style villa in the heart of the Marbella Club Golf Resort, Benahavís
Sold Marbella Club Golf Resort

Majestic villa inspired by the traditional Spanish farmhouses in El Madroñal
€2,250,000 El Madroñal






Exquisite luxury villa with panoramic views in El Herrojo Alto, La Quinta, Benahavís
€7,500,000 El Herrojo


Splendorous Mediterranean style luxury villa with panoramic views in El Herrojo, Benahavís
€10,900,000 El Herrojo

Sophisticated and private villa in the heart of La Quinta
Sold La Quinta

Beautiful villa in Mediterranean-Nordic style with spectacular sea views
€7,990,000 Under offer La Zagaleta

Ultra-luxury villa in Benahavís based on Lamborghini design
€9,304,707 Benahavis

First class apartment close to the Marbella Club Golf Resort
€995,000 Marbella Club Hills

Classic beauty and comfort in a villa in the mountains of La Zagaleta
€5,850,000 La Zagaleta

Renovated villa in the prestigious La Zagaleta development
€14,900,000 Under offer La Zagaleta

Lovely Apartment on the hills of Benahavis
€810,000 Marbella Club Hills

New Upcoming Penthouse on the hills of Benahavis
€1,250,000 Marbella Club Hills

Wonderful luxury villa in the countryside with Andalusian flair
Price on Application El Madroñal

Ground Floor Duplex on the hills of Benahavis
€1,095,000 Marbella Club Hills

Luxury eco-friendly villa with sea views in Benahavis
€9,750,000 Monte Mayor

Villa with sea views and beautiful greenery in El Madroñal
Sold El Madroñal

Huge family home in privileged residential area of La Zagaleta
€9,900,000 La Zagaleta

Very modern mansion, built on one level, in Marbella Club Golf
Sold Marbella Club Golf Resort

Innovative Villa in Benahavis imitating the fascinating lines of Lamborghini
€8,096,900 Benahavis

Large luxury villa in an exclusive development in Benahavis
€8,506,560 Benahavis

A luxury retreat in the mountains of Benahavís with sea views
€11,600,000 La Zagaleta

Well located villa with breathtaking golf views in Los Flamingos Golf
€3,500,000 Los Flamingos Golf

Timeless Mansion in Vega Colorado, Benahavis
Sold Vega del Colorado

Project for front line golf villas in the surroundings of the Villa Padierna Hotel
€5,500,000 Los Flamingos Golf

Sustainable Luxury Villa, Real de la Quinta, Benahavís
€7,295,000 Real de La Quinta

Beautiful villa with sweeping views in La Alquería, BehahavIs
€3,500,000 La Alqueria

Amazing Luxury Villa, Real de la Quinta, Benahavís
€6,895,000 Real de La Quinta

Exclusive Luxury Villa, Real de la Quinta, Benahavís
€6,395,000 Real de La Quinta

Modern Luxury Villa, Real de la Quinta, Benahavís
€6,995,000 Real de La Quinta

Design Villa in La Zagaleta, Benahavís
€9,400,000 Under offer La Zagaleta

Beautiful Colonial styled Villa in La Zagaleta, Benahavís
€11,800,000 La Zagaleta

Modern luxury Villa in La Alquería, Benahavís
Sold La Alqueria

Magnificent Ecological Villa in Benahavís
€1,890,000 La Alqueria