Benahavis AREA GUIDE & WALK-THROUGH by a Local Expert | Luxury Living, Golf & Gastronomy

If you’re looking for a location on the Costa del Sol that offers prestige, privacy, and pristine nature, look no further than Benahavís. Tucked away in the Andalusian mountains just minutes from Marbella, this extraordinary municipality blends luxury real estate, world-class golf, fine dining, and a charming village atmosphere 🌿✨

In this ultimate area guide, Kian from Hi Homes — a local expert on Costa del Sol real estate — takes us through the ins and outs of Benahavís: where to live, what to eat, what to do, and why so many international buyers are turning their attention to this unique part of Southern Spain.

Where Is Benahavís Located?

Benahavís is located in the province of Málaga, nestled between Marbella, Estepona, and Ronda. Though it feels remote and peaceful, it’s incredibly well connected:

• 🚗 10 minutes to Puerto Banús

• 🚗 15–20 minutes to Marbella

• 🚗 15 minutes to Estepona

While Benahavís doesn’t have a coastline, the nearest beaches are just 10 minutes away, making it an ideal balance between nature and seaside lifestyle 🌊

A Vast & Natural Municipality

Benahavís is one of the largest municipalities in Málaga — covering over 145 km². Nearly 50% of the land is green-zoned 🌱, meaning construction is limited, and nature is preserved.

This makes the area a haven for:

• Nature lovers

• Hikers

• Families looking for clean air and green surroundings

• Investors seeking limited-supply, high-value properties

With strict planning rules and abundant protected land, property in Benahavís holds its value exceptionally well 💶

The Best Areas in Benahavís

Benahavís isn’t just one village — it’s a collection of high-end residential communities scattered across hills and valleys. Here’s a breakdown of the top areas:

Benahavís Village
Traditional Andalusian charm with whitewashed buildings, narrow streets, and lively plazas 🏘️. With over 40 restaurants and a small population of around 7,000–9,000 people, the village is walkable, family-friendly, and full of character.

La Zagaleta
The most exclusive gated community in Europe 🔐. Ultra-luxury villas priced between €10–20 million, featuring private golf courses, heliport, top security, and absolute privacy.

El Madroñal
Neighboring La Zagaleta, this area offers similarly luxurious homes at a more accessible price point. Surrounded by pine trees and mountain views 🌲

La Quinta
A vibrant golf and wellness-focused urbanisation popular among international buyers and second-home owners 🏌️

Los Flamingos
Home to the 5-star Villa Padierna Palace Hotel and three championship golf courses. A top location for high-end buyers 🎯

Monte Mayor, Atalaya, Los Arqueros, and Capanes del Golf
These areas offer a mix of new developments, resale villas, and modern apartments, many with mountain, golf, and sea views 🌄

Benahavís: The Gastronomic Capital of the Costa del Sol

Benahavís is renowned as the culinary heart of the region, often called the “Gastronomic Capital of the Costa del Sol” 🍷🍽️. This is no exaggeration — the village is packed with over 40 restaurants, each offering a unique spin on Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine.

Top picks include:

• Amanhavis – Boutique hotel and high-end dining

• Los Abanicos – A village favorite serving traditional Andalusian dishes

• Las Escaleras de Balthazar – Upscale fusion with unforgettable views

• Bodeguita El Chico – A cozy spot for tapas and local wines

Whether you’re enjoying a candlelit dinner or a lazy Sunday lunch, Benahavís is a foodie’s paradise 😋

Golf Courses Galore

Golf enthusiasts will be in heaven here ⛳. Benahavís is home to some of the best golf courses in Spain, including:

• La Zagaleta Golf Courses (private, members-only)

• Villa Padierna Golf Club (3 courses)

• La Quinta Golf & Country Club

• Los Arqueros Golf

• Capanes Golf

• El Higueral Golf – Great for casual players and families

Many of these courses are surrounded by luxury developments, making Benahavís a top choice for golf property investment.

Outdoor Lifestyle & Sports

Benahavís is not just for golfers or fine diners — it’s a paradise for outdoor lovers 🧗🚴. Some highlights include:

• River walks: Family-friendly routes where you can swim, climb, or walk through the canyon

• Hiking trails: Explore the Sierra de las Nieves and the surrounding mountains

• Horse riding & mountain biking: Well-established facilities in the area

• Public sports facilities: Football, padel, and a local gym within the village

Thanks to its green zoning and mountainous terrain, Benahavís supports a healthy, active lifestyle year-round 🌞

Who Is Benahavís For?

Benahavís attracts a wide range of residents and buyers, including:

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families: Safe environment, excellent international schools nearby

• 👴 Retirees: Peaceful, scenic, and well-connected to medical care

• 💻 Digital nomads: Fast internet, modern homes, and tranquility

• ⛳ Golfers & luxury seekers: Elite golf estates and ultra-private villas

• 🌲 Nature lovers: Abundant trails and green surroundings

The quality of life is unmatched — calm, secure, and full of opportunities to relax or explore.

Investment Potential

With its limited development space, high demand, and stable property values, Benahavís offers excellent investment potential 📈. New luxury developments continue to attract foreign buyers, especially from:

• The UK

• Belgium

• Scandinavia

• The Netherlands

• Germany

Thanks to the low supply of land and strong local governance, Benahavís properties tend to appreciate steadily, especially in gated communities with views, golf access, or villa permits.

Watch the Full Benahavís Video Tour

To truly understand the magic of Benahavís, you have to see it for yourself 📽️. Kian from Hi Homes brings the village and its surrounding areas to life in this 4K walk-through:

👉 Watch now: Benahavís | ULTIMATE AREA GUIDE & WALK-THROUGH by a Local Expert

Thinking About Buying in Benahavís?

At Hi Homes, we specialize in new developments, resale luxury villas, and investment properties across the Costa del Sol — including all key areas of Benahavís.

📩 Contact us today to schedule a consultation or property tour. Whether you’re buying, investing, or relocating, we’re here to help you make the most of what Benahavís has to offer.

Contact Hi Homes:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: +34 951 084 264
💬 WhatsApp: +34 645 58 60 63
🌐 Visit: www.hihomes.es