Benahavís

Costa del Sol

Living in Benahavís: lifestyle, benefits, and what to do

Benahavís is a natural paradise of beautiful green valleys, boasting stunning architecture that rises impressively above the Costa del Sol. This location is one of the most coveted in the world, and it’s no wonder—living there is a true marvel. Situated in the Serranía de Ronda, very close to some of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol, Benahavís has a large, excellently managed, and well-preserved municipal area. It is notable for having some of the most exclusive urbanizations and mansions in the world, as well as the most luxurious clubs and golf courses. 

Privacy, a paradisiacal natural environment, top-tier restaurants, and golf courses—Benahavís has it all and stands out for offering its residents a lavish lifestyle that only a few fortunate individuals can access.

Where is Benahavís?

Benahavís is located in a valley between hills, very close to Marbella. It is easily accessible from San Pedro de Alcántara, Puerto Banús, Marbella, and Estepona. Three rivers from the Serranía de Ronda flow through the municipality and into the Mediterranean: the Guadalmina, the Guadalmansa, and the Gaudaiza rivers. 

Benahavís offers some of the most spectacular views on the Costa del Sol and runs through a narrow gorge formed by the Guadalmina River, which opens up as it reaches the village, surrounded by rocky granite and marble terrains. Most of the municipality, covered with olive trees and Mediterranean vegetation, is home to abundant wildlife, such as mountain goats, deer, reptiles, fish, and insects.

Things to Do in Benahavís

This area of the Costa del Sol offers an innumerable list of activities for people of all ages, both children and adults:

  • Stroll through its cobbled streets with whitewashed walls and colorful flower pots.
  • Enjoy the art galleries and local craft shops that abound in the municipality, a favorite place for artists.
  • Take one of its many hiking trails that cross the surrounding nature. Most can be done on foot and by mountain bike.
  • Play golf. There are 12 top-level golf courses in the locality, famous worldwide. Some of the most prestigious are La Quinta, Los Arqueros, or Marbella Club Golf Resort.
  • Practice sports. Benahavís has first-class sports facilities, with a football field, paddle tennis courts, and more.
  • Go bowling in Los Arqueros.
  • Indulge in an exclusive culinary experience at one of its restaurants (the lamb shoulder cooked in Benahavís is a particularly popular delicacy!).

Advantages of Living in Benahavís

Residing in Benahavís, whether permanently or temporarily, is synonymous with an enviable lifestyle, a tranquil and exclusive life in a natural environment like few others in Spain. This Costa del Sol locality is a must-be. Here are some of the advantages of living in Benahavís:

A privileged location

Located to the south of the Serranía de Ronda, only 7 km from the beach, Benahavís allows you to enjoy nature and the nearby coast.

Excellent services

Hotels, sports facilities, spas, and shops. Well connected to Marbella, Estepona, and Málaga, with the airport just 40 minutes away.

Golf

Home to 12 renowned golf courses, such as La Quinta Golf & Country Club and Marbella Club Golf Resort, it is ideal for golf lovers.

Lower taxes

The property tax (IBI) is significantly lower compared to other municipalities, reducing the cost of home ownership.

Schools

A wide educational offering with institutions like CEIP Daidín and Colegio Atalaya, offering bilingual education from preschool to high school.

Security and privacy

Video cameras on major roads and numerous gated communities ensure 24/7 surveillance.

Nature

With three rivers (Guadalmina, Guadalmansa, and Gaudaiza) and a green and fertile landscape, Benahavís offers spectacular views of the Costa del Sol.

Exclusivity

It is one of the most expensive municipalities in Spain, with luxury being the air that is breathed in the locality.

Historical heritage

Including Montemayor Castle and several ancient towers, ideal for family excursions.

Gastronomy

This area of Marbella is renowned for its high-quality restaurants, offering a variety of international cuisines in a picturesque and charming setting. Benahavís is known as the “dining room of the Costa del Sol.

Notable Areas in Benahavís

Los Flamingos

Los Flamingos Golf Resort is a paradise for golf lovers, a luxurious and elegant country club located on the Costa del Sol. This exclusive urbanization is surrounded by lush vegetation and three 18-hole golf courses. It also features the five-star facilities of the luxurious Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Hotel.
Among its attractions are exquisite dining options, an award-winning spa, and a specialized golf academy. The beaches and the charming town of San Pedro de Alcántara, offering shops, restaurants, and various leisure and sports activities, are just five minutes away. Properties in Los Flamingos, situated on hillsides and facing south and southeast, guarantee privacy and spectacular views of the sea, mountains, and even the horizon of Gibraltar and North Africa, making this place an exceptional destination for those seeking exclusivity and beauty in a golf environment.

El Madroñal

El Madroñal offers a peaceful countryside life, yet just 20 minutes from Marbella and close to La Zagaleta and La Heredia. This exclusive urbanization of luxury villas ensures maximum privacy with its six controlled access points and 24-hour surveillance. Originally owned by wealthy families and nobles, El Madroñal covers 223 hectares of pine and cork oak forests, providing a natural and exclusive retreat 400 meters above sea level with impressive views of the coast.

Imposing 4 bedroom frontline golf villa is a masterclass in understated elegance and style

This imposing modern villa serenely stands at the end of a tranquil cul de sac, claiming its frontline place on the very edge of one of the best golf courses on the coast. Southwesterly facing, this residence claims it right to enjoy unobstructed views down across the golf valley, over the majestic mountain ranges that frame this valley and out and across the Mediterranean Sea, reaching as far at the North African coastline, home to the Atlas Mountains. Sprawling over 3 expansive levels reaching 750 m2 and on plot of 1149 m2, this property is a masterclass in elegance, sophisticated style and flair. Entering this residence gives a rush of excitement as you approach the vast wooden front door neatly sat between two imposing pillars. On the inside the property throws itself open to its guests and draws you into the open plan living and dining room. Hugely illuminated by large windows and doors on the far side that open out onto the main terrace and pool area, this space is multifaceted, with two sofa areas. Exquisitely dressed in soft plush furnishings in a neutral palette that matches that of the adjacent dining area, the effect is calming and inviting, at every turn the unparalleled views mesmerize. The semi open plan kitchen sits nearby, sleek and uniform with its pristine mix of stainless steel and wood. The island unit takes centre stage, offering seating at a bar that overlooks the culinary stage. A plethora of cupboard space and countertop area bring the utilitarian aspect to the fore, while Siemens appliances and double ovens make their mark on the overall effect. Further around on the same floor is the first of 4 aristocratic and classic bedrooms. Opening out onto the ground floor terrace and perfectly manicured gardens, this bedroom is simplistic chic, with delicate shades of cream and ecru lighting up the space. Its ensuite bathroom is polished and smooth with its delicate marble and clean white fittings. Ascending to the first floor and along a stunning gallery that reveals views across the mountains at the rear of the property, there are 3 further bedrooms. A twin room opens up to reveal itself, dressed in gentle neutrals interspersed with warm blue tones, almost reflecting the blue of the sky seen through the large terrace windows that open out onto a private terrace. The ensuite shower room is replete with its floor to ceiling neutral shaded tiles and streamlined fittings. The master suite is resplendent with its high reaching ceilings creating a palatial space above, crowning the emperor sized bed below. Supremely decorated in pale shades of alabaster and ivory, this suite opens out onto an extravagant private terrace that looks out across the views of the valley and Mediterranean, all seemingly limitless and far below. The ensuite bathroom is a lesson in luxury and tranquility, offering a glass surrounded walk in shower, dual sinks and a captivating bath that looks out across the countryside. A further bedroom offers its residents a king size bed to relax in. Again with its own private terrace showing incredible views, this haven is dressed in imperial magenta tones and gold flourishes. Its ensuite bathroom entices its guests in to reveal a stunningly polished bathtub with far reaching views and glistening modern double sinks. The lower level of the house is a hidden jewel in this property crown with a plush television room offering cozy sofas to recline into, a games area complete with a pool table for the gamers, and huge amounts of storage space. A bodega and wine cellar is found nearby tempting guests with its finest wines and a guest bathroom and utility kitchen completes the offerings on this floor. The gardens are immaculate, mature and captivating as they stretch out and around the property. Striking terrace tiling surrounds the pool and merges alongside the manicured lawn. Punctuated along the far side are immense palm trees and on one side Buddha take prime spot on a rockery, offering tranquility and enlightenment. The main terrace offers various sofa seating areas to chill out on whilst on the far end an alfresco dining area is kept company by a glassed-in fully built barbecue and kitchen area. Set underneath a semi covered terrace this has to be a most magical spot in which to dine and watch the sun retreat for the day. With additional luxuries such as pre-installation for heating the pool, a secure garage for 2 vehicles, total insulation and underfloor heating throughout, the residence is sublime… a paragon of grace and grandeur.

3.975.000 €

  • 4 Beds
  • 4 Baths
  • Built. 621 m2
  • ref#WB1809

Wonderful villa in La Zagaleta, with sea views and an indoor swimming pool and SPA!

Welcome to this enchanting villa in La Zagaleta, Europe's most exclusive address, offering panoramic sea views and a luxurious indoor spa with a heated swimming pool. La Zagaleta is renowned for its exquisite facilities, including scenic golf courses, an equestrian center, and a sophisticated social club featuring a restaurant, pool, bar, lounge, billiard room, and a helipad. This traditional Andalusian villa ensures total privacy, with southeast orientation and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and Marbella’s majestic mountains. Main Floor: The entrance hall leads to an elegant lounge, divided into three distinct areas: a sitting area, a library, and a dining room. The spacious family kitchen, complete with an island and a separate utility room, is easily accessible from both the entrance hall and the dining room. Additionally, two generously sized guest bedroom suites are located on this level. Top Floor: The grand master bedroom suite is connected to an adjacent bedroom suite, ideal for a his-and-hers layout or a nursery. Lower Floor: Indulge in the heated indoor pool and spa, featuring a sauna, Turkish bath, and gym, with easy access to the garden level and outdoor pool. This floor also includes a large room currently used as an office, another bedroom suite, a spacious laundry room, and a garage accommodating 2-3 cars. Additional parking is available on the villa's driveway. The villa is set on a private 9,000-square-meter plot, featuring an organic vegetable garden, various fruit trees, and terraced areas that offer a choice of sun or shade.

12.000.000 €

  • 5 Beds
  • 5 Baths
  • Built. 722 m2
  • ref#R4794787

Wonderful two bedroom, south facing apartment in the gated residential complex Buenavista II, La Quinta, with panoramic sea views

Wonderful two bedroom, south facing apartment in the gated residential complex Buenavista II, La Quinta. The complex has a communal swimming pool, security cameras and offers incredible views to the golf, sea and mountains and is just a short drive to the beach local amenities, Marbella and Puerto Banus. The property has an open plan living and dining area with access to a spacious private terrace with beautiful panoramic views; fully fitted kitchen with a terrace that boasts mountain views and has a separate laundry area; master suite with access to the terrace; guest bedroom; and a guest bathroom. Other features include two private parking spaces, a storeroom, hot and cold air conditioning and underfloor heating in the bathrooms.

900.000 €

  • 2 Beds
  • 2 Baths
  • Built. 179 m2
  • ref#4941MLA