BENAHAVÍS VILLAS
FOR RENT

Although Benahavís is a mountain village, a 15-minute car journey south brings you to the Costa del Sol and the pick of 24 beautiful beaches along Marbella’s 27km coastline. The closest to Benahavís are Playa de Linda Vista and the 1.4 km long Playa de San Pedro de Alcántara, which has excellent facilities and has often been awarded Blue Flag status. There is a well-maintained, palm-lined seafront promenade and cycle path which runs the 12km from San Pedro to Marbella. History buffs may be interested to visit the ruins of the 3rd century Roman baths Las Bóvedas and the 16th century watchtower just off Linda Vista beach, as well as those of the 4th century Paleo-Christian church and necropolis La Basilica de Vega del Mar.

When it comes to beachfront recreation, you’ll find it in spades in the many exclusive beach clubs providing entertainment day and night. El Ancla on Linda Vista beach is a tranquil, family-friendly place to relax on loungers and daybeds facing the sea, swim in the huge saltwater swimming pool, or enjoy tasty freshly caught seafood on their large terrace with sweeping views of the sea. Just a stone’s throw from El Ancla is the newly-opened Barbillón Marbella, 4,000 square metres spread across the beach, pool and restaurant. With its signature elegance a la Madrileña and captivating coastal charm, Barbillón is a classy venue to relax in and sample the delights of local and international cuisine.

Holiday rentals in the Costa del Sol offer a multitude of water sports and other sea-based activities, including jet skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding and kite surfing, family favourites like the banana, doughnut and pedal boats, or scuba diving for the more intrepid.

Benahavís may not have its own beaches, but the Guadalmina river provides many an opportunity for swimming and canyoning. Southeast of the village, near the Torre Leonera park, you’ll find Charca de las Mozas, a four metre deep natural pool in the Cañón de las Angosturas section of the river, which has been declared a National Monument. It marks the start of the 1,100m long river ‘walk’ to Charca de los Tubos, passing through the narrow gorge walls through crystalline waters – the perfect beginner-level canyoning territory!

Benahavís has a vibrant cultural scene, hosting a varied calendar of events including concerts, art and food exhibitions, talks, children’s activities and much more. In mid-August, the village comes alive with the annual Benahavís Fair: five days of processions, fireworks, attractions, and celebration of local food and drink. In early September, Benahavís hosts the Andalusian Show Jumping Championships, an annual event held at the Marbella Club Equestrian Centre that draws some of the best jockeys and horses from Spain and beyond. And the 7th of October marks Benahavís’ annual pilgrimage honouring its patron saint, Our Lady of the Rosary. For serious culture vultures, you’ll find that Marbella and Málaga fit the bill!

Benahavís village is self-sufficient when it comes to basic supplies, with several small supermarkets and a delicatessen for everyday shopping. The highlight of the week is the popular Sunday market, a relaxed and friendly weekly affair where you can browse the stalls selling fresh local produce and handmade artisan products and marvel at the views of the Sierra de las Nieves. For everything else, and if you can bear to tear yourself away from this serene mountain retreat, Marbella’s shopping centres and luxury boutiques will fulfil any need for retail therapy.

Did we mention that Benahavís is a hotspot for golfers? There are 12 golf courses in the municipality – including La Zagaleta, La Quinta, Marbella Club, Los Flamingos, Villa Padierna and Los Arqueros – several of which are the creations of world-renowned designers. With their immaculate courses offering different terrains and levels and harmoniously integrated into the stunning Andalusian landscape, as well as prestigious clubhouses with upscale restaurants and facilities, it’s no surprise that Benahavís is a premier golf destination.

Other than for the golf, visitors come to Benahavís for its tranquillity and natural beauty. Nature lovers and those seeking outdoor activities have ample choice in these beautiful surroundings. Torre Leonera park is a lovely oasis with beautiful trees, ponds (and rabbits!), a small open-air theatre, and the 13th century watchtower after which it is named. There are trails galore for everything from a gentle walk to a challenging hike. The “dragonfly route” along the banks and dam of the Guadalmina river is a three kilometre circular walk for all levels; the Guadalmina canyon trails are slightly more demanding and if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, make the 6.3km round-trip to the ruins of the 10th century Castillo de Montemayor – you’ll be rewarded for your efforts by the incredible views!

The terrain here is not just for hikers; mountain-biking and horse-riding are great ways of taking in the spectacular scenery. There’s an abundance of trails and forest paths perfect for cycling, whether south towards the coast or north towards the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, and the Marbella Club Equestrian Centre offers guided treks and riding lessons. If you’re more of a speed demon, a buggy tour through the rugged landscape might be in order; or how about an exhilarating enduro tour? And don’t worry if you don’t have a motorcycle license, as initiation courses on a closed circuit can be arranged.

If you’re staying in Benahavís, don’t leave without visiting the Sierra de las Nieves National Park. One of three designated National Parks in Andalucía, it stretches across 300 square kilometres and is home to 1,500 plants and 2,000 hectares of Spanish fir forest – the largest concentration in the world – as well as holm and cork oak, carob and chestnut trees. Just south of the park (25km from Benahavís village) is the Castaño Santo (Holy Chestnut), an ancient chestnut tree 30m tall and five metres in diameter thought to be between 800 and 1000 years old. The park is also home to a great diversity of fauna; keep an eye out for the birds of prey, including the golden eagle, eagle owl and several species of hawk.

Benahavís is renowned for its culinary excellence, with an emphasis on local products and national and Andalusian specialities. There are too many excellent restaurants to mention here, so we’ll tempt you with a tiny taste of what’s on offer. Los Abanicos is an excellent choice if you want delicious home-cooked Spanish food or a modern take on classic dishes with a convivial ambience; the Benahavís Hills Café & Restaurant proposes delightful Andalusian fare with a French twist, masterfully reinterpreted by their Michelin-trained chef, which you can savour al fresco while marvelling at the amazing view. For something a little different, head to Escuela Hostelería Benahavís, a hospitality school training the next generation of chefs and waiting staff to the highest standards. Appetising surprise tasting menus keep things interesting and the quality of their dishes made with ingredients from Málaga in the Malagueño way is exceptional. For traditional Andalusian comfort food and cozy surroundings, La Escalera ticks all the boxes, with staples such as gambas al pil pil (spicy prawns), gazpacho and roast suckling pig. And the homemade desserts are to die for!

If your version of a holiday is some serious pampering, we can organise any number of treatments and massages in the comfort of your villa. Alternatively, La Quinta Golf & Country Club has a 1,500 square metre Wellness Centre where you can relax in the sauna or steam bath, try the Hammam, hydromassage or aqua-therapy, and indulge in an assortment of beauty treatments. Anantara Villa Padierna Palace is home to one of the largest luxury spas in Europe, with 2,000 square metres of Roman baths, Hammams and pools to soothe your body and mind, as well as a team of expert masseurs and beauticians to pander to your every need. And if you’re heading to Marbella for the day, there are several luxury spas and centres offering a huge assortment of traditional and modern treatments drawing on the finest Eastern and Western techniques.

We are a luxury hospitality and real estate company offering an unbeatable combination of luxury, privacy and discrete 7-star hotel service, tailored to satisfy your every need and comfort.

How can we help you?

Get in touch with us at Marbella Mountain Resorts and we’ll help you find the perfect luxury accommodation in Benahavís. Or check out our other luxury villas for rent across Marbella. Let us wow you with our first-class hospitality service and trust us to curate unique and immersive local experiences for a holiday to remember!

Your remarkable Benahavís journey starts here.

Contact us at:

Email: tourism@marbellamountainresorts.com 

Phone: +34 609 18 46 46