Living in Benahavis

Living in the 'interior' of the Costa del Sol: discover Benahavís

The Costa del Sol is known for its coastline, beaches and marinas. But if you look beyond the promenade, you will discover a different Andalusia. An Andalusia of mountains, rivers, white villages and centuries-old olive groves. Right there, just seven kilometres from the coast, lies the village of Benahavís.

World Wide Properties is active in the three municipalities of Marbella, Benahavís and Estepona. Benahavís is the municipality that most closely resembles the character of the Andalusian inland. In this article, we explain what living in Benahavís means and for whom this area is interesting.

Location: the best of both worlds

Benahavís is located in the hills of the Serranía de Ronda, seven kilometres from the coast and twenty-two kilometres from Marbella. The municipality covers 145 square kilometres and on clear days offers views of Gibraltar and the Moroccan coast. Its location is what makes Benahavís unique: peace and nature are central here, but the coast and the amenities of Marbella are only ten to fifteen minutes away.

For buyers who appreciate the liveliness of the coast but do not want to live in the middle of it, Benahavís offers a logical alternative. You buy privacy and space, as it were, without letting go of the coast.

Nature and outdoor life

The natural surroundings of Benahavís are one of the municipality's most important assets. Three rivers — the Guadalmina, the Guadaiza and the Guadalmansa — flow through the area towards the Mediterranean Sea. The landscape consists of vast forests, rocky canyons and green valleys. Most of the land surrounding the village has remained unchanged for centuries and is densely covered with olive trees and other Mediterranean vegetation.

Hiking, mountain biking, canyoning and horse riding are naturally part of everyday life here. The Torre Leonera park, with its lake and the remains of a medieval fortification, is a popular destination for both residents and visitors. Few places on the Costa del Sol offer this kind of uninterrupted view of mountains, forests and water.

Climate

Benahavís has a pleasant climate all year round. From April to November, there is hardly any rainfall. The average temperature in January is around fourteen degrees Celsius, while in August the mercury peaks at around thirty degrees. Its altitude means that the summer nights are slightly cooler than on the coast, which many residents find pleasant.

Luxury real estate and exclusive residential areas

Benahavís has the highest average purchasing power per capita of any municipality in Spain. This is no coincidence. The hills surrounding the village are home to some of the most exclusive residential areas on the Costa del Sol, including La Zagaleta, El Madronal, Monte Mayor and El Real de La Quinta. In El Real de La Quinta alone, more than a thousand luxury homes are being built, complemented by a golf course, an artificial lake, a hotel and kilometres of cycling and walking trails.

WWP has access to the property listings in these areas. These are villas and mansions in gated and secure environments, often with panoramic sea and mountain views. The buyers are typically internationally oriented: entrepreneurs, wealthy families and people looking for absolute privacy combined with luxurious amenities within walking distance.

Golf

In Benahavís, golf is not just a sport, but part of the living environment. The municipality has several golf courses, including La Zagaleta Club, Los Arqueros, Los Flamingos Golf and Monte Mayor Golf Club. The courses are laid out in green surroundings and offer a completely different golfing experience to the flat coastal courses.

For golf buyers, Benahavís is therefore a serious option alongside the coastal areas. World Wide Properties is also active in the golf areas of La Quinta and Los Arqueros, two of the most sought-after locations within the municipality.

The village itself: gastronomy and culture

The village of Benahavís is known as the "Rincon Gastronómico" (Gastronomic Corner) of the Costa del Sol. The centre has a remarkable number of good restaurants for a village of this size, offering everything from traditional Andalusian cuisine to more modern dishes. The "Sabor a Málaga" gastronomic school contributes to this.

The village has retained its Moorish character. White houses, narrow streets, sunny squares and elements of Mudejar architecture give Benahavís an authenticity that you won't find on the coast. Cultural events such as the annual Feria in July, the Semana Santa processions and the pilgrimage on 7 October also make the village a lively community for permanent residents.

Who is Benahavís interesting for?

Living in Benahavís generally appeals to:

• Buyers who are looking for privacy and space, but do not want to completely let go of the coast
• Families who need a quiet and safe living environment
• Golfers who want to live in or right next to a golf environment
• International buyers who are looking for exclusive property away from the hustle and bustle of the coast
• People who see nature and outdoor life as a daily part of their lives

In conclusion

Benahavís is not an alternative to the coast, but a conscious choice for a different way of living on the Costa del Sol. The municipality combines nature, exclusivity, golf and authentic Andalusian culture in a way that is difficult to find elsewhere in the region.

World Wide Properties is active in Benahavís and knows the property market in this area well. Would you like to know which properties are currently available in Benahavís or in the surrounding municipalities of Marbella and Estepona? Please feel free to contact us via the contact form or by telephone. We are happy to help you.