Benahavís is a charming and picturesque village located in the province of Málaga,
in the autonomous region of Andalusia, southern Spain.
Located between Marbella, Estepona and Ronda, it is known
for its natural beauty, luxurious lifestyle, and gastronomic traditions.
With its rich history, lush green surroundings
and high quality of life, Benahavís is a popular destination for tourists and expats alike.

History

The history of Benahavís dates back to the Moorish period,
when the village was founded by the Arabs in the 11th century.
The name "Benahavís" is derived from the Arabic "Ben al Havis,"
meaning "son of Havis," referring to a Moorish prince.
The strategic location of the village on a hill made it an important defense point.
The castle of Montemayor, built by the Moors, played a crucial role in the history of the region.
After the Christian reconquest in the 15th century, Benahavís continued to develop
and today is a prosperous community.

Sightseeing

- Castillo de Montemayor:
This castle, built in the 10th century,
offers stunning views of the coastline and surrounding mountains.
The castle still has some well-preserved towers and walls.

- Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario:
A charming church from the 18th century,
an important religious and historical monument in Benahavís.

- Plaza de España:
The central square of the village,
surrounded by traditional Andalusian houses
and a popular place for both locals and visitors to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

Nature and Recreation

Benahavís is set amidst an abundance of natural beauty
and offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities.

- Parque Natural de la Sierra de las Nieves:
A nearby nature reserve known for its impressive landscapes,
hiking trails and rich biodiversity.

- Río Guadalmina:
A beautiful river where you can hike,
swim and picnic in a picturesque setting.

- Golf:
Benahavís is famous for its world-class golf courses,
including La Quinta, Los Arqueros and Marbella Club Golf Resort,
which attract golfers of all levels.

Culture and Events

- Feria de Benahavís:
This annual village festival, usually held in August,
is an important cultural event with music, dancing, carnival rides and local food.

- Semana Santa:
Holy Week in Benahavís is celebrated with traditional processions and religious ceremonies
that reflect the passion and devotion of the inhabitants.

- Feria de San Isidro Labrador:
A festival in honor of the patron saint of farmers,
with colorful parades, music and dancing.

Gastronomy

Benahavís is known as the "dining room of the Costa del Sol"
because of its abundance of excellent restaurants serving traditional Andalusian cuisine.
Some culinary specialties include:

- Chivo a la Pastoril:
Braised goat meat, a local delicacy.

- Platos de Caza:
Dishes of game, such as venison and wild boar, often prepared with local herbs and spices.

- Pescado Frito:
Freshly fried fish, a typical dish on the Andalusian coast.

- Tapas:
A variety of small dishes,
ranging from seafood and olives to different types of ham and cheese.