Nestled in the Marbella mountains, with beautiful views and stunning countryside, Benahavís is a lovely white village with lots to offer. Only 7km from the coast, with easy access to the main coastal road, it feels a world away from nearby Puerto Banus. It offers an excellent combination of rural feel with facilities, and good connections to nearby Marbella, Estepona, San Pedro, and even Ronda.

Its pretty village centre, with cobbled streets, winding lanes and squares is packed with wonderful restaurants and bars. There’s a wonderful atmosphere, and you’re spoilt for choice of where to eat, drink and be merry. Apparently, there are around 60 restaurants in this little town, offering a wide range of cuisines and options to suit all tastes and budgets. It’s definitely a foodie’s paradise!

It is also a great place to get active! The Benahavís municipality is also home to more than ten golf courses – the highest number of golf courses per capita anywhere in Spain! The Benahavis Hills Country Club, La Zagaleta Golf Club and Lor Arqueros Golf and Country Club are located very close to this pretty village. There are many hiking routes into the surrounding countryside, plus pretty parks to stroll in and football and basketball courts to enjoy.

The light, space, and picturesque setting makes it a very popular place for artists and there are a number of galleries where you can enjoy local artists’ work, as well as an active art society.

There are a wide range of properties in and around Benahavís to choose from. If you’re looking for total luxury and exclusivity, La Zagaleta is top of the list for the world’s elite. There are traditional Spanish style townhouses within the village itself which are very charming. There are also many modern townhouses, villas and apartments in the outskirts of the village, many of which surround golf courses, or are on well serviced developments with excellent facilities. We’d say there’s definitely something for everyone in Benahavís, and if you’re looking for a combination of rural peace and charm within easy access of everything you need, it’s hard to beat.

Not to be missed: A visit to some of the historical treasures including Monte Mayor Castle and a 16th century palace, and a tapas crawl around a few of the 60+ bars and restaurants.

Fun Fact: Benahavís means ‘son of Havis’, who reigned from the castle and it was made independent from Marbella in 1572 by King Philip II.