BENAHAVIS

Benahavis is a stunning little town that reminds me of the Cheddar Gorge in the UK. It is surrounded by steep, dramatic cliff faces that have saved it from the destruction of new developments...to a degree.

This is the well known and much loved beautiful mountain village located 7km inland between the coastal towns of San Pedro Alcantara and Estepona. The village is on the local bus route although hiring a car is probably the wisest choice in getting here.

The town has become synonymous with fine dining and has the greatest saturation of restaurants anywhere on the Costa del Sol (20 Plus). It has a high mix of expatriates of all nationalities, as well as the local Spanish, which is shown in the variety of food on offer in the restaurants. Don’t forget either the numerous bars that do the very best in local tapas...you won’t go hungry here!!

The village itself was originally founded in the 11th Century by the Arabs and its history is long and colourful. Because of its strategic position in the mountains, the village of Benahavis has played a vital role in battles over the centuries.

Wandering through the old village there is a wonderful mix of art shops and gift shops here making shopping here a real treat.

The town itself is growing rapidly with many new developments on its outskirts, but these have not been allowed to trespass on the original village, therefore preserving the wonderful Andalucian feel of the old town. The market day on a Wednesday morning is a lively affair with the usual mix of souvenir stalls as well as local produce.

There are many private rental opportunities if you are thinking of staying here in Benahavis, as well as a few 3 star hotels, but the newest hotel nestled at the foot of the village, with spectacular mountains as a back drop is the wonderful Gran Hotel Benahavis which is a 4 star luxury spa resort and offers unsurpassed luxury to the holiday maker. Many northern Spanish make their way here for their holidays.

As parking is of a premium within the town itself, most choose to park up just before the entrance of the village and do their exploring on foot.

The fiesta days here in Benahavis are the traditional church-held fiestas over Easter and Christmas, as well as the celebration of the Virgen del Rosario mid August and the traditional feria the first week of September.

Other useful numbers:

Tourist Office: 952 855 636

Tennis: Club Madronal 617 647 223