Boasting spectacular views across the surrounding mountains and valleys, Benahavis is a picturesque mountain village on the Costa del Sol. It was founded by the Moors at the end of the 11th century before being handed over to King Ferdinand the Catholic in 1485.
Stroll through the whitewashed streets of Benahavis and visit Parque Torre Leoneras to see the ruins of a medieval tower that once controlled access to the Guadalmina River. Overlooking the southern edge of the village are the 10th-century remains of the Montemayor Castle, where you can enjoy views as far as Gibraltar on a clear day.
Adventure enthusiasts can embark on a canyoning trip along the Guadalmina River, which is fringed by a Moor-built irrigation channel. On Sundays, Benahavis hosts one of the most popular markets on the Costa del Sol, with everything from fresh produce to clothing and household goods for sale.
Getting there
Benahavis is around 20 minutes’ drive from Marbella and about an hour from Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect to San Pedro de Alcántara on the Costa del Sol while the centre of Benahavis is compact enough to explore on foot.