{"id":98802,"date":"2026-11-04T07:56:23","date_gmt":"2026-11-04T06:56:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.fuertehoteles.com\/?p=98802"},"modified":"2026-11-04T07:56:23","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T06:56:23","slug":"things-to-see-and-do-in-benahavis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.fuertehoteles.com\/en\/destinations\/things-to-see-and-do-in-benahavis\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to see and do in Benahavis"},"content":{"rendered":"

Just a short distance from Marbella and Estepona lies Benahav\u00eds<\/strong>, a charming village of whitewashed houses and narrow streets that still reflects its Moorish past through its architecture and street layout.<\/p>\n

Although Benahav\u00eds was once part of Marbella, it gained independence in 1572 and became a municipality with a rich historical and natural heritage.<\/strong> Its location between the coast and the mountains offers the best of both worlds. On the one hand, visitors can enjoy beautiful natural landscapes, hiking trails and charming hidden corners. On the other, the area is home to exclusive residential developments and golf courses that attract visitors from around the world.<\/p>\n

This combination of nature, history and luxury tourism makes Benahav\u00eds one of the most treasured gems in the M\u00e1laga countryside.<\/p>\n

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How to get to Benahavis<\/h2>\n

\"Benahav\u00eds,<\/p>\n

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There are several ways to get to Benahav\u00eds, and it\u2019s very well connected.<\/p>\n

By road<\/strong><\/a>, by car or taxi, you can get there from Marbella, Puerto Ban\u00fas and Estepona via the AP-7.<\/p>\n

Another way to get to Benahav\u00eds if you\u2019re travelling from further afield is via Malaga\u2019s airport<\/strong><\/a>, the closest one, about 70 kilometres away, where you\u2019ll then need to hire a car or take a taxi. Airports in Seville or Jerez de la Frontera are other alternatives, although they are farther away.<\/p>\n

The high-speed train<\/strong> to Malaga is another recommended option.<\/p>\n

Another way to get to Benahav\u00eds from Malaga is by coach<\/strong>; the journey takes approximately two and a half hours.<\/p>\n

Google Maps<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Things to see in Benahav\u00eds<\/h2>\n

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Montemayor Castle<\/h3>\n

The castle is one of Benahav\u00eds\u2019 most emblematic landmarks. Although it is true that, in its ruined state, it retains only a few parts of its wall, this structure was a 10th-century fortress from the Caliphal era, an era that affected Benahav\u00eds and left its mark on the town. In addition to a few stretches of wall, another part we can see is the Queen\u2019s Tower. It is, without doubt, an iconic spot that forms part of Benahav\u00eds\u2019 historical heritage.<\/p>\n

Google Maps<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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\"Castillo<\/p>\n

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Defensive towers<\/h3>\n

Between the 10th and 13th centuries, during the Nasrid period, a series of watchtowers were built to defend Montemayor Castle and protect it from possible attacks. They held a strategic position that enabled the defence not only of the castle, but also of the surrounding area. The most notable defensive towers or watchtowers are the Torre de Leonera, the Torre Daid\u00edn, Campanillas, Tramores and Est\u00e9ril.<\/p>\n

Google Maps<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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Guadalmina River Gorges<\/h3>\n

For water-sports enthusiasts, the Guadalmina River gorges are one of the most spectacular experiences to enjoy in Benahav\u00eds. This aquatic route, around 4 kilometres long, is perfect for enjoying Benahav\u00eds\u2019 nature like never before, where you can pass pools, waterfalls and some deeper sections. Along the way, you’ll also see local fauna and flora typical of the area, such as otters, and holm oaks and cork oaks. The gorges of this river are the best-known in this town in Malaga, with a wealth of natural beauty waiting to be discovered.<\/p>\n

Google Maps<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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\"Ruta<\/p>\n

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La Zagaleta Gated Community<\/h3>\n

This is one of the most exclusive areas of Benahav\u00eds. This development in Malaga is defined not only by its natural heritage, but also by being one of the most luxurious in Spain and Europe. The La Zagaleta gated community is a residential development where you can admire the area\u2019s most exclusive villas and luxury homes, and take a stroll through this Mediterranean woodland, where you\u2019ll find more than 200 properties whose owners are mostly British and German.<\/p>\n

Google Maps<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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Benahav\u00eds Palace<\/h3>\n

In the heart of Benahav\u00eds stands Benahav\u00eds Palace, a charming 16th-century building that reflects the town\u2019s Andalusian heritage. In Nasrid style and with an elegant inner courtyard, this small palace boasts a sober exterior and is full of historical character. It now houses the Town Hall, making it a place buzzing with local life. For those staying in the area, it\u2019s an interesting place to visit that allows you to discover the most authentic and cultural side of this picturesque Costa del Sol destination.<\/p>\n

Google Maps<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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\"Benahavis,<\/p>\n

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Beaches<\/h3>\n

Although Benahav\u00eds doesn\u2019t have its own beach, its unique location between the mountains and the coast makes it a perfect destination for those looking to combine nature and the sea. Just a few minutes\u2019 drive away, a whole array of spectacular beaches awaits, where you can soak up the sun and the Mediterranean sea.<\/p>\n

Very close by is San Pedro de Alc\u00e1ntara, with wide, family-friendly beaches, a seafront promenade and numerous beach bars where you can savour the local cuisine. If you\u2019re looking for something more exclusive, Puerto Ban\u00fas offers lively beaches, beach clubs and a sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for spending the day and letting the afternoon roll on.<\/p>\n

For nature lovers, Cabopino Beach is special because of its protected dunes and its more peaceful setting, perfect for unwinding.<\/p>\n

Worth a visit: discovering the best beaches in Marbella<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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\"Playa<\/p>\n

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Church of Our Lady of the Rosary<\/h3>\n

The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary is one of Benahav\u00eds\u2019s most distinctive buildings. Specifically, it dates back to the 18th century and has undergone various refurbishments, among other reasons, because it was damaged in the Spanish Civil War. For a time, it served as a school-chapel. At present, thanks to the latest refurbishment by the architect Don Antonio Herrezuel, it can hold 300 people, has function rooms for various purposes, and provides a home for the priest.<\/p>\n

Google Maps<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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\"Iglesia<\/p>\n

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Wandering in the streets of Benahav\u00eds<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Benahav\u00eds\u2019s streets are narrow and winding, a labyrinth of little corners that conjure up its Arabic past. Walking along them is to follow a beautiful trail of white houses, their whitewashed fa\u00e7ades bursting with pots and flowers that lend colour and cheer to this gem in the heart of inland Malaga. On this stroll through the town\u2019s narrow lanes, you\u2019ll come across fountains and gardens that reveal its very soul, where locals and visitors meet and bring Benahav\u00eds to life.<\/p>\n

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Things to do in Benahav\u00eds<\/h2>\n

\"Benahavis\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Visit Charco de las Mozas<\/h3>\n

This freshwater pool was recently declared a a natural monument by the Regional Government of Andalusia, where you can enjoy an aquatic tour in one of the most visited areas in the province of Malaga. This spot marks the start of the Guadalmina River gorges, where you\u2019ll have to slide down a natural waterslide to begin this amazing route.<\/p>\n

Google Maps<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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Dragonfly Route<\/h3>\n

Benahav\u00eds is brimming with nature, forests and lush green landscapes, perfect for countless hikes and outdoor strolls. Many people, including locals, visit Benahav\u00eds to go hiking, and one of the most beautiful routes is the Dragonfly Trail. More than 30 species of dragonflies can be found along the banks of the Guadalmina River, so if you love nature and discovering new species, this is undoubtedly one of the most magical places in Benahav\u00eds.<\/p>\n

Google Maps<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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Canyoning<\/h3>\n

One of the best places in the province of Malaga for canyoning is undoubtedly the Guadalmina River. This river offers countless possibilities, routes and ways to enjoy nature, including canyoning. Canyoning, swimming, hikes and abseiling are just some of the activities offered by numerous companies, so you can enjoy your aquatic adventure to the max.<\/p>\n

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\"barranquismo<\/p>\n

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Golf<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re a golf enthusiast, the best place to spend a few days playing is, without doubt, Benahav\u00eds. This is the unbeatable iconic location for golf, thanks to its location between the sea and the mountains, which gives it climatic conditions that mean you can play virtually all year round. Benahav\u00eds is synonymous with golf, and there are many courses where you can enjoy a round with friends or family, such as the Higueral Golf Club<\/a>\u00a0 <\/strong>and\u00a0the El Higuelar Golf<\/strong><\/a> , among others.<\/p>\n

Golf: The best Costa del Sol golf courses<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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\"Club<\/p>\n

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Try the local cuisine<\/h3>\n

Benahav\u00eds\u2019 cuisine is wonderfully varied, with a wide range of dishes and flavours offering the very best of both the mountains and the coast, representing its enchanting setting.<\/p>\n

If we focus on the food the mountains have to offer, Benahav\u00eds\u2019s typical dishes are hearty, rustic fare such as marinated pork tenderloin, rabbit, suckling pig, venison, or its famous chorizos cooked in water.<\/p>\n

The coastal side offers us the finest fresh seafood, such as shellfish, fish stew and sole.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, we mustn\u2019t forget that Benahav\u00eds is one of the towns with the highest influx of foreign visitors, especially from northern Europe; hence international cuisine has carved out a place in its kitchens, and you can find a multitude of dishes and delicacies that make Benahav\u00eds one of the best places to eat in the whole of Andalucia.<\/p>\n

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\"Hotel<\/p>\n

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Restaurants<\/h3>\n

Benahav\u00eds is an iconic place where gastronomy takes centre stage, which is why it is one of the towns where you can enjoy the best Andalusian culinary experience. If there\u2019s one place in the world with a great variety and number of restaurants, it\u2019s undoubtedly here. That\u2019s why it\u2019s hard to pick just a few; however, here are some you shouldn\u2019t miss. La Escalera de Balthazar<\/a><\/strong>, Restaurante Amanhavis<\/a><\/strong>, Restaurante Amigos<\/a><\/strong>, Restaurante Sabor<\/strong> <\/a>and Los Abanicos<\/a><\/strong> are just some restaurants where flavours, tradition and innovation come together in an experience that will immerse you in the origins and history of Benahav\u00eds\u2019s soul.<\/p>\n

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Interesting facts<\/h2>\n
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