Benahavis – is a beautiful mountain village a few kilometres from Marbella, known for its luxury properties, golf courses and top restaurants. It is a desirable address for those who want to invest in property in Spain, enjoy golf or are looking for the delights of the palate.
An address that makes a profit
Within Benahavis is one of the most exclusive estates in Spain – La Zagaleta. It was built on the site where, in the 1970s and 1980s, the arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi had his residence (over 900 hectares!). It was at his residence that celebrities and influential people from all over the world held their famous parties throughout Europe. After Khashoggi’s arrest, the property was put up for sale. This created one of the most expensive villa estates in Spain. Politicians, actors and businessmen have properties here, and can count on complete discretion, 24-hour security and the care of an estate administrator. This is one of the most desirable addresses in Spain, hence the high interest in offers for the sale of houses in La Zagaleta. According to data from the Tax Authority in 2018. Benahavís was the first municipality in the province of Málaga in terms of gross income and the fourth in Andalusia, thanks precisely to La Zagaleta.
Here, life flows with a different and unique rhythm. Interest in villas in Benahavis is growing, you can choose from great offers for sale or rent. New developments are constantly being built, modern villas with extraordinary views of the mountains and the Costa del Sol.
Best restaurants and golf courses
The Marbella area is known for its superbly prepared and maintained golf courses. They were designed by top architects such as Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones and Severiano Ballesteros. In Benahavis, the golf season lasts all year round. The mild climate, great infrastructure and excellent restaurants attract lovers of the sport from all corners of the world. You can play in 12 clubs, including Los Flamingos Golf Club, La Quinta Golf & Country Club, La Zagaleta or the Club de Golf Benahavís. The green of the golf courses is an integral part of the Benahavis landscape. This is another reason why property investors in Spain choose Benahavis.
Benahavis is also famous for the best restaurants in Andalusia. After a day on the golf course, it’s worth checking out one of them: El Abanico, Bodegon Gallery, Rufino or Lemon Grass. El Abanico serves local and European cuisine, including vegetarian dishes. Likewise at Bodegon Gallery and Rufino. If you fancy Asian cuisine, the best place to look is Lemon Grass – the Thai chef there specialises in Asian Fusion, and the restaurant itself is described as the best Asian cuisine on the Costa del Sol.
For those thirsty for excitement – the Guadalmina River Canyon
Marbella and its surroundings are famous not only for their sandy beaches, but also for their mountain trails, nature reserves, beautiful views of the sea or mountain ranges. To get a better idea of the natural diversity of this part of Spain, a trip to Paraje Natural Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja or Parque Nacional Sierra de las Nieves is well worthwhile.
Those who are not afraid of heights and jumping into water go to the Guadalmina canyon near Marbella, where you can enjoy a real adventure all year round: canyoning. This is a sport that involves crossing a mountain stream on your own (without a dinghy). Depending on the season, you can make 6 or 7 jumps into the water – even from a height of 7 metres! Those who lack the courage can try rappelling or swimming.
A settlement full of possibilities
Benahavis is impossible not to like, it’s a great place to relax, meet friends at restaurants and cafes or on the golf course. It is also a great base for hiking, cycling and swimming. Art lovers will also find something for themselves here: in the David Marschall gallery, you can buy beautiful sculptures, inspired by nature, combined with readymade objects – turning chips, railway sleepers. The artist creates abstract sculptures, figures that are a combination of ceramics, glass and metal, wood and other materials.