Benahavís is also a natural destination for golf lovers, Spanish and otherwise (it is said that over half of the town’s 4,000 residents are foreigners). Within a 15 minutes drive or less are seven outstanding courses: Marbella Club, Los Arqueros, Monte Mayor, El Paraiso, Los Flamingos, La Zagaleta, and Guadalmina.

Among the noteworthy residential areas in Benahavís is El Casar, a set of luxury town homes built in the traditional Andalusian white village style but whose architecture incorporates many modern features such as spacious living rooms, large windows, and state-of-the-art indoor furnishings. The complex features an indoor swimming pool, a gym, and a restaurant open to the public.

The finest option for the investor wishing for a golf property would probably be a villa at La Zagaleta Golf and Country Club, which occupies a lush valley and is often described as “one of the most famous addresses in Europe”. There are now two 18-hole golf courses here, luxurious well spaced apart villas with stunning views over the courses and the Strait, and amenities that go beyond what one expects from a guarded community of such standing. These include swimming pools, tennis courts, a nightclub, equestrian centre, and even a bowling alley, shooting range and Spanish-style wine cellar.

La Reserva del Madroñal (strawberry tree grove) is situated in a valley adjacent to that of La Zagaleta. This guarded community in a mature wooded area was built in the mid-sixties and features six entrances and a wide variety of villas and plots, some more remote than others. Existing homes range from sumptuous villas to more modest holiday cottages.

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Situated on the Ronda road, in the adjacent valley to La Zagaleta, El Madroñal comprises six gated entrances to six separate areas of the estate all monitored by an efficient 24 hour security service. Each entrance has a distinctive character of its own, becoming successively more rustic the further one carries on up the hill to Ronda with entrance 6 the closest to being “in the country” where a long country lane leads one off in to the heart of the woodland. The appeal of El Madronal and what makes it unique is that it is situated a mere 10 to 15 minutes from Marbella and Puerto Banus and yet one feels as if you are in the heart of nature where privacy and quiet are assured. A few homes are affected by noise and this is due to their being in close proximity to the border of the estate on the Ronda road.

Due to its location on a hill overlooking the coast most properties benefit from fabulous views, some perched on hilltops experience views of Africa, Gibraltar and Puerto Banus whilst behind them in winter the snow capped peaks of the Sierra del las Nieves are visible.

Properties and plots are generally on the large side with average plots sizes of 3,000m2 + and build sizes of 500m2+. Having said that there is something for all budgets and it is still possible to buy country cottage size homes of 3 bedrooms or plots to build your own design. In recent years several private developers have built thoroughly modern luxury homes to satisfy the demand for clients wanting a contemporary villa in the country.

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Centro de Educación Infantil y Primaria Nuestra Señora del Rosario

Avenida Andalucía S/N
29679 Benahavís

Nursery Tel: 952 855 122
Primary Tel: 952 856 140

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Benahavís is one of the largest golfing communities on the Costa del Sol and there are many opportunities to take part in this sport whether you are a complete novice or a seasoned professional.

Club de Campo La Zagaleta

This 18 hole golf course, situated in La Zagaleta, was designed by Bradford Benz and built in 1994. It is 6,000 metres long and has outstanding views of the sea and mountains. Access to this golf course is restricted to members and a second course is in the process of being finished. The clubhouse offers an outstanding variation of facilities such as international cuisine from the various bars, cafés and restaurants, a library, disco, bowling alley, swimming pool, sauna and shop. For more information or to arrange a viewing visit their website.

Club de Campo La Zagaleta
Ctra de Ronda Km 38,5
29679 Benahavís
Tel: 952 855 450

Los Flamingos Golf and Country Club

This golf course is a world renowned golf course that is considered to be one of Benahavís´ best courses. Currently, the club has two courses but in the future two others will be opened. For three years this course has been the host of the European Senior Final. The dress code for this club is formal as one might expect, and children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. There are also limits for the level of handicap in order to play at this course. The club also offers several restaurants, a spa, beach club and business centre. For more information visit their website or the club can be found at:

Los Flamingos Golf and Country Club
Carretera de Cadiz, Km. 166
29679 Marbella/Benahavís
Tel: 952 899 150

Marbella Club Golf Resort

This 18 hole golf course was designed by Dave Thomas and is almost 6.5 kilometres long. The course has been designed not only to challenge and inspire golf lovers but also to incorporate beautiful scenery such as waterfalls and forest. The clubhouse is in the design of a thatched cottage and features beautiful terraces that overlook the green. For more information visit their website.

Marbella Club Golf Resort
Bulevar Principe Alfonso Hohenlohen S/N
29620, Marbella
Tel: 952 822 211

Monte Mayor Golf and Country Club

This course was designed by José Gancedo and features 18 holes. There is a handicap limit ensuring that only the best players are able to experience this beautiful 5.5 kilometre course. The clubhouse includes facilities such as a shop, club rental and putting green.

Monte Mayor Golf and Country Club
Avenida de Monte Mayor
Carretera N-340, Km. 165, Cancelada
29679, Benahavís
Tel: 952 937 111

Atalaya Golf

This golf club offers two 18 hole courses the older of which is a classic parkland course and is a challenge for all. The second course claims to offer a challenge to both beginners and experts alike. For more information visit their website or the club at:

Atalaya Golf and Country Club
Carretera de Benahavis, Km. 0.7
29679, Benahavís
Tel: 952 882 812
E-mail: info@atalaya-golf.com

Los Arqueros

Los Arqueros was opened in 1991 and offers a challenging 18 hole course designed by Severiano Ballesteros. The club also hosts numerous competitions as well as a school. The clubhouse offers a lovely restaurant with a terrace, bar, sauna, practice green as well as tennis and squash courts and a gym! For more information, visit their website or find the club at:

Los Arqueros Golf
Carretera de Ronda, A-397, Km. 44.5
29679, Benahavís
Tel: 952 784 600

Restaurants

What Benahavís lacks in some areas it certainly makes up for in restaurants! “El Fogón de la Aldea” is a restaurant that serves a variety of good food at a fair price.

El Fogón de la Aldea
Calle Aldea, 1
29679, Benahavís
Tel: 952 855 637

Los Faroles is a typically Spanish restaurant which is family run and serves Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant is well known for it´s beef.

Los Faroles
Calle Malaga
29679, Benahavís
Tel: 952 855 425

Rufino has a gorgeous terrace that offers wonderful views across the campo. This restaurant is well-known for its good prices and huge variety of dishes. It is closed on Wednesdays and is extremely popular so book in advance.

Rufino
Avenida de Andalucía
29679, Benahavís
Tel: 952 855 262

Los Abanicos provides traditional Spanish cooking and is very popular so you must reserve. It has a lovely area on a pedestrianised street which is wonderful for people watching whilst dining on one of their specialities including their fresh fish or roast leg of young lamb.

Los Abanicos
Calle Malaga
29679, Benahavís
Tel: 952 855 131
E-mail: abanicos@benahavis.net

Nightlife

Other than “La Galeria”, Benahavís does not really have any nightlife to speak of. However, as Estepona is a mere 15 minutes away and Marbella just 20 minutes, it is worth getting a taxi to experience the nightlife in the Costa del Sol. Click here for more information on the nightlife in Estepona and Marbella.

Shopping

There are a few shops around Benahavís but if you want major supermarkets you will need to use the N-340 (the main coastal road) to find La Cañada (a large mall with supermarket) near Marbella, Carrefour (a large sueprmarket) at the entrance to Estepona and El Corte Inglés (a multi layer department store) near Puerto Banús. Closer to home there is a Mercadona in Cancelada in the Estepona direction and a Supersol in Guadalmina. However, Benahavís does contain a few small shops such as a butchers, a very well-stocked corner shop that can provide you with almost anything and a furniture shop.

Beaches

Benahavís does not have any of it´s own beaches but can enjoy a wonderful range of beaches from Marbella and Estepona.

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Hospitals:

There is a public medical centre in Benahavís:

Consultorio Médico
Avenida de Andalucía S/N
29679 Benahavís
Tel: 952 855 360

Pharmacies

There is only one pharmacy and that can help diagnose and treat common complaints and illnesses eliminating the need to see a doctor.

Maria del Carmen Medina Martin
Av. Andalucía, 4
29679 Benahavís
Tel: 952 855 590

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Markets

Benahavís holds its own market on a Tuesday selling everything you would normally find at a market, clothes, fresh fruit and vegetables, sunglasses and olive amongst other thing. There is also a market in Estepona on a Sunday or Wednesday, and another in Marbella on Monday.

Ferias and Holidays

In mid August Benahavís celebrates its main festival it honour of its patron saint “Virgen del Rosario”. This festival is a must-see event as there are always impressive processions with animals and floats and the atmosphere is amazing.

Other festivals, events and holidays are frequently organised by the town hall of the town and to get up to date information it would be wise to contact the town hall on 952855025 or visit Benahavís´ website.

Things to See

Aside from the feria which is an obvious must-see, there are many other attractions in the area in and around Benahavís.

Montemayor Castle

This castle was reigned by Havís, a moorish king, in the 11th century which is where the town gets its name from. The castle provides beautiful views to the coast, 100 kilometres of sea to be precise, which was useful when piracy, smuggling and battles were a constant threat. Montemayor castle also had an impressive underground passageway connecting it to the coast through which soldiers were able to get to the coast quickly and without being seen.

There are also wonderful opportunities for mountain biking or hiking as the town is set up in the hills.

The David Marshall Gallery

David Marshall is a British sculptor and his gallery is a must-see.

Art by Juan Nicolas

Juan Nicolas Fernandez Marquez was born in Granada before moving to Benahavís. His style is mostly similar to that of the expressionists but he has created a number of different pieces including sculpture. For more information visit his gallery in Benahavís village or call him on 636640618 or e-mail juan.nicolas@benahavis.net.

Image provided by Cecilia Bogaard in Wikipedia

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Benahavis is a white village situated, close to both Estepona and Marbella. Only 7 kilometres from the coast, the average temperature is 17º Celsius enjoying nearly all year round sunshine. The months of June, July and August are recognised to be the hottest months with highs of over 30 degrees Celsius and rain is extremely rare within these months.

Useful Phone Numbers

Emergencies: 112

Local Police: 092

National Police: 091

Ambulance: 061

Fire Brigade: 080

Banks

There are six banks in Benahavis but there are also cash points located in a number of places 24 hours a day. If you would like to open a Spanish bank account, it is very simple and can done immediately if you are in Spain as the bank will ask only for your passport and for some contracts to be signed. Alternatively it can be done via correspondence. For other banks a short drive to San Pedro, Estepona or Marbella will be necessary.

Banco de Andalucía

Urb. Monte Halcones, S/N
29679, Benahavís
Tel: 952853581

Unicaja

Plaza de España S/N
29679, Benahavís
Tel: 952855615

Banesto

Avenida de Andalucía S/N
29679, Benahavís
Tel: 952856169

CAM

Avenida de Andalucía, Esquina Calle Los Lirios
29679, Benahavís
Tel: 952856242

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