Tucked away in the hills just minutes from Marbella and Estepona, Benahavís blends traditional Andalusian charm with refined, modern living. Famed for its exceptional dining scene, secure gated communities, and panoramic mountain and sea views, it’s a top choice for discerning property buyers and renters. Whether you’re searching for a tranquil second home, a high-end investment, or a long-term residence, Benahavís delivers a lifestyle of understated luxury in a spectacular setting.
Benahavís lies on the southern slopes of the Serranía de Ronda, offering easy access to both coast and countryside. Despite its peaceful atmosphere, you’re never far from the buzz of Marbella, golden beaches, or international schools and healthcare.
Founded in the 11th century during Moorish rule, Benahavís still carries echoes of its past. The Montemayor Castle ruins offer sweeping views that stretch across the Costa del Sol, and on clear days, even reach the coast of Africa. Once a strategic military stronghold, the village has evolved into one of the region’s most sought-after luxury enclaves, seamlessly blending whitewashed tradition with modern elegance.
Benahavís isn’t just scenic, it’s deeply liveable.
1 – Cobbled streets, art galleries, and tapas bars in the historic centre
2 – Active outdoor lifestyle with golf, hiking, cycling, and horse riding
3 – Surrounded by protected natural parks, pine forests, and three rivers
4 – A slower, wellness-oriented pace of life—ideal for families, retirees, and professionals
Residents enjoy the tranquillity of the mountains with world-class amenities minutes away.
Benahavís is home to some of the most desirable and prestigious residential enclaves on the Costa del Sol. Each offers its unique blend of privacy, lifestyle, and natural beauty:
Perhaps the most exclusive address in Europe, La Zagaleta is a private estate set within 900 hectares of unspoiled nature. This ultra-luxury enclave offers palatial villas with total seclusion, two members-only golf courses, private equestrian facilities, and its own helipad, perfect for those seeking discretion, world-class amenities, and unparalleled living.
A prestigious golf and residential resort, Los Flamingos features beautifully manicured grounds, three championship golf courses, and close proximity to the five-star Villa Padierna Palace Hotel. Properties range from elegant villas to upscale apartments, with both sea and mountain views on offer, making it a favourite among international buyers.
Nestled in a forested hillside above San Pedro de Alcántara, El Madroñal is a gated community prized for its tranquillity, spacious plots, and architectural variety. With easy access to Marbella and the coast, it offers peaceful living without sacrificing convenience.
For those seeking total privacy and a dramatic natural backdrop, Monte Mayor delivers. This low-density, high-security development is set in a stunning mountain valley. Homes are built on expansive plots, each designed to maximise views and ensure complete seclusion, ideal for buyers who value serenity and space.
Not sure which area suits you best?
With over 320 days of sunshine a year, Benahavís offers the Costa del Sol’s best weather, slightly cooler than the coast in summer and refreshingly crisp in winter.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy:
1 – Scenic hiking and cycling trails
2 – Padel and tennis clubs
3 – Horse riding centres
4 – 12 world-class golf courses nearby
Benahavís is one of the best-performing real estate markets on the Costa del Sol.
It offers:
1 – High capital appreciation potential
2 – Broad appeal to international buyers
3 – Competitive prices for luxury compared to Marbella
4 – A wide mix of options: modern apartments, hillside villas, golf-front homes
With around 60% of residents being expats, including strong British, Dutch, and Scandinavian communities, it’s also one of the coast’s most internationally integrated towns.
Though inland, Benahavís is just 10–15 minutes from the coast.
1 – Estepona: Quieter, natural beaches and vibrant beach bars
2 – Laguna Village: A luxury beachfront complex with dining, pools, and boutique shopping
3 – San Pedro & Puerto Banús: Family beaches and upscale beach clubs like Ocean Club
Benahavís is renowned as the “Gastronomic Corner of the Costa del Sol”. For its size, it has more top-rated restaurants than anywhere else in Andalusia.
Benahavís offers excellent access to education and healthcare.
1. Is Benahavís a good place to invest?
Benahavís is one of the best-performing real estate markets on the Costa del Sol.
2. What kind of properties are available?
Choose from hillside villas, golf apartments, townhouses, rustic fincas, and resort-style new builds.
3. Is it safe?
Benahavís is known for its peace, low crime rate, and gated communities with 24/7 security.
4. What’s the population like?
Around 9,000 residents, with a cosmopolitan mix, making it friendly, multilingual, and easy to integrate into.
5. Is it good for retirement?
Absolutely. With sunshine, healthcare, leisure activities, and a thriving community, it’s a retirement paradise.
At Greystone International Group, we offer tailored real estate guidance to help you find your ideal home in Benahavís. Whether you’re seeking a secure investment, a permanent move, or a dream holiday home, we combine local expertise with world-class service. From viewings to legal support, we’re with you every step of the way.
Let Greystone guide you home to Benahavís.
