Living in Benahavis
Mountain village with restaurants, golf, and stunning views.
What it's like
Benahavis village is a world away from coastal Marbella. Whitewashed houses cling to a hillside, narrow streets wind between them, and the views down to the sea are spectacular. The village is famous for its restaurants - over 40 in a tiny area - ranging from traditional Spanish to international cuisine. Below the village, the municipality includes several golf courses and luxury urbanisations like La Zagaleta. It's cooler in summer (a blessing), quieter year-round, and offers access to mountain walking. The downside is you're 15-20 minutes from the beach and everything requires a car.
Who it's best for
- Food lovers
- Golfers
- Nature enthusiasts
- Those escaping coast crowds
Walkability & Getting Around
Low overall. The village centre is walkable (though hilly), but you'll need a car for everything else. Golf urbanisations are spread out with no pedestrian infrastructure.
Local Amenities
- 40+ restaurants in the village
- Multiple golf courses nearby
- Mountain hiking trails
- River pools for swimming
- Village atmosphere
- Cooler summer temperatures
Pros
- Incredible restaurant scene for a small village
- Beautiful mountain setting with views
- Cooler temperatures in summer
- Access to nature and hiking
- More affordable than coastal areas
- Peaceful village lifestyle
- Top golf courses (La Zagaleta, Monte Mayor)
Cons
- 15-20 minutes from the beach
- Car absolutely essential
- Limited amenities beyond restaurants
- Village can be very quiet
- Winding mountain roads
- No international schools in village
Nearby Facilities
Schools
- Aloha College (15 min drive)
- International School of Estepona (20 min)
- Spanish school in village (primary only)
Supermarkets
- Small supermarket in village
- Mercadona in San Pedro (15 min)
- Larger shops require driving to coast
Benahavis FAQs
Price Range
€1,300-3,000/month rent | €300k-1.5M to buy
Prices are approximate and vary by property type and condition.
Map coming soon