Back to news
The Ultimate Guide to Living in Benahavís on Spain's Costa del Sol
Benahavís is a beautiful whitewashed village located in the hills between the popular coastal resort towns of Marbella and Estepona on Spain's sunny Costa del Sol. Nestled in the mountains just 7km from the Mediterranean beaches, this tranquil Pueblo Blanco has remained remarkably unchanged, retaining its traditional Spanish charm and culture.
Surrounded by the stunning natural landscapes of olive and chestnut groves, soaring peaks, and the plunging Guadalmina River gorge, Benahavís offers an authentic taste of rural Andalusian life with easy access to the coast.
Here are some of the key reasons to consider living in this scenic Spanish gem, from its friendly community vibe to the abundance of leisure activities nearby. Ideal for those seeking mountain tranquillity, authentic culture, gourmet dining and endless sunshine, Benahavís truly is a hidden treasure on Spain's beloved Costa del Sol.
Is Benahavís a Good Place to Live?
For those seeking the sun and relaxed lifestyle of the Costa del Sol without the hustle and bustle of the crowded coast, Benahavís offers an ideal alternative. The village provides the best of both worlds - a quiet mountain setting just minutes from the sea.
The charming whitewashed village has stayed true to its Spanish roots, offering an authentic experience of local culture. While the pace of life is tranquil, there is community vibrancy with a calendar full of festivals and events.
With its scenic location, excellent climate, abundant activities and welcoming community, Benahavís has much to offer as a place to live. Accessibility to beaches, airports and cities means amenities are still conveniently close.
A Tranquil Village with Charm
The village has retained its traditional Spanish charm, with cobbled streets and a central plaza lined with restaurants and cafes. The pace of life is relaxed and tranquil, perfect for those looking for a peaceful lifestyle away from busy cities. Surrounded by nature with sweeping views of the Mediterranean coastline, it offers the best of both worlds - a taste of rural Spanish life with the ocean just a short drive away.
The village ambience is friendly and welcoming, where locals still shop at small family-run stores and gather to chat in the plaza. For those seeking authentic Spanish culture, the charm and tranquillity of Benahavís offer an unhurried lifestyle.
Ideal Climate
Benahavís enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year thanks to its enviable location on Spain's famed Costa del Sol. Winters are mild in this region, with average temperatures of 11°C, allowing for comfortable days spent outdoors hiking or golfing even during the colder months.
Summers are hot and dry, averaging 29°C, making conditions perfect for spending time relaxing on the nearby Mediterranean beaches or cooling off with water sports. The area benefits from a typical Mediterranean climate, with more annual sunshine hours than most places in Europe. Benahavís experiences very little rain year-round.
The exceptional weather makes the village ideal for those who enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle. The sunny, mild climate allows for year-round golfing on the many nearby courses, hiking and biking in the scenic hills, and watersports along the coastline.
Scenic Surroundings
Dramatic landscapes surround Benahavís, from the soaring mountains of the Serranía de Ronda to the plunging Guadalmina River gorge on the approach to the village. Verdant olive and chestnut groves dot the hillsides surrounding the whitewashed homes. The area is blanketed in greenery and wildflowers during spring.
The mountain backdrop provides scenic hiking trails to explore and the river is popular for canyoning adventures. With beautiful vistas in every direction, it's a stunning natural setting just minutes from the coast.
Abundant Lifestyle Activities
There are 12 golf courses in the Benahavís area alone, from championship courses to smaller pitch and putts, perfect for golfing enthusiasts. Hiking trails and mountain biking routes wind through the hills. Canyoning along the Guadalmina River provides an adventurous way to cool off.
Horseback riding, tennis, cycling and water sports in the nearby coastal towns offer plenty of ways to stay active. The village and surroundings cater to those who want to live an outdoor lifestyle.
Relaxed Pace and Community
The village of Benahavís has a relaxed vibe and friendly community feel. The population is around 7,000, with many British expats integrated into local life. It provides a laidback lifestyle without being isolated.
Families appreciate the sense of community in this mountain village, with people taking time to shop and chat with neighbours in the town centre. For those wanting to immerse themselves fully into Spanish culture, there are festivals and events year-round showcasing the area's traditions. The relaxed pace makes it easy to settle into the Spanish way of life.
Accessibility
Benahavís is easily accessible, located just 7km from the coast and under an hour's drive from Malaga airport. A short 15-minute drive reaches the beaches, resort towns and shopping centres of Marbella and the Costa del Sol.
The village is on a no-through road, keeping traffic minimal yet the coast and cities quickly reachable. Beaches, shops, airports and all amenities are conveniently close, perfect for those who want a peaceful base near everything.
Properties for Sale in Benahavís
There are many beautiful properties for sale in Benahavís to suit varying needs and budgets, from Pueblo townhouses to luxurious villas. Exclusive developments like La Zagaleta offer elite living with amenities like golf and security.
Benahavís real estate provides a tranquil mountain lifestyle near the Mediterranean. With its charm, activities and amenities, Benahavís is an appealing area for home buyers seeking the Costa del Sol lifestyle.
Why Choose Peter Jacobsen Premium Estates?
Peter Jacobsen Premium Estates – since 1986 in Nueva Andalucia, Marbella – is an Exclusive Scandinavian Boutique Real Estate Agency that brings you 35+ years of experience in the Nueva Andalucia, La Quinta, El Madroñal, La Zagaleta, Puerto Banus and Marbella's Golden Mile areas.
