Benahavis, authentic Andalucía on the edge of Marbella
The pretty little village of Benahavis finds itself nestled against a hillside in a bountiful green valley. Once isolated from the Costa del Sol’s coastal area though only seven kilometres from the coast, it marks the beginning of the Serranía de Ronda, a mighty expanse of mountains, valleys and waterfalls dotted with little white villages that reaches inland to the town of Ronda and beyond.
Over the years Benahavis has become drawn into the cosmopolitan coastal area with Marbella and Puerto Banús at its centre, yet in spite of its close proximity to this region it still retains a true Andalusian mountain village atmosphere surrounded by glorious nature. Not surprisingly, quite a few of the foreign residents that have made Benahavis their home have been drawn to this enchanting corner of it, where they can combine easy access to all the Costa del Sol has to offer with a peaceful and authentic lifestyle.
As the municipal border of Benahavis covers a large area just north of Marbella and Estepona, it offers a great variety of living environments in addition to those who choose to settle in the charming little village itself. These areas include the elegant gated communities at the beginning of the Ronda Road, a scenic route that leads inland from the little town of San Pedro Alcántara. Here you will find grand villas and mansions in La Zagaleta, one of the most exclusive residential country club communities of its kind in Europe.
Offering horse riding, golf, exquisite facilities, magnificent surroundings and optimal privacy and security within a former hunting estate, La Zagaleta is regarded as one of the most prestigious addresses in Marbella. Just down the Ronda Road from here is La Quinta, where you will find luxurious medium to large sized villas and attractively styled low-rise apartments and townhouses ranged around a beautifully undulating golf course. Though the coastal facilities are just ten minutes away from this peaceful oasis bordering protected nature there is the benefit of having the luxurious Melía La Quinta hotel and spa on your doorstep.
Flowing down in a south-westerly direction from the Ronda Road is Los Arqueros, which finds its continuation in Los Almendros. Though still set within fine natural surroundings with beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and conveniently close to both San Pedro and Benahavis, this is a somewhat more affordable area characterised by stylish apartments and smaller clusters of villas settled amongst the greenery on gentle slopes overlooking the meandering golf courses.
The geographical extent of Benahavis becomes clear when you realise that it also includes El Paraíso, a popular and well-established area not three kilometres from the sea where the popular El Paraíso Golf Course forms the main focal point for small to large villas that share the broad valley with it. Enjoying panoramic views of this valley, the surrounding mountain ranges and the sea to Gibraltar and North Africa is Mirador del Paraíso, a stylish gated community whose beautifully finished contemporary apartments, large townhouses and private villas offer great value at a point that offers easy access to the golden triangle of Marbella, Estepona and of course, Benahavis.
