Benahavis is one of the wealthiest municipalities in Spain. Despite its small size, Benahavís has a huge tax base, thanks to luxury properties in areas like La Zagaleta. This translates into spotless streets, great infrastructure, and a surprisingly high-end feel for a mountain village.
Benahavís is the kind of place that rewards the quietly discerning. Tucked into the Andalusian hills, ten minutes from Marbella yet worlds apart in pace, this is where the Costa del Sol slows down, steeped in old-world elegance and the promise of a good meal. Property owners here understand that luxury is best measured in space—both physical and mental. A home in Benahavís is an investment not just in square footage but in a life recalibrated for pleasure.
Spend a weekend here, and you’ll start to see why high-net-worth buyers are turning their attention to this enclave of golf courses, nature reserves, and whitewashed villages that still belong to the landscape rather than the other way around.
Friday: Arrival and a Late Dinner That’s Worth the Wait
You arrive in the early evening. The roads, winding and sun-warmed, ease you into the quiet of Benahavís. Check into Hotel Amanhavis, a boutique hotel that understands the appeal of storytelling—each room is themed around Spanish explorers and historical figures, the kind of detail that makes a place feel considered rather than designed.
Dinner at Restaurante Los Abanicos
📍 C. Málaga, 17, 29679 Benahavís, Málaga, Spain
🌐 restauranteabanicos.com
☎️ +34 952 85 50 64
🕰 Open daily, 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM
For dinner, there’s Los Abanicos. The place has been here for decades, and it shows in the best way possible: polished service, a kitchen that knows exactly what it’s doing. Order the slow-roasted lamb shoulder—a plate so generous it feels like an invitation to linger. The atmosphere is convivial, warm, and entirely free of pretension.
Saturday: Nature, Leisure, and Investment in Wellbeing
Morning: Hiking Along the Guadalmina River Walk
Wake up to the sound of birds rather than traffic. A morning hike along the Guadalmina River Walk is almost meditative. There’s something grounding about scrambling over smooth rocks and wading through cool, clear water. The route isn’t difficult, but it demands attention—a reminder that sometimes, slowing down is the most effective way to move forward.
Mid-Morning: Golf at La Zagaleta
📍 Carretera de Ronda, Km 38.5, 29679 Benahavís, Málaga, Spain
🌐 lazagaleta.com
☎️ +34 952 20 79 22
Benahavís isn’t short on golf courses, but La Zagaleta is the one whispered about in the right circles. A former hunting estate turned members-only retreat, this isn’t just a golf course—it’s 900 hectares of protected landscape, two championship courses, and a clientele that values privacy above all else. If you own a property here, you already know that the real luxury isn’t just the golf—it’s space, exclusivity, and the understanding that some things aren’t meant to be advertised.
Lunch at Coto Restaurante
📍 Ctra. de Ronda, 29679 Benahavís, Málaga, Spain
🌐 coto-restaurante.com
☎️ +34 951 50 50 50
🕰 12:30 PM – 3:30 PMFor lunch, Coto Restaurante offers an elevated take on Andalusian fare. The menu reads like a tribute to the region—charcoal-grilled meats, delicately spiced rice dishes, and seafood so fresh it’s almost conversational. The clientele is a mix of international property owners, golfers, and those who appreciate a meal that isn’t rushed.
Sunday is when the locals take over. Many tourists leave by Sunday morning, but locals come in for coffee, pastries, and a stroll through the quiet streets. If you want the most authentic village vibe, Sunday morning is golden hour.
Afternoon: Spa and Quiet Reflection at Anantara Villa Padierna
📍 Carretera de Cádiz, Km 166, 29679 Benahavís, Málaga, Spain
🌐 anantara.com
☎️ +34 952 88 91 50
By mid-afternoon, the smart choice is Anantara Villa Padierna’s spa. Thermal circuits, hydrotherapy pools, and a menu of treatments that make relaxation feel intentional rather than indulgent. There’s a reason international buyers choose Benahavís—not just for its real estate potential, but for its ability to offer an alternative to fast living.
Dinner at Amanhavis Restaurant
📍 C. El Pilar, 3, 29679 Benahavís, Málaga, Spain
🌐 amanhavis.com
☎️ +34 952 85 50 51
🕰 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Dinner is at Amanhavis, attached to the boutique hotel. Inventive, deeply local, and effortlessly elegant. Try the grilled Iberian pork with rosemary-infused honey, a dish that manages to be both robust and delicate.
Sunday: Market Stroll and a Glimpse of the Future
Morning: The Benahavís Sunday Market
The town square transforms on Sundays. Market stalls spill over with handwoven textiles, locally produced olive oils, and ceramics that belong in homes with stories to tell. If you’re considering a move here, this is the moment when you start picturing your weekends differently.
A Private Viewing of Benahavís’ Best Properties
This is the part where weekend trips turn into long-term plans.
Benahavís isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to live. The real estate here is a study in discretion: private estates with panoramic views, contemporary apartments that balance modern convenience with old-world charm, gated communities where everything is taken care of before you even think to ask.
At Ultimate Lifestyles, we understand that buying a property here is more than just a transaction—it’s a decision to invest in a life well lived.📞 Call us at +34 951 12 07 12
📧 Email [email protected]
🌐 Browse exclusive properties at ultimate-lifestyles.com