The history of
Benahavis starts at the end of the eleventh century and is
closely related to the Costa Del Sol’s Arabic past, and in
particular that of Marbella, to whom the town once belonged
before achieving its independent status, after a dispute
lasting more than three centuries.
Havis, the
Moor who once reigned from Montemayor Castle, gave the town
it’s name which in Arabic means ‘son of Havis’.
Montemayor castle has played a very important
role in the battles between the various Arab kings in
Andalusia, because of its strategic position. From its
prominent location in the mountains you can see up to a
hundred kilometres of seaboard including the African coast,
all of which was very useful at a time when piracy and
invasion were commonplace! As well as this impressive
location,
the castle also had an underground passageway connecting it to
the coast through which the Arabs were able to transport
soldiers.
It was this
strategic location that drew the attention of the catholic
monarchs, intent on conquering the last Moorish kingdoms in
the south of the Iberian Peninsula.
In 1485,
Benahavis along with other localities in the Bermeja
mountains, were handed by over to the Catholic king Ferdinand
by Mohammed Abuneza. Ferdinand
entrusted these towns to Don Pedro Villandrado, who became the
first Christian mayor of Benahavis.
The Village
Today
Today
Benahavis is a charming mountain village, overlooking the
Guadalmina River, and remains one of the hidden gems of
Andalusia. Just 7km from the main coast road and within
driving distance of both Marbella and Puerto Banus it is a
great place for Families, Golfers and groups of friends
looking to get away from it all.
The village
has a population of just under 4,000 and retains its original
Moorish layout, with narrow cobbled street and pretty
whitewashed houses. It remains very traditionally Spanish and
has a small number of shops including a bakers, pharmacy and
butcher’s, along with a number of banks. It is a haven for
artists and there are also a number of galleries displaying
local works. The village church holds Sunday services at 11am.
On Tuesday’s
there is a small street market and for a larger choice of
provisions larger supermarkets are only a small drive away
(10mins). For those choosing not to drive throughout there is
a limited bus service into Marbella, leaving early in the
morning and returning early evening.
In the summer
the village has a large outdoor pool for use by visitors and
residents alike, and there is also a cafe area for socialising
and a sports pitch for all to use. Adjacent is a practice
driving range which is available for a small charge. If you
prefer beaches the nearby Marbella coastline boasts over 24km
of fantastic beaches with something for everyone , from sun
loungers and water sports to delightful sea view restaurants
and chrinquito’s (relaxed beach cafes).
If you like
walking the surrounding countryside is stunning, and there are
lovely walks through the hills and mountains, all with
spectacular views. There are walks for everyone from
challenging slopes to level tracks through the woods.
As home to an
extraordinary number of quality restaurants, Benahavis is
known locally as the ‘Rincon de la Gastronomia’ or ‘the dining
room of the Costa del Sol’.
