Marbella and its surroundings hardly needs an introduction. It has been the playground for the rich and famous since the sixties and many know its fabulous coastline and have partied the night away in glamorous Puerto Banús. But if you venture just a few kilometres inland you will find the stunning mountain range Serranía de Ronda and perched on its side is the perhaps lesser known village of Benahavís. Should you decide to look for a property for sale in Benahavís and decide to buy you will never be without house guests. It a truly special place. Benahavís is a traditional, very charming Andalusian village, founded in the fifteenth century by the Arabs. Here you have unprecedented views over the surrounding mountains and all the way to the sea and in less than 20 minutes by car, you can be in Marbella. The village is one of the best preserved, picturesque villages in all of Spain with its narrow streets and whitewashed houses. While the village of Benahavís has remained quite unchanged, in the last few years the surrounding areas have been developed into exclusive golf courses and some gated communities targeting the wealthiest individuals. Add to that some high-end hotels, a spa and a top class culinary experience and you will surely feel privileged to have Benahavís as your place of residence.
It is still possible to buy a property in Benahavís village for an affordable price tag and enjoy the charms of being part of the community in an authentic Andalusian village. However, take into account that Benahavís is not your average Spanish town. With only 5,000 inhabitants (half of them international residents), it is the top municipality in Spain in terms of income per inhabitant. The reason for this is that many of Europe’s top celebrities and wealthiest individuals have chosen the villas and estates that surround Benhavís as their place of residence. Well known among these privileged estates are La Heredia or El Madroñal, but particularly worth mentioning is La Zagaleta, one of the most exclusive gated communities in Europe. Its luxurious mansions with personal helipads and private golf course target the most affluent and well-known customers, including actor Hugh Grant and the former mayor of Moscow.
You won’t be left with a lack of options to satisfy your golfing hunger in Benahavís, as the municipality features no fewer than nine golf courses. And there are even plans to add a few more in the near future. El Higueral, Los Arqueros or Atalaya are among the best known. If your golfing skill is not up to par, Benahavís Town Hall has also built a golf practice range. Since the village is built on a mountain side there are ample opportunities for mountaineering sports, from leisurely walks to adventurous free climbing. There are also opportunities to go horseback riding on the beautiful mountain tracks. And there is a multi-sports centre with pool, courts for paddle tennis and regular tennis, aerobics and a gym. If you find a property for sale in Benahavís and make it your home, you will never be bored. One minute you will see a Hollywood star sipping his drink and the next you will be on you way up the mountain to enjoy the stunning views before heading down for a drink of your own in Marbella. Benahavís is truly special.
