A day trip to BenahavĂs
Our latest suggestion for Malaga day trips recommends visiting the pretty village of BenahavĂs. This immaculate white village sits among some of the most stunning natural surroundings on the Costa del Sol, has excellent leisure options and offers a delicious foodie scene. Add to this, its proximity to Marbella and Estepona and it’s easy to see why a day trip to Benahavis makes sense.
An introduction to Benahavis
This white village is one of those ticking all the location, location, location boxes. Benahavis lies equidistant between Estepona and Marbella on the western Costa del Sol, in one of the most spectacular settings on the coast. Malaga is around 80km to the east.
Verdant mountains and foothills surround the village, and three rivers cross the municipality (one of the reasons for all that greenery). Not for nothing is “A window to Nature!” the Benahavis logo and it’s a haven for nature and outdoor activities. Hikers, golfers, horse riders and river sports enthusiasts are all spoilt for choice.
The village is a succession of narrow streets and squares, flanked by whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant bougainvillea and geraniums. Thanks to its high elevation, vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys greet you at every turn. From Benahavis, you can see 100km of coastline and the African coast on the horizon.
Benahavis in a nutshell
This village offers a glimpse of traditional Andalusia and a typical whitewashed town. Locals are friendly and welcoming, and you’ll feel at home from the moment you arrive.
Things to see in Benahavis
Like so many villages in Malaga province, Benahavis has Moorish origins. As a result, its must-sees mostly date back to the Al-Andalus period between 1000 and 1492. On your day trip to Benahavis, don’t miss:
Castillo de Montemayor
Outside the village, on a high promontory, this castle was an important landmark during Moorish times. Much of it lies in ruins, but you can still see the original walls, a well and the Queen’s tower. Unsurprisingly, the views from the castle are second to none. This link describes the hike to Benahavis Castle.
Watch towers
The village has several Moorish watch towers standing today. They include Torre Leonera, Torre Alcuzcuz, Torre Tramores and Torre DaidĂn.
Palacio de Benahavis
This 16th-century palace, now home to Benahavis council offices, has Moorish influence, best seen in its courtyard and tower.
Things to do in Benahavis
Outdoors takes on a whole new meaning in this part of the Costa del Sol, and a day trip to Benahavis necessarily involves making the most of its natural surroundings. The vast municipality is mostly wooded – the pine and oak (cork and holm) forests are some of the most beautiful in the province. Furthermore, its trio of rivers, Guadaiza, Guadalmansa and Guadalmina, add extra beauty to the area.
Canyoning in Benahavis
The village is one of the top destinations for river sports in southern Spain, and canyoning in the rivers is the most popular. Numerous companies organise guided canyoning activities, suitable for varying ages and skills.
Typical tours last for 3 hours and cover around 3km. The route includes some hiking stretches and others through water. The activity provides all safety equipment. Note that you must be able to swim. Book a canyoning activity in Benahavis.
Hiking in Benahavis
As the gateway to the Sierra de las Nieves National Park, Benahavis offers some excellent hiking routes. They range from short walks to more challenging treks, and many involve the village rivers.
This Wikiloc link describes some of the best hikes.
Golf in Benahavis
If golf is your thing, Benahavis is your place because no less than 12 courses surround the village. You can play 216 holes in total at renowned courses such as Villa Padierna, La Quinta, Marbella Club, Monte Mayor and Los Arqueros. In addition, the village has a Municipal Golf Academy, perfect for getting your eye in before you hit the serious fairways.
Read more about golf in Benahavis
The local foodie scene
Given its small size, Benahavis has a surprisingly high number of eateries. At the last count, they numbered over 30, honouring the village’s nickname as the Dining Room of Andalusia. Benahavis is also home to one of the province’s culinary schools. The Sabor a Málaga establishment ensures gastronomic excellence is passed on to future generations of chefs, sommeliers and waiters.
All the eateries are different, catering for their own niche and allowing you to sample all types of cuisine. However, each one has a common denominator – fresh regional ingredients.
During your day trip to Benahavis, be sure to try:
Amanhavis
Traditional meets modern at this venue where you’ll find the most sophisticated dining in town. Chef Nick believes “we eat with our eyes”, so each dish is art on a plate and creates delicious foodie treats that combine traditional central European cuisine with modern Andalusia touches. The cosy interior looks out onto the intimate patio, complete with a pool, cobalt-blue arches and palms (you can eat outside in the summer). Calle Pilar 3.
BodegĂłn Gallery
Traditional Mediterranean cuisine rules supreme at this restaurant, which doubles as a wine shop, selling a curated list of wines, cavas and liquors. Their octopus carpaccio with Pedro Ximénez caviar is a must-try as are their saquitos (filo pastry puffs), equally delicious whether they’re filled with shrimps and spices, chicken or vegetables and parmesan. Plaza de la Iglesia 5.
Bodeguita El Chico
This family-run traditional bodega restaurant has had the same menu for 25 years simply because it works. Hand-cooked treats include buñuelos de bacalao (cod puffs), carne mechada (braised meat, usually pork) and montaditos de jamón y huevos de codorniz (Iberian ham and quail egg bites). The tomate rosa (pink tomato) salad is another must. Calle Malaga 6.
La Terraza de Benahavis
As you’d expect from the name, the terrace and its panoramic views at this restaurant in Benahavis are the prime attractions. But you’re also here to eat, so don’t miss the croquettes, grilled meats (Edgar the owner is Argentinian (say no more)) and perhaps the best chips on the Costa del Sol. Calle Malaga 15.
Legends Bar and Restaurant
The menu at this relaxed venue gives a big nod to the international community in Benahavis, with Tex-Mex dishes, hamburgers and fish and chips taking centre stage. Don’t miss the legendary Sunday roast – book ahead as this is a popular option. Avenida de Andalucia 7.
Where to stay
As we’ve seen, there’s plenty to do, so a day trip to Benahavis from Malaga could be a little ambitious. If you’d like to stay the night, try Amanhavis, a boutique hotel with just nine rooms. Each comes decorated with a unique theme – the Sultan Boabdil’s Chamber could be straight out of Arabian Nights and the Astronomer’s Observatory comes complete with a glass canopy and telescope for stargazing. Book your stay now.
How to get to Benahavis
The best way to get there is by hiring a car, the quickest and most flexible option once you arrive in Benahavis.
If you’d prefer to get there by public transport, take a bus from Malaga to San Pedro de Alcántara (allow between 1h15 and 1h40 for your journey) and then the bus to Benahavis. More information on the Avanza website.
More day trips from Malaga
Our day trips section has more inspiration for day trips from the city, with information on places like Nerja, Antequera and Ronda.
Start planning your upcoming trip to the Costa del Sol!
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