Benahavís
Benahavís is one of Andalusia's most exclusive areas, with 40+ restaurants in a small mountain village, luxury villas from €600,000 and access to La Zagaleta – one of Europe's most expensive gated communities.
Quick facts Benahavís
Population
8 000
2024
Source: INE
Foreign residents
55%
Source: Estimate
Estimated Swedes
100
Liten men växande svensk grupp
Distance to airport
55 min
Malaga (AGP)
Price per m²
3 800 €
Source: Idealista
Sunshine hours per year
3200
Average temperature
18°C
Average temperature
Lifestyle in Benahavís
Exclusive and discreet. Large plots, impressive villas and one of Spain's highest concentrations of golf courses. Food is a religion here.
Why Swedes love Benahavís
- ✓The restaurant village: With 30+ restaurants in a small village, Benahavís has become a foodie mecca – perfect Sunday lunch by the river.
- ✓Villa luxury at lower prices: Compared to Marbella and Nueva Andalucía, you get significantly more villa and plot for your money.
- ✓Nature: Mountain hiking along Río Guadalmina, beautiful rock pools and UNESCO-nearby Sierra de las Nieves.
- ✓The tranquillity: Living in Benahavís you have luxury nearby (Marbella 15 min) but avoid the tourist crowds.
🤔Who is it NOT suitable for?
- •Those who don't want to drive (everything requires a car in Benahavís).
- •Those seeking beach life (the nearest beach is 15–20 min away).
- •Those who want city buzz and nightlife (the village closes early).
Districts in Benahavís
Benahavís Pueblo
Mountain Village & Gourmet
Pros
- +Over 30 restaurants in a small village – "Costa del Sol's gastronomic capital"
- +Authentic Andalusian village feel with white houses
- +Fantastic views over the valley and mountain landscape
Cons
- −Limited services (grocery shops etc.)
- −Narrow mountain roads can be challenging
La Quinta Golf
Luxury Golf & Resort
Pros
- +27-hole golf course designed by Manuel Piñero
- +Fantastic views of the sea and mountains
- +Gated community with high security
Cons
- −Isolated without a car
- −High community fees
Montemayor / Los Arqueros
Modern Urbanisations
Pros
- +Large modern villas with private pools
- +Close to Marbella and San Pedro (10–15 min)
- +Several golf courses nearby (Los Arqueros, Atalaya)
Cons
- −Car absolutely necessary
- −Can feel cut off from community
Climate in Benahavís vs Stockholm
2800
Sunshine hours/year
50
Rainy days/year
28°C
July avg
25°C
Sea temp July
| Month | Benahavís | Stockholm | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | -2°C | +14°C | |
| Apr | 18°C | 5°C | +13°C | |
| Jul | 27°C | 18°C | +9°C | 23°C |
| Okt | 21°C | 8°C | +13°C |
Property market in Benahavís
Price trend (5 years)
+42%
Steadily increasing trend since 2020
Estimated Rental Yield
4%
Gross yield for long-term rental
Tourist license
Possible
Generally possible to obtain a short-term rental license.
What does a property cost?
Average price ranges for standard properties in good condition.
* Prices are estimated averages and may vary depending on location, condition and view.
Attractions & experiences in Benahavís
40+ restaurants in a small village, world-class golf (Marbella Club Golf, La Zagaleta), hiking in the Sierra de las Nieves, river pools.
Transport & getting around in Benahavís
Málaga airport 55 min. Car absolutely necessary. Helipad on some properties.
The best of Benahavís
40+ restauranger
Gastronomins by
Golfparadis
Flera mästerskapsbanor
Säkerhet
Gated communities
Natur
Sierra de las Nieves
Practical for Swedes
Travel from Sweden
SAS, Norwegian
Dagligen (AGP)
Ryanair, Norwegian
Flera i veckan
SAS, Norwegian
Dagligen
Transfer to the area:
Taxi approx. 55 min (~€90). Car rental strongly recommended – a car is a must in Benahavís.
Healthcare & Health
Health centre in the village. Hospital Costa del Sol (25 min) and Hospiten Marbella (15 min).
NIE number & Legal
Applied for at the Policía Nacional in Marbella or San Pedro de Alcántara.
Swedish services on-site
Compare with nearby areas
💡Tips for buying in Benahavís
La Zagaleta for ultimate luxury, Los Flamingos for golf, El Madroñal for views. Security-gated communities are common and highly valued.
Watch out for
"Those who don't want to drive (everything requires a car in Benahavís)., Those seeking beach life (the nearest beach is 15–20 min away)., Those who want city buzz and nightlife (the village closes early)."
Common questions about Benahavís
With over 30 restaurants for just 8,000 residents, the village has one of Spain's highest restaurant densities. The tradition dates back to the 80s.
From the village approx. 15–20 min by car to the San Pedro beaches. From La Quinta/Los Arqueros approx. 10–15 min.
Yes, absolutely. Benahavís is a mountain municipality and a car is needed for everything except a walk in the village.
Generally 20–30% lower per square metre, and you often get larger plots. A villa in Benahavís costs what an apartment costs on the Golden Mile.
NIE + bank account → Find property → Preliminary agreement + 10% deposit → Final deed at notary. Total time: 2-4 months.
Expect around 10-13% in additional costs: stamp duty (ITP) 8-10%, notary fees, registration and legal advice.
On purchase: ITP 8-10% (resale) or VAT 10% (new build). Ongoing: IBI €200-600/year, wealth tax and any rental income tax.
Yes, a NIE number is mandatory for all property purchases in Spain.
Properties in Benahavís
No properties available in this area right now.
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