Benahavís is the municipality in the hills behind Marbella and Estepona where wealthy buyers from all over the world come to find their villa . Here you will find La Zagaleta, El Madroñal, Los Arqueros and La Quinta, golf courses with sea views and a charming white mountain village with dozens of restaurants. It is no coincidence that more than 80% of buyers in Benahavís are foreign. In this guide you will find everything you need to know if you want to buy a house in Benahavís.
Where is Benahavís?
The municipality of Benahavís stretches from just above the coast near San Pedro de Alcántara deep into the mountains of the Serranía de Ronda. The village itself lies about seven kilometres from the coast. From most areas you can reach Puerto Banús or the beach in ten to twenty minutes. Málaga airport is about an hour away.
Why choose Benahavís?
- Space and privacy: larger plots, lower building density and many gated communities with security.
- Views: from the hills you can often see as far as Gibraltar and the coast of Africa.
- Golf: courses such as Los Arqueros, La Quinta, Marbella Club Golf Resort and the private courses of La Zagaleta.
- New builds and modern villas: more scope for building than in Marbella itself.
- The village: an authentic Andalusian mountain village, known as a foodie hotspot.
The main areas of Benahavís
La Zagaleta
The most exclusive private estate in Europe, with two private golf courses, an equestrian centre and villas ranging from several million to over €30 million. Read our guide to La Zagaleta.
El Madroñal and Monte Mayor
Large villas on generous plots high in the mountains, with spectacular views and plenty of nature. In September 2026 the average asking price in El Madroñal was around €8,070 per m².
La Quinta and La Heredia
Closer to the coast, around the La Quinta golf course. Villas, townhouses and apartments, five minutes from Puerto Banús and the international schools.
Los Arqueros
Set around Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club. Quiet, green and often with sea or mountain views. In August 2026 the average asking price was around €4,830 per m², which makes it appealing if you want more space for your budget.
Reserva de Alcuzcuz
A hilly villa area between La Heredia and the village, with modern villas, large terraces and views of the coast.
Marbella Club Golf Resort and Los Almendros
Exclusive golf communities with villas in a green setting, just above Estepona and San Pedro.
How much does a house in Benahavís cost?
In September 2026 the average asking price in Benahavís was around €5,600 per m², up 6.5% year on year (idealista). Actual sale prices in 2025 averaged around €4,100 per m² (notary data). As a guide:
- Apartment in a golf complex: often from €400,000 to €900,000.
- Townhouse or smaller villa: from around €800,000.
- Modern villa with sea views: typically from €2 million.
- Villa in La Zagaleta or El Madroñal: from several million euros.
Living in Benahavís: the pros and cons
Pros: peace, nature, views, security and more space. You live close to Puerto Banús, but far from the bustle.
Cons: you always need a car, and some areas are high up, with winding roads. In winter the nights are a little cooler than by the sea. Read more in our article on the microclimate.
The village of Benahavís
The white village on the Guadalmina river comes as a surprise to first-time visitors. Narrow lanes, a peaceful square and an impressive number of restaurants for such a small village. The Guadalmina gorge, Las Angosturas, is a popular spot for hiking and swimming in summer.
Tips for buyers in Benahavís
- Visit the area at different times: access and traffic down to the coast vary from one area to another.
- Pay attention to orientation: a south-facing villa with sea views holds its value best.
- Check the permits: especially for older villas and extensions.
- Ask about the community fees: in gated communities with security these can be considerable.
Find your villa in Benahavís
We know the areas of Benahavís inside out and have access to villas that are not publicly for sale. Tell us what you are looking for and we will put together a tailored selection. Take a look at our Prestige collection, our new developments or get in touch with us.
Benahavís and nature
Benahavís is one of the greenest municipalities on the Costa del Sol. More than half of its land is mountains, forests and river valleys, with walking trails towards the Sierra Bermeja and the Serranía de Ronda. For lovers of hiking, mountain biking or simply peace and quiet, that is a huge asset. You live close to the coast, but with nature quite literally in your back garden. Many villas border protected natural areas, which means your views are guaranteed to stay.
New developments in Benahavís
Benahavís has more room for new developments than Marbella. As a result, you will find modern villas and apartments here with large terraces, pools and panoramic views. New projects are appearing especially around La Quinta, Los Arqueros and the hills towards Estepona. Read more in our article on buying a new build.
Restaurants in the village
For its size, the village of Benahavís has an exceptional number of restaurants, from traditional Andalusian cuisine to international dishes. An evening out for dinner in the village is part of life here.
Frequently asked questions
Is Benahavís more expensive than Marbella?
Not on average: the asking price per m² is slightly lower than in Marbella. But in La Zagaleta and El Madroñal, prices match those of Marbella’s most expensive areas.
How far is Benahavís from the sea?
The village is about seven kilometres from the coast. Many areas are closer to the sea, five to fifteen minutes’ drive from the beach.
Is Benahavís good for families?
Yes, especially La Quinta, La Heredia and Los Arqueros, close to the international schools in San Pedro and Nueva Andalucía.
Why is Benahavís so popular with international buyers?
Because of its combination of privacy, space, golf and views, just a few minutes from Marbella. More than 80% of buyers are foreign.
