Benahavis: Hiking, Nature and Local History

When looking for a hotel in Benahavis, it is worth first deciding what you want to focus on during your trip. Hiking trails vary in destination and suitability; other specific options include local history, the Romería in honour of the Virgen del Rosario, a restaurant visit in the old town and the municipal golf academy. This helps you decide which aspects of the area matter for your stay.

Hiking trails and landscape

The route to Castillo de Montemayor starts in the centre of Benahavis and leads to a fortress. From there, in suitable conditions, you can see up to 100 kilometres of coastline as well as the African coast. How far you can actually see depends on the weather. The route therefore offers a clear destination for anyone interested in a fortress and the possibility of coastal views.

The Sendero de las Libélulas del Guadalmina is a pleasant walking trail for people with a normal level of physical fitness. A lime kiln along the route is a testament to times gone by. So, alongside the landscape, your walk also takes in a historical relic.

The connection with nature is also clear: 32 of the 54 known dragonfly species in Málaga province occur in Benahavis. This figure is a distinct indicator of the area's biodiversity and complements the hiking and cultural themes described above with a natural history perspective.

The Sendero de las Acequias is an easy circular hike suitable for the whole family. The route crosses a wooden bridge through the Cañón de las Angosturas. Its circular layout, difficulty level and bridge are specific features of this trail.

River, history and tradition

Below Benahavis, the Guadalmina runs through the Las Angosturas area between limestone walls. More than ten centuries ago, Arab communities diverted some of the Guadalmina's water to irrigate their gardens and farms. The river landscape therefore also has a historical connection to irrigation and agriculture.

The Torre de la Leonera in Benahavis is listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC). Its listing as a Bien de Interés Cultural gives the tower a clearly defined heritage protection status.

The Romería in honour of the Virgen del Rosario is a recurring October tradition and takes place on 7 October. The procession in Benahavis goes to the Charco de las Mozas, where a Eucharistic celebration is held in a hermitage. For travellers interested in religious traditions, this date is a clear seasonal point of reference.

Old town, food and golf

Visitors can stroll through the old town, have dinner on a restaurant terrace and try tapas with beer or wine. Alongside the trails and sights, this combination gives a visit to the area a culinary focus.

The municipal golf academy of Benahavis is next to the town centre and adjoins the four-star Gran Hotel Benahavís. It has a driving range, a large bunker, an approach area and a putting green. As facilities can change, check their current status before visiting.

If you are looking for a hotel in Benahavis, you can use the purpose of your trip as your first selection criterion: for hiking routes, the destination and suitability information are relevant; for a stay focused on culture, food or golf, other places and activities may take priority. This helps you tailor your search to what you want to experience locally.

Discover more destinations: Fuengirola, Benarrabá, Campillos, Atalaya Isdabe, Cuevas De San Marcos, Nerja, El Burgo, Guaro

For the main travel overview: Málaga.