Benahavís

Benahavís is one of the most mountainous villages in the western end of the Costa del Sol, which accounts for its name, the Moorish origin of which means ³Sons of the Abyss² in English. The municipality extends to 14,575 hectares, more than seventy percent of this area officially classified as being of environmental interest. One of the most beautiful parts of the area is Las Angosturas, rich in wildlife and vegetation and ideal for rural tourism, trekking and cycling right through the year. There are, besides, six golf courses in the municipality, with three more being built, and taking the large number of sporting facilities in private housing estates in the area into account, the result is a very pleasant and entertaining place to spend a holiday or purchase a second home. The village itself began life sometime back in the end of the 11th century, when the Moors established a fortification to defend themselves against attack on their western flank. Due to its strategic position, this fortification p layed an important role in the different battles between the various Taifa de Al-Andalus factions. From the castle walls one can see more than a hundred kilometres of Spanish coastline and the African coastline facing it. The Christian era began in Benahavís in January of 1485, when Ferdinand and Isabel entered Marbella to receive Mohammed Abunefa and be given the keys of the town. Benahavís became independent of Marbella in 1572, the year King Felipe II awarded it its "Carta Puebla". The castles of Montemayor and Benahavís played a key role in the fight against the invading French in the early 19th century. These days, despite the advent of tourism to the town, it remains a typical Andalusian mountain village with a rich historical past.

Places to be visited
Torre de la Reina
La Torre de la Reina (Tower of the Queen) is part of Montemayor Castle, built in the 10th century, and still conserves some remains, including an old well. There are various other towers too in the municipality, all built for defence. The best-conserved of these is the Torre de la Leonera, situated at the access to the Guadalmina river basin. It is believed that once the main fortification was built, the defenders established a series of lesser fortifications all around the town, some of the remains of which are still visible as sections of ruined wall close to the urban centre. Another important tower is the Daidín, named for its cubic shape. It is situated in the lower part of the Alcuzcuz finca. In the town itself, of particular architectural interest is the Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario, built with a single nave and subject to numerous modifications through the years. Las Angosturas This is one of the most beautiful areas around Benahavís, being a type of narrow canyon carved out by the centuries of flow from the river Guadalmina. It has recently been declared a Monument of Natural Interest, having a great variety of animal and vegetable wealth. Among the more common animals and birds to be seen here are rabbits, partridges and other bird species. One may also see, with luck, a rare deer species called the Moflón del Atlas in Benahavís, the only place outside Africa where this animal lives wild. Other animals here include the deer, fox, genet and mountain goat. The mountain landscape is also a perfect habitat for various species of birds of prey. The region is heavily wooded, with plenty of oaks, chestnut trees, pines, cork trees and arbutus, along with the typical Mediterranean herbs like rock rose, thyme and rosemary. On the more souther areas of land, closer to the coast, one can see vineyards, palm trees and cereal plantations. Here too is the Charca de las Mozas, or Charca de los Novios, as it is sometimes called, where the water runs fast and creates whirlpools. Legend has it that a bride-to-be once bathed here and was sucked into the whirling waters. Her boyfriend jumped in to save here and he too was drowned.

Where to eat
Albatros. Urbanización La Quinta. Tel: 952 783 462.
El Fogón de la Aldea. Urb.La Aldea. Tel: 952 855 190.
La Cartuja. C/Montemayor. Tel: 952 855 417.
Venta Los Almendros. Ctra. de Ronda. Tel: 952 786 765.
Los Faroles. Specialising in meats with pepper. C/Málaga. Tel: 952 855 425.
La Parada. Ctra. Ronda. Tel: 952 787 754.
Rufino. Specialising in meat and fish. C/Montemayor. Tel: 952 855 262.
Los Abanicos. Specialising in lamb. C/Málaga. Tel: 952 855 022.
El Mirador. C/Hornos. Tel: 952 855 114.
El Molino. Plaza de la Iglesia. Tel: 952 855 582.
La Sartén. Avda. de Andalucía. Tel: 952 855 575.
Alvarez. Cortijo de Torres. Tel: 952 886 149.
Las Cañas Viejas. Specialising in lamb and bull¹s tail. Plaza de España. Tel: 952 855 141.
La Escalera. Esp. Specialising in prawns with tarragon. C/El Almendro. Tel: 952 855 235.
Aquarium. Avda. Andalucía. Tel: 952 855 267.
Las Cañas de Eugenio. Plaza de España. Tel: 952 855 261.
El Cepo. C/Málaga. Tel: 952 855 400.
Las Griegas. C/Marbella. Tel: 952 855 427.

Where to sleep
Amanhavis. C/El Pilar. With a restaurant. Tel: 952 856 026.
Westin La Quinta Golf Resort (5*). Urb. La Quinta, s/n. Tel: 952 762 000.

FIESTAS
The annual Romería in honour of the Virgen del Rosario takes place on October 6th and 7th, when the people of the village accompany the image of the Virgin along the streets. The festival in honour of the patron saint takes place in August, beginning with a mass in which various flamenco groups participate. Another favourite festival in Benahavís is the Gastronomic Day, celebrated in June and in which the restaurants of the place offer samples of their best dishes at the entrance to the village. And to maintain local culture and tradition, there is a cultural week with photography, flamenco dancing and singing and other activities and competitions organised.

GASTRONOMY
Benahavís is famous all over the Costa del Sol for its cuisine, and has a wide selection of restaurants, some of them among the best in Andalucía. The selection of food is wide, but the specialities of the place are pork products, lamb and game. Steaks are prepared here in many different ways, and in the local restaurants one can eat a wide variety of meats and fish, all with one thing in common: well prepared and well cooked.

RECREATION
With six golf courses in the municipality and three more being built, there is little doubt about which sport is most popular in this area. Part of the success of the game of golf in Benahavís is the wonderful landscape surrounding the courses. The area is also very good for the practice of trekking and fishing.