Benahavis is a small town, with a considerably large ex pat community set in the hills just the other side of San Pedro. With cobbled streets and many small boutiques it is a lovely place to stay, reside or visit during your time on the Costa del Sol.
Benahavis is locally known as the gastronomic centre of the Costa del Sol, and for its size has several excellent restaurants, priced considerably cheaper than those down in Marbella and Puerto Banus. There are several properties available in the vicinity of the village and people have chosen this area to build some fantastic villas - although Benahavis is set in the hills, it only takes approximately 15 minutes to drive down to the coast.
There is a very popular local state school in the village itself and here you feel a great sense of community - with lots of local activities and many fiestas held during the year. It is an idylic setting and a place to really settle and involve yourself in the local community, make friends and enjoy a safe and enjoyable social life. The beauty of having many ex pats around is that there is always someone on hand to help and advise with local services, utility connections etc - or even recommend an odd job man!
Benahavis gives you the feeling of being away from the buzz down on the coast, yet if desired it is only a few minutes drive away and then you are able to escape back to your paradise and tranquility in the hills.
The small Andalucian town of Benahavis (Benahavís in Spanish) is located only twenty minutes from the hustle and bustle of Puerto Banus, yet feels a million miles away. It is an extremely popular whitewashed village, with beautiful parks, country walks and cobbled streets with curio shops. This is a real taste of village life yet situated in such close proximity to Marbella, Estepona, San Pedro and Puerto Banus.
Benahavis is known as the gastronomic centre of the Costa del Sol, due to the excellent (and very reasonably priced) restaurants which abound here. There are many to choose from, all with very varied menus, and it is definitely worth the short drive to sample the cuisine available.
The local state school here has an extremely good reputation, and there is a considerable ex pat community – making Benahavis a great place to settle here on the Costa del Sol - although there are many International schools a few minutes away by car. Also the local council subsidises a gymnasium here for residents, and also a swimming pool for the community. There are also many classes available, for example – flamenco, belly dancing and of course Spanish classes which are all extremely cheap in comparison to other areas along the coast.
There are many golf courses within a short drive – and apart from the local shops in the village there is now a brand new Mercadona supermarket within 10 minutes of the village centre.
Benahavis is a lovely place for permanent living, and has a real sense of village life – with local fiestas celebrated here in full – the Easter parade is very special! For somewhere with a great feel of community, local mums meet in the park with their children after school – many tapas bars, and the best restaurants on the coast – Benahavis has it all, and the ‘high life’ a short drive away.
The other advantage of living in a small community like this is when you register with the local town hall as a resident (empadronamiento) in Benahavis, you are offered a citizens card for either 10 euros or 20 euros – the 10 euro card covers annual membership of the communal gymnasium in the village and swimming pool, for the 20 euro card you also get any extra classes included – eg Karate or Judo, dancing etc.
There are places available in the local school there which for a state school has one of the best reputations on the coast. Also the village water supply is subsidised and water bills here are extremely cheap, the rubbish collection service (basura) is 18 euros per year and the local council tax (IBI)on a property is 2% rather than the average 4%.