What Nobody Tells You About Benahavis: Golf, Gastronomy and Mountain Views

Imagine a place with more top-notch restaurants per capita than anywhere else in Andalusia. That's exactly what you'll find in the benahavis resort, where golf courses and village restaurants create an extraordinary blend of luxury and leisure.

We've discovered that this remarkable destination boasts 12 luxury golf courses and enjoys 320 days of sunshine yearly, making it a true golfer's paradise. Additionally, with its population of just over 7,100 people and location merely 7 kilometres from the beach, Benahavis offers an intimate setting that's surprisingly accessible. Whether you're planning taxi benahavis malaga journeys or arranging transfers benahavis, we'll guide you through the lesser-known aspects of this hidden gem.

In this guide, we'll take you beyond the tourist trails to explore secret golf spots, family-run restaurants, and stunning mountain viewpoints that most visitors never discover. From private club access to hidden sunset locations, we're sharing local insights that will transform your Benahavis experience.

The Hidden Golf Paradise of Benahavis

Nestled in the mountain valley, Benahavis stands out as one of the main golf destinations on the Costa del Sol. I've discovered that this area houses 11 distinct golf courses within its municipality, each offering unique challenges and experiences.

Among the lesser-known gems, La Resina Golf deserves special attention. Nicknamed 'Little Augusta', this 9-hole course weaves around beautiful lakes and ancient olive trees. Furthermore, El Higueral Golf, set amidst gentle slopes and the Guadalmina river banks, regularly hosts the Marbella Tour for professional golfers.

Los Arqueros Golf, notably the first course designed by Seve Ballesteros on the Costa del Sol, particularly impresses with its clever layout that follows the natural contours of the land. The course presents different challenges at every hole, making it suitable for players of all skill levels.

For those seeking private club access, the Benahavis Golf Club offers an exclusive opportunity. Particularly, membership is limited to 120 people and restricted to residents of Benahavis and surrounding villages. The club organises regular tournaments, even on exclusive courses like La Zagaleta.

When it comes to the best seasons for golfing, Benahavis boasts an impressive 320 sunny days annually. Here's what I've learned about seasonal golfing:

• Summer (July-August): Lowest green fees due to high temperatures
• Spring and Autumn: Perfect weather conditions for golfing
• Winter: Mild temperatures make year-round play possible

Meanwhile, the area's golf experience extends beyond just the courses. The stunning backdrop of Sierra Blanca Mountains and Mediterranean views create an unforgettable setting for every round.

Beyond the Famous Restaurants

Tucked away in the heart of Costa del Sol, Benahavis has earned its nickname as the 'gastronomic capital' through its prestigious chef school and wealth of culinary talent.

Local family-run hidden gems

Los Abanicos stands as a cornerstone of Benahavis dining, where thick wooden beams adorned with garlic strings and sun-dried peppers create an authentic atmosphere. The restaurant's speciality lies in their succulent steaks and slow-cooked suckling lamb.

Moreover, Bodegon La Galeria, a family-owned establishment, offers an exceptional wine-pairing experience. Their cosy terrace provides stunning mountain views, whilst the kitchen serves hearty Spanish dishes prepared with local ingredients.

Secret menu items locals swear by

Indeed, the local favourites include the pan-fried foie gras at Amanhavis Restaurant, a house speciality that's earned quite a following. At Los Almendros, locals swear by the fresh BBQ fish and pre-ordered suckling pig.

Restaurante Sabor has become a local treasure, serving exquisite tapas that showcase the region's finest ingredients. Their secret weapon? A chilled Ederra Rioja that pairs perfectly with their generous sharing plates.

Best times to visit popular establishments

For the most authentic experience, plan your visit during off-peak hours. Most family-run establishments open for lunch at 13:30, with dinner service beginning at 20:00. Subsequently, the Escuela de Hosteleria, the renowned cooking school restaurant, offers exceptional value Monday through Friday between 13:30 and 15:00.

Above all, booking ahead is essential, especially for:

• Monday and Wednesday wine-paired menus (€29)
• Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday tasting experiences (from €38)
• Weekend dinners at popular family restaurants

Transportation Secrets for Visitors

Getting around Benahavis requires careful planning, primarily because of its mountain location. The journey from Malaga Airport to Benahavis spans 85 kilometres and typically takes between 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes.

Insider tips for taxi benahavis malaga routes

Round-the-clock taxi services operate throughout the year. A taxi journey from Benahavis to Malaga Airport takes approximately 49 minutes and costs between £150-£190. Alternatively, budget-conscious travellers can find options starting from £9.

Private transfers benahavis options

Private transfers offer exceptional flexibility with a range of vehicles:

• Standard and premium shared shuttle buses
• Private 4-passenger cars
• 8-passenger minibuses
• 30-passenger coaches for large groups

These services include professional drivers, flight monitoring, and a one-hour waiting time at no extra charge. Essentially, wheelchair-accessible vehicles come equipped with either rear tail lifts or ramps, ensuring comfortable travel for all passengers.

Best times for mountain road travel

The mountain roads leading to Benahavis require extra caution. Generally, early morning travel proves most efficient, before the day-trippers arrive. The route to San Pedro de Alcantara takes roughly 15 minutes, making it an ideal starting point for coastal excursions.

For cycling enthusiasts, the roads offer spectacular routes, though drivers should remain vigilant of cyclists, particularly on the main road ascending from the coast. Consequently, planning your journey outside peak cycling hours can ensure a smoother drive.

Undiscovered Mountain Viewpoints

Stretching across 150 square kilometres of pristine terrain, the mountains surrounding Benahavis create a natural amphitheatre of stunning vistas.

Secret sunset spots only locals know

The Parque Torre Leoneras offers an extraordinary vantage point, where ancient mediaeval tower ruins stand sentinel over a tranquil lake. Nevertheless, the most captivating views emerge from the Guadalmina River valley, specifically where traditional Moorish irrigation channels trace the mountainside.

Hidden hiking trails with spectacular views

The PR-A 165 Castillo de Montemayor trail stands out as a remarkable adventure. Starting from Avenida de Andalucía, this path winds through challenging terrain before reaching the castle ruins, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the entire mountain range. Albeit demanding, the route transforms from woodland paths to rocky outcrops, offering diverse landscapes throughout the journey.

The Mirador de la Charca trail begins near the Ermita de la Virgen del Rosario, following a path parallel to the A-7175 road. Accordingly, this route connects several viewpoints, including the Mirador del Tajo del Novio and Charca de las Mozas.

Photography opportunities off the tourist track

For capturing unique shots, these locations offer exceptional opportunities:

• Los Reales Peak: Standing at 1,452 metres, this summit provides unobstructed views of the coastline
• Guadalmina Canyon: The spectacular bridge and ancient aqueduct create striking foreground elements
• Sierra Bermeja: The changing landscapes from woodlands to rocky terrain offer diverse shooting conditions

Certainly, the best photography conditions emerge during early morning or late afternoon, when the light softens and the mountains cast long shadows across the valleys. Similarly, the three rivers - Guadalmina, Guadaiza, and Guadalmansa - create natural leading lines through the landscape.

Conclusion

After exploring Benahavis extensively, I can confidently say this hidden gem offers far more than what meets the eye. While most visitors know about its famous golf courses, the true magic lies in discovering private clubs like Benahavis Golf Club and lesser-known spots such as La Resina Golf's 'Little Augusta'.

Beyond the fairways, local family-run restaurants tell their own stories through carefully crafted dishes and secret menu items. These culinary treasures, paired with the right timing and local knowledge, create unforgettable dining experiences away from tourist crowds.

Though mountain roads present their challenges, thoughtful planning makes every journey worthwhile. Whether choosing private transfers or taxis, each transportation option opens doors to spectacular viewpoints like Los Reales Peak and hidden hiking trails along the Guadalmina River valley.

Above all, Benahavis proves itself as an extraordinary destination where golf, gastronomy, and natural beauty blend seamlessly. This charming village, blessed with 320 days of sunshine and surrounded by three rivers, offers endless possibilities for both adventure seekers and those yearning for peaceful mountain views.