Benahavis offers several wonderful experiences. Here are some of the best experiences to consider:

1. Gastronomic Delights: Benahavis is known as the "dining room of the Costa del Sol" due to its incredible culinary scene. Explore the village's charming streets and indulge in its many gourmet restaurants, specializing in traditional Spanish cuisine. Don't miss trying the local delicacy, "suckling pig" or "cochinillo."

2. Scenic Hiking Trails: Benahavis is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the stunning countryside. The area offers various hiking trails, including the famous "La Concha" mountain trail, which offers panoramic views of the coast.

3. Golfing: If you're a golf enthusiast, Benahavis is a golfer's paradise. The region boasts numerous world-class golf courses, designed by renowned architects. Enjoy a round of golf amidst beautiful landscapes and Mediterranean views.

4. Cultural Heritage: Take a stroll through Benahavis' historic center and soak in its rich cultural heritage. Explore the narrow streets, adorned with colorful flower pots, and visit the local Church of Virgen del Rosario. Don't forget to admire the ancient Moorish Castle ruins.

5. Outdoor Pursuits: Engage in outdoor activities such as horseback riding, mountain biking, or canyoning. Benahavis' natural surroundings provide ample opportunities for adventure and exploration.

6. Day Trip to Ronda: Benahavis is conveniently located near Ronda, a picturesque town perched on the edge of a dramatic gorge. Plan a day trip to Ronda and marvel at its iconic Puente Nuevo bridge, Moorish architecture, and breathtaking views.Remember to check local guidelines and restrictions, as well as any updates on attractions or activities, to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.  

7. Wine Tasting: Benahavis is surrounded by the prestigious wine region of Ronda. Take a wine tour and visit local vineyards and wineries, where you can sample a variety of excellent wines. Learn about the winemaking process and indulge in the flavors of the region.

8. Wellness Retreats: Unwind and rejuvenate at one of Benahavis' wellness retreats or spas. Pamper yourself with soothing treatments, indulge in wellness activities such as yoga or meditation, and enjoy the serene surroundings that promote relaxation and self-care.

9. Visit Puerto Banus: Located just a short drive from Benahavis, Puerto Banus is a glamorous marina and shopping destination. Stroll along the marina, admire luxurious yachts, shop at high-end boutiques, and dine in stylish restaurants. It's a great place for some upscale leisure and people-watching.

10. Beach Excursions: Although Benahavis itself is an inland village, it's only a short drive away from beautiful beaches along the Costa del Sol. Spend a day at one of the nearby beaches, such as Playa de San Pedro or Playa del Saladillo, where you can relax on golden sands, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy beachfront bars and restaurants.These additional experiences offer a diverse range of activities to further enhance your visit to Benahavis. Enjoy the local wines, prioritize your well-being, explore glamorous spots, and make the most of the stunning coastal scenery.

Benahavis is a great town but it doesn't offer to many kids activities but fear not, the surrounding areas do offer plenty of activities for families and it offers a diverse selection of child-friendly attractions, and not all of them have to cost a lot of money. Here are our top 10 picks for you and your family:

Natural pools in El Burgo

For a day hike with childrenIn order to explore this stunning countryside, we followed a route in the area surrounding the town of El Burgo, in the Sierra de las Nieves. In fact, this area offers beautiful landscapes and scenery walks with small rivers and natural pools along the way, which makes it an ideal day hike for family and friends wanting to explore more than just what meets the eye.

Discover Ronda!

Ronda is a beautiful hidden gem town in Spain at the top of a deep gorge that separates the old and the new towns. The old town dates from the Moorish rule, while the new town is from the 15th century.The most famous view of Ronda is from the bottom of the gorge, looking up towards the 18th-century Puente Nuevo bridge spanning its width.Ronda is the birthplace of modern-day bullfighting.

Selwo Aventura: A Safari Day in Estepona!

Selwo Aventura is a safari park like no other about 20 minutes away from Behahavis! From lions, elephants, rhinos and giraffes to lemurs, zebras, and various exotic birds and reptiles, over 2000 species from around the globe are enclosed in natural pristine habitats. Visitors can wander through tropical and subtropical regions of the park and get up close and personal to cheetahs, gibbons, flamingos, red pandas and meerkats and many more. They have an arcade/game area and a zip-line and trampolines for those brave enough! Follow the paths over the hanging bridges of the park to get spectacular panoramic views. Finally, be sure to book a “Serengeti Safari,” a drive through the heart of Africa in one of the park’s all-terrain vehicles for amazing close encounters with Africa’s most iconic animals.

Aventura Amazonia

This stunning eco-park is 30 minutes away, set within the pine forest behind the shopping area and offers 73 different attractions to suit all ages, including bridges, jumps, zip lines and ladders perched between the trees.An incredible zip line of 240m in length is one of the highlights of Aventura Amazonia in Elviria, which is said to reach speeds of up to 60kph. The park offers a unique experience for all age groups, and has activities for children as young as 6 years of age, (minimum height of 1.15m) all the way up to adults.

Playground over water!

Come down the hill to the beach for this fun! CostaWaterPark offers aquatic waterparks with the latest in design and technology. Afloat on the sea a few yards from the best beaches on the Costa del Sol you will find CostaWaterPark, with a great variety of attractions for the whole family. Guaranteed FUN for all ages! You can pay for 1 hour or buy a ticket for the whole day.  

Mundo Mania: Make a splash.

If you are looking for a place where kids of all ages will have fun, then Mundo Mania is the place to go and it’s just 15 minutes away from Benahavis. This indoor and outdoor kids playground in Estepona provides year-round entertainment and it has a cafeteria-bar serving restaurant quality food, where parents can relax while the children play. The outdoor play area is a firm favorite with its water splash park, trampolines, multi sports pitches, small toddler play area and regular foam parties! There is also plenty of seating with shaded areas and outdoor bar serving drinks and food. If you wish to escape the sun then there are also indoor activities for kids including ball parks, soft play and table games. During the summer months Mundo Mania is also hosting lots of special events, so do keep an eye on their website, or follow them on social media for more information.

Cook at Food Room Marbella

Nurture your mini-foodies with a kid-friendly live cookery experience at the Food Room. They run regular cookery classes and school holiday clubs in English and Spanish for children ages 6 years and over, or can organize a private class just for you. Discover the secrets of great Spanish cooking during your stay in Marbella and take home much more than just the photos!

Kart & Fun: Become a Formula 1 driver for the day!

The kart track in Estepona is 20 minutes away and  is specially designed for group races, you can get into the shoes of a real Formula 1 driver. Enjoy competing with the rivals or breaking your own record. All their sessions are timed. The little ones can ride their children’s track from the age of 6 or enjoy with the parents in their spectacular two-seater karts.

Paintball Estepona: Get your competitive spirit ready!

Paintball Estepona is 20 minutes away and it offers 6 themed playing fields spread out over 27,000 m2 of terrain. The Chill-Out and BBQ areas offer much needed shade after a high paced battle! You can bring a packed lunch or order a BBQ spread with advanced reservation. We recommend coming out in the morning as it does get hot and sweaty in all that protective gear! Staff is super nice and very friendly towards kids. Comfortable clothing and shoes are must! A great bonding experience for parents and older kids. 8 years old and up.

Beach Monkey JetSki! 

Just 15 minutes down the hill, in Beach Monkey you will find a wide range of water sports. Even if you don’t have experience, the instructors will be happy to guide you in your first steps with paddle surfing or wakeboarding. Have a great time while you exercise your body in the water! They offer paddle surf, wakeboard, kayak, dragging boats, pedal boats and more. Their activities take place on El Saladillo Beach, one of the best beaches in Estepona. It stands out for its spaciousness and for having shady areas for people with reduced mobility.

Here are the main reasons why you should retire in Spain:

• Spain is a very safe place to live in. The crime rate is low and you can walk through the streets safely any time of the day or night.
• The Spanish are known for being very healthy, thanks to their  Mediterranean diet and outdoor lifestyle. Spain is ranked the healthiest country in the World. Spain also has one of the highest life expectancy in the World. 
• Spain has great healthcare and you’re rarely more than 15 minutes away from a hospital or clinic. The healthcare system is in the top 10 around the World, above the healthcare systems of Italy, France, Greece, Germany, the UK and Portugal.
• Living up to its name, Costa del Sol is actually the sunniest area in Spain, with shining rays beating down on the region for almost the entire year. South of Spain has the warmest winters in Europe and over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and up to 15 hours of light in a day.
• Spanish culture is very relaxed and hassle-free.
• Spain has a secure banking system and dependable infrastructure. With 3,100km of rail track the Spanish high-speed AVE trains operate on the longest high-speed network in Europe.
• Spain has a large expat community in Costa Del Sol.
• Once you've the visa to live in Spain or your permanent residency, you can easily travel within the Schengen area.Spain is located on the west side of Europe, making traveling to the American continent fast and efficiant. A flight from Spain to New York is barely 8 hours. 
• Retiring in Benahavis, Spain provides an extraordinary experience for those seeking refined luxury and natural beauty. Situated in the hills just inland from the Costa del Sol, Benahavis is a haven for golf enthusiasts, boasting some of the most prestigious golf courses in the region. The town itself is a charming Andalusian village, known for its traditional architecture, cobblestone streets, and a wide range of exquisite restaurants offering culinary delights. With its prime location surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, Benahavis provides a serene and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring nature. Its proximity to the glamorous coastal towns of Marbella and Puerto Banus offers easy access to upscale shopping, vibrant nightlife, and world-class beaches. Retiring in Benahavis offers a sophisticated lifestyle, blending natural beauty, fine dining, and leisure, making it an exceptional choice for those seeking an exclusive and captivating retirement destination.

Although there are some shops at Benahavís, if you want to shop till you drop, at only a few minutes by car you can find Puerto Banús, that offers many designer shops, major brands and one of the best stores of El Corte Inglés of Spain. Also, in this area you will find many supermarkets and gourmet shops. Benahavís also offers more traditional options to buy peculiar things, food and, why not, a souvenir. Benahavís also has some important art galleries, where you will be able to admire the works of renowned artists and visit temporary exhibitions that you will surely enjoy. Benahavís Flea Market is locate at the Chapel grounds, only a few minutes from Benahavís town, on Sundays you will be able to visit and enjoy this peculiar flea market (rastro in Spanish). Focused mainly in antiques, its many stalls offer all kinds of items and products, from the above-mentioned antiques to clothes, fruit and vegetables, food, and some eateries (churros are not to be missed!). It is a wonderful choice to spend a fun packed Sunday morning, in an eclectic place and with an international public.

Benahavis is more lined up with Marbella than other cities around so generally the cost of living should be around 20-25% more expensive than the surrounding cities like Mijas or Estepona.