Population - 2000
Distance from Malaga airport: 38 Miles (61KMS)

Just a ten minute drive inland from Marbella is Benahavis, this pint sized place offers food fit for Kings and eating out in the village is a pure delight. Standards are high, with prices to match, but it is the place to go on the Costa del Sol for foodies, offering a good range of cooking styles and regional dishes.

To many Andalucíans, native and expatriate alike, Benahavis is synonymous with food. It has the highest concentration of high class restaurants in the region and draws visitors by the thousand who come simply to savour the cuisine. Reserving is always nearly advisable, and be sure to check on opening hours; many places only open for dinner.

It stands 500 metres above sea level, 7 kilometres inland from the Guadalmina Golf Course, and is reached by driving through the rio Guadalmina gorge up into the hills.

Los Albanicos is an all time favourite with the locals and expats for well executed Mediteranean and international fare. For giant portions of tender, juicy chargrilled meat try Rufinos. For a truly special evening of fine food and wine, a fabulously detailed menu and splendid surrounds.

The hotel Amanhavis - www.amanhavis.com is a wonderful intriguing place to stay. Surrounding an intimate garden and plunge pool, nine unique rooms each tell a different story: The Astronomer's Observatory provides star-gazers with a skylight and brass telescope, while Sultan Boabdil's chamber is a sumptuous silken retreat, ideal for honeymooners. The dining room is housed in part of the original 350 year-old building, and the excellent food shows amazing attention to detail.