BENAHAVÍS – MONTEMAYOR

This is a 3.5 hours walk to the peak of Montemayor (579m). After meeting in Benahavis there will be a car share to the Benahavís Hills Country Club (currently closed). From here the path heads into the hills initially away from the normal Montemayor pathway and towards a derelict finca once believed to be used as a bakery.  There are fine views of the exclusive Zagaleta residential development from here, said to be the most expensive in Spain.

From the bakery a track will eventually reach the other side of the mountain affording views of Gibraltar and Africa on a clear day. The path then leads directly to Montemayor, taking a steep goat-track for the final 15 minute hike which will need ‘hands and feet’ in parts.Walking poles are recommended, especially when going down this steep, rocky path.

At the summit there are uninterrupted views of the coast from Marbella to Estepona which has given the site a valued strategic significance since Roman times.

Well behaved dogs are welcome on this walk.

Directions to the Meeting Place

From the main N340/A7 take the Benahavís exit onto the A 7175. There is no kilometre sign but Benahavís is clearly announced after San Pedro de Alcantara (after exit 170) when travelling westwards, and approximately 3 km from Cancelada if travelling east.

Leaving the exit for Benahavís, cross straight over four roundabouts spaced over a 7 km distance. At the first roundabout, very soon after leaving the N340, there is a petrol station on the right. At the second there is a Mercadona on the left. The fourth roundabout is 7km from the N340 and is at the entrance to the village of Benahavís.

At this fourth roundabout carry straight up the hill following the natural right turn in the road. To the right there are buildings including the well-known cookery school with three flagpoles visible. Just after that, again on the right, is the Cafe Cocina, with chairs and tables outside. This is the meeting place. There is plenty of parking immediately before the café. From here we will car share to the small parking area near the Benahavís Hills Country Club.