BENAHAVÍS – MONTEMAYOR

This is a 3.5 hours walk to the peak of Montemayor (579m). The walk commences from the car park of 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 abandoned 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 Alcántara (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 and follow the natural right turn in the road.  There are a number of speedbumps to negotiate.  After 800 metres (and immediately before the prominent Escuela Hostelería Benahavís) take a left turn which is signposted to Policia Local, Guardia Civil and Cementario.  There is also a blue sign to Benahavís Hills.  Follow this road for 250 metres before taking another left turn signposted as Guardia Civil, Policia Local and Benahavís Hills.  Drive steeply uphill for approximately 1 km until you arrive at a roundabout outside the Benahavís Hills Country Club.  Park either in the car park to the left or the access road to the right of the roundabout.  If both of these areas are full take the 2nd exit from the roundabout and continue up a steep hill.  There is additional parking on the left of this road after about 100m.

If using Google Maps follow directions to Benahavís Hills Country Club.