Alcaidesa

Benahavis stands some 500 metres above sea level, 7 kilometres inland, reached by driving through the rio Guadalmina gorge up into the hills. Its Moorish heritage is accented by the existence nearby of the ruined 11th Century castle of Monte mayor a must do climb if only to experience the truly sensational views of the coastline from its ramparts.

In spite of its high percentage of resident expatriates, Benahavis has remained remarkably unspoiled, with winding narrow streets and a quaintness, which almost makes it seem like a scene from a foreign film. It is advisable that a tour of its streets be undertaken on foot as navigation by car you are sure to lose a wing mirror or two!

Almost a village within a village, La Aldea whose notable feature is British sculptor, David Marshall’s gallery and the brainchild of Aldea. Essentially a recent creation, significant effort has been made to create a distinctly Andalucían enclave, with marble fountains, antiques and old-fashioned doors and grilles.

Today, Benahavis is seldom quiet during the tourist season, visitors come simply to savour the cuisine but their greatest problem is choosing which restaurant to eat at. Even the old stone Arab walls around the town hall have been converted into one. The area is synonymous with food with the highest concentration of high-class restaurants in the region. In addition there are numerous bars serving excellent tapas and even a small pizzeria.

Inevitably, Benahavis is growing quickly with those who have found its situation and ambience alluring. On its outskirts new urbanisations are springing up like the offshoots of a hundred year old tree. However the old village remains very much intact and as a visitor you might almost be unaware of the existence of new property.

Benahavis Restaurants - Restaurants Benahavis describing itself on road signs as the gastronomic corner of Andalucía. Our only suggestion if the place appeals is …… skip breakfast!

Casares is a picture postcard white village with a population of just three thousand. Again with a warren of narrow streets and a climb to an Arab fortress, that will get your heart pumping if not because of the steep climb then definitely the 1,400 feet above sea level view.

Overlooking the rooftops of the village keep an eye out for peregrine falcons and kestrels and, on a clear day, the African coast with the Rock of Gibraltar looms in the distance. Continuing the trail further inland you will find more villages such as Manilva and Gaucin setting for more rural vacations.

A typical Spanish village, Casares is only nine miles from the coast, it has preserved its anonymity avoiding the excursion circuit. A short stroll down from the "mirador”, a path leads to the central village plaza encompassing a central fountain surrounded by small bars, you can also find respite at a number of restaurants and tavernas offering local tapas.

The drive inland from the coast, is to be the setting for ‘Casares Costa’s’ newest developments, careful planning at every stage will ensure that architecture will compliment the overall natural landscape, harmoniously blending building and landscape a strategy that is paramount to ensure that the views remain the same in five or ten years, as they are today. Mediterranean style complexes nestle against rustic scenery, luxury hotel golf resorts merge seamlessly with the lush countryscape contrasting against the palette of ever-changing blues of the sky and sea. The plan is to create a stylish area that retains an element of exclusivity colliding 21st century infrastructure within an authentically Spanish setting so you can take your time and enjoy a leisurely legendary Spanish lifestyle.

The demand for quality new developments lies in the investment in fewer smaller-sized developments, whether you are looking for a permanent home or seasonal getaway, Casares intends to be the place that fulfils both yours and the needs of the area itself.

A medium-sized typically spanish town with, of course, it's own port (puerto de estepona),estepona, is a bustling and atmospheric centre. One of the few coastal communities that has succeeded in maintaining its pueblo charm and character, despite the onslaught of tourism, estepona houses several street cafes and tapas bars that still serve traditional spanish delicacies and the steep, cobbled, narrow streets seem more suited to horses than cars. You'll also find unusual shops and bodegas, where you'd least expect them, all very inviting, very friendly - and very cheap! Estepona boasts 21 km's of shimmering beaches, one of which (la rada) received the blue band award for beaches in europe and lies within only a few km's of the foot hills of fir-covered mountains, thus affording a variety of views and activities, e.g. picnics and horseback riding.

Naturally, no town on this coast is complete without some golf offering and Estepona has its fair share, with a privately owned 'pay as you play' 18 hole course. The course, which is located on the inland side of the main coastal road at km. 150, just one mile from Estepona town centre, was designed by José Luis Lopez and first opened in 1989. The design exploits the natural landscape with a setting against the sierra bermeja mountain range and enjoys sea views from most parts of the course. There are many palms, eucalyptus and wild olive trees on the course, and players have a great opportunity to enjoy many rare species of wildlife. The fairways are wide and the greens large, which provide a challenge for players of all levels, but don't penalise the average golfer.

Puerto de la Duquesa has become a showcase for a new concept in costal development, as a result of dramatic changes in recent years, characterised by well-planned, quality development which maintain the integrity and character of the area. New visitors will quickly discover what locals already know - Duquesa offers an ideal balance within an idyllic region of the western Costa del Sol.

One of Duquesa’s greatest assets is its near perfect location, merely 30 minutes from Gibraltar airport and 45 mins drive from Malaga international airport. Finding something to do is a also a simple affair being only 10 minutes from Estepona with its shopping centre and fishing marina and Sotogrande, offering world-class golfing with courses such as valderamma and san roque.

Puerto de la Duquesa’s pretty 328-berth marina is almost a small-scale version of Puerto Banus with a friendly, intimate atmosphere, which can only be maintained on a modest level, and more importantly houses boats and yachts from all walks of life.

Fortunately new development here has only seemed to enhance and not spoil the unique ambience of the area, a result of planning and demand for quality by the town municipality of Manilva, an authentic unspoilt 'white Andalucían village' within a 5 minute drive. It is also home to the historic roman baths, renowned for their curative properties and within walking distance is the traditional fishing town of Sabinillas, which offers good local amenities.

Marketed as 'the Costa del sol's best kept secret' it hits the nail on the head, the port offers beautiful front-line marina property, low-rise, sea-facing, Andalucían-style apartments all within a stone's throw from the beach or perfectly situated to enjoy prime front-line golf positions, with some fairways offering panoramic views along the coast. Duquesa's very own 18-hole championship golf course, was designed by Robert Trent Jones, is apparently a popular haunt for Gibraltarian golfers and is beautifully designed with its own luxury hotel and country club.

Despite its relaxed setting, duquesa's lively collection of waterfront restaurants decorate the port and offer something to please any discerning palet, from chinese, italian to indian and of course typical mediterranean cuisine not to mention a traditional fish and chip shop! There are also a number of quirky pubs, live music bars and friendly cafes to compliment them during the day and if you fancy a historic setting, meander over to the old village where a handful of beachfront, Spanish seafood restaurants offer mouthwatering cuisine under the setting of the majestic duquesa castle.

Sotogrande has long since stood as an exclusive getaway for the wealthy, the original resort, spread among the broad beachfronts before Gibraltar, has grown into a fully-fledged community with an international school, polo field, world renowned championship golf courses, exclusive leisure facilities and a large sports marina serving its numerous residential developments.

Sotogrande is situated on the far western end of the coast, bordering the old frontier town of La Linea, the gateway to Gibraltar. The beautiful weather blessing this entire area reveals dramatic views of 'the rock', the expansive Mediterranean together with miles of the African coastline as a backdrop.

To the east, Estepona lies some 20 minutes away with Marbella a further 20 minutes drive. Malaga airport can now be reached within an hour as the motorway extension from Estepona has cut this travel time significantly. Gibraltar airport is only minutes away and is becoming an increasingly attractive travel option with new connections and more flights each season.

Sotogrande's greatest claim to fame is no doubt as a world mecca for golf, valderrama, almenara, la cañada, real club de Sotogrande and the san roque club combined offer a total of 99 holes, increasing soon to 117. With these courses constantly full with golfers from all over the world, there can be little doubt about it's appeal as one of the world's best luxury golf resorts.

With all its growth, Sotogrande remains an elite location offering some of the highest quality property, along with the highest prices, on the Costa del Sol but along with the impressive villas of Sotogrande proper are the more recent apartments in the port and a range of other residential possibilities. The complete range of development is so extensive that one could call it a small town.

Of course there is much more to Sotogrande and its large marina, golf, polo, beach club, commercial services and extensive residential development, served by an outstanding school, all cocooned in such a remarkably still rural setting, making it a premier choice as a place to relocate or own a holiday home in Spain.