10th century Arab Benhavàs has long been esteemed as the perfect stronghold. With one approach and entrance, at an altitude of 580ft in the mountains, it was ideally positioned defensively and within sight of the African coastline. Surrounded by five defensive towers the castle of Montemayor, the bastion of Benhavàs, withstood all attacks and invasions, until 1485 when control was given tothe Catholic Kings by Mohammed Abunela.
Since then Benhavàs has been through a number of different eras. In 1572 it was granted independence from Marbella by King Phillip II and also played an important role during Napoleons 1809 invasion. Today, Benhavàs maintains a cosmopolitan atmosphere and has become well renowned for its local cuisine.