Police, Guardia Civil, Post Office

Police, Guardia Civil, Post Office

Post Office, Local Police and Guardia Civil

Local Police  is situated above the village. Take the street left by the bus stop on Avda. de Andalucia, towards the Montemayor Castle and past the sports hall. You will see the sign from that road.
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The Guardia Civil office is located on the Plaza de España. They are the ones to call in case of a crime or car accident.

Traffic fines
Parking tickets and other traffic fines will be reduced by 50% if you pay within i20 days. You can do this in the local police office.

The Post Office ( Correos ) can be found in the Avda. de Andalucia, just next to the church., there is no window for the public though, here you can pick up letters or packages if your urbanisation does not have centralised individual postboxes. You can also get a P.O. Box here, talk to Paco from the papershop.
Next to the door you’ll find the only postbox in the village. If certified letters cannot be delivered, you will have to go the San Pedro Post office.

Telephones

Local Police : 112
Guardia Civil : 062

Schools

Schools in Benahavis

Schools in Benahavis

Kids in Benahavis have classes from 9.00 until 14.00, unless you send them to one of the many private schools on the coast.

Benahavis has a nursery for kids up to 4 years old. It is situated at the entrance of the village on the left, above the little park.

The school, by the river opposite the Gran Hotel Benahavis, holds classes for  five to thirteen year olds. For older students, there is a bus service to the San Pedro school.

The town also has a cookery school which specializes in the Mediterranean diet. You will find the building at the entrance of the village on your right.

Telephones

Nursery : +34 952 855 122

Daidin School : +34 952 856 140 – E-mail : 29001601.averroes@juntadeandalucia.es

Cookery School : +34 952 855 242
The Dieta Mediterranea cookery school offers lunches, prepared by the pupils, from septembre until june, monday to friday.

Courses ( from september until june )
Waiter : 9 months
Chef : 2 years

Emergencies & Pharmacy

Emergencies & Pharmacy

Emergencies – Tel : 112

First of all we hope you will never need this page, but if you do we will try to give you the best advice possible.
The telephone number in Spain for emergencies of all kinds is 112.
There is a medical centre in the village, which is open from 8.30AM until around 12.30PM, monday to saturday. It is situated between restaurante Rufino and the stairs next to The Brasserie.
In San Pedro there is a 24 hour medical centre on the avenue up from Mc Donalds. You will find it on the corner on the right by the first traffic lights.
Should anything serious happen though, go straight to the Costa del Sol hospital on the N340 ( coast road Marbella-Fuengirola ) past Marbella opposite the Los Monteros hotel. It is a very well equipped hospital with excellent medical service.
There is also the Hospitem hospital on the road to Estepona, which works with Sanitas.

Pharmacy

The pharmacy in Benahavis is on the Avda. Andalucia, next to the church, open from 09.00 until 14.00 and from 17.00 until 20.00 Monday to Friday, Saturday from 10.00 to 14.00 and Jaime speaks excellent English.
On the main street in San Pedro you will find a 24 hour pharmacy.

Nature and Wildlife

Nature and Wildlife in Benahavis

Geology

The privileged situation of Benahavis, surrounded by mountains, between the Sierra Blanca behind Estepona and the Ronda mountain range, and only a few kilometres from Marbella and Estepona, municipalities bordering with the village territory, convert Benahavis into an authentic treasure for lovers of unspoilt nature.

From its mountains you will be able to overlook more than 100 kilometres of the Costa del Sol and a good stretch of the African mountain range on clear days.

benahavis.com : Guadalmina river
benahavis.com : Guadalmina river

Three rivers cross the Benahavis territory, all of them have their sources in the Ronda mountain range and end up in the Mediterranean :
– Rio Guadalmina ( river of the mines ), 28 km long, runs along the eastern border of the village and was of stratigic defensive importance, also serving as a generator for the flour mills in the village.
– Rio Guadalmansa ( river of the oil mill ), running on the eastern side of the Benahavis territory from North to South.
– Rio Guadaiza ( river of Aixa, mother of Boabdil the younger ), 22 km long, on the left side of the Ronda From the village, you can sometimes see the snowcapped peaks of the Palmitera mountain ( 1517m above sea level ) in winter.

Plenty of granite, marble and peridotites form an important part of the geology in the territory of Benahavis.

Flora

On the mountain peaks, where precipitation and fog are common, large numbers of gall oaks and Spanish firs are to be found. At lower altitudes the holm oak and cork oak thrive. There are also small collections of madronnos, chestnut trees, yews, maples and ashes.

Fauna

otterThe area of the Sierra de las Nieves is home to one of Andalusia’s largest communities of mountain goat, one of only two wild species of large hoofed mammal native to the Park, the other being the deer. Other species such as the stag and mountain ox have been brought in, the Park providing them with an excellent habitat. Also to be found here are certain animal species protected by law, such as the wild cat, golden eagle and otter.
And without leaving the village, you can easily see some vultures flying over.

Golden Eagle

History

The history of Benahavis starts at the end of the XIth century, when the Arabs founded the town. Closely related with the Costa del Sol’s Arabic past, and particularly with Marbella, the district which it belonged to until it was granted the so-called “Carta Puebla” by Philip II in 1572.

Benahavis. La Aldea
Benahavis. La Aldea
Benahavis

Montemayor Castle, built prior to the Construction of Benahavis, playes a very important role in the battles between the various Arabs kings in Andalusia, because of its strategic position. It was disputed for many years by the military factions of the epoch. Its prominent location overlooking up to a hundred kilometres of seaboard, and even the African coast, was extremely useful at a time when piracy and invasion were commonplace.

There are also five guard towers on Benahavis territory, one of them is in the Parque de las Leoneras, close to the roundabout at the entrance of the village.

The town takes its name from Havis, who reigned in Montemayor Castle. To be precise, Benahavis is basically Arabic (Ben al Havis) and means “son of Havis”.

The castle’s strategic location drew the attention of the Catholic Monarchs, intent on conquering the last Moorish kingdoms in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. Isabel and Ferdinand’s forces had already laid siege to the Nazarite kingdom of Granada, but they decided first to occupy the nearby province of Malaga.

Soon on the 11th of June, 1485, Benahavis, together with the localities of Daidin, Montemayor Castle, Cortes Fortress, Oxen, Arboto, Almachor, Tramores and Calalui Fort (the Castle of Light), in the Bermeja Mountains, all within the district of Marbella, were handed over to King Ferdinand the Catholic, by Mohammed Abuneza after the signing of the capitulation.

Benahavis : Montemayor Castle
Benahavis : Montemayor Castle

The Catholic King entrusted their custody to Don Pedro Villandrado, Count of Ribadeo, the first christian mayor of Benahavis. From that moment on, a dispute arose between Benahavís and Marbella which lasted three and half centuries, until Benahavís achieved the status of a completely independent community.

As for Montemayor Castle, it is worth noting that as well as its impressive location, it was supposed to have an underground passageway connecting it with the coast, through which the Arabs were able to transport soldiers.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Benahavis

Benahavis village
Benahavis village

Things to Do in Benahavis

Benahavis offers you a lot of opportunities to practice your favorite sport.
Besides the variety of golf courses, here are a few other suggestions. If you like walking the spectacular mountainside, just take whichever dirt track, you will come across some magnificent views, of which the most stunning are the ones at Montemayor Castle, or the ruins of it, where you can see the whole coastline from Marbella to Gibraltar.

Montemayor Castle, Benahavis
Montemayor Castle, Benahavis

And if your thing is free climbing, the “Las Angosturas” gorge at the entrance of the village has more than 60 climbing routes where you can hook up.
Close to the river and next to the Gran Hotel Benahavis you’ll find  the multisports complex of Benahavis, with a swimming pool, tennis and paddle tennis courts, the municipal gym and an exquisite football pitch. These are open all year except the swimming pool which opens from the middle of June until September. The golf driving range is just next to it.
At the entrance of the village on your left, you’ll see the roof of the sports pavilion for all indoor sports, primarily basketball.
And I could not write these lines without mentioning the golf courses on Benahavis territory.
The road up to Benahavis is well used stretch for fans of cycling, as is the Ronda road for the real enthusiasts, and there is plenty of mountain biking to do all around the area

Razorr enduro tours Benahavis
Razorr enduro tours Benahavis

The new thing in Benahavis are the guided RAZORR enduro tours, where Benahavis inhabitant Alan caters for all your needs. Packages range from a one day tour in the mountains around Benahavis, Marbella, Estepona and Ronda to 5 days tours including overnight stays. All gear is provided for, the protective gear, boots and helmet, and all bikes are recent models. Tours are restricted to 6 people for security reasons and enhanced individual coaching. And if you don’t have a motorcycle license, initiation courses are done on a closed circuit.

+34 602 515 424 (also whatsapp)

Alan@razorr.net

Razorr enduro tours Benahavis
Razorr enduro tours Benahavis

 

The latest of Razorr on facebook

 

 

Municipal Premises

Municipal Swimming Pool – Open from the middle of June to the middle of September 12:00hrs till 20:00hrs. Swimming classes for adults and juniors normally available during the month of July. (Register at the town hall).
Gymnasium and Aerobics – Opening hours Monday to Friday 10:00hrs – 13:30hrs and 17:00hrs – 21:30hrs.
Golf Driving Range – Open all year round
Summer 10:00hrs – 14:00hrs / 17:00hrs – 20:00hrs.
Winter 10:00hrs – 14:00hrs / 16:00hrs – 18:30hrs.
Appropriate attire required. Children’s golf classes available during the winter, please enquire at the town hall.
Tennis and Padel – Open all year. Children’s lessons during the winter, please inquire at the town hall.

Yearly events

Equestrianism – “Andalucian Show Jumping Championships” – Annually at the beginning of September at the Marbella Club.
Motors, trials – Benahavis leg of the Andalucian championships held in June annually.

Benahavis village

Benahavis Village

Benahavis village
Benahavis Village : C/Malaga

Benahavis village is situated between Marbella and Estepona in the foothills of the “Serrania de Ronda” at an altitude of approximately 150m above sea level and 7km from the beaches. It is one of the largest municipalities of the Malaga province and one of the richest villages in Spain. It can only be reached by one road, which is the reason it is such a secure and safe place. Only 40 years ago, it consisted of around 30 houses, but since then has seen a growth where there are around 2.000 inhabitants. The entire territory of Benahavis shows a total of around 6.700 inhabitants (2016), although plenty of foreigners have a second home without being registered at the town hall.Benahavis

The village is well known on the Coast for its gastronomy and in summer we advise you to book a table as the village is packed in July and August with tourists coming up from the Costa del Sol.

How To Get Here

Getting to Benahavis

Benahavis is easily reachable from various airports. Spain has wisely invested in excellent highways in Andalucia. You have to realize that Benahavis is a large territory and if you are not staying  inor going to the village, make sure you know how to get where you need to be. It can be up to 15-20 minutes from the village.

From Malaga Airport

Just follow the Algeciras and Cadiz signs. You are better off to take the toll highway ( AP-7 ) just past the Mijas exit, specially in summer, as the coastal N340 gets easily congested with traffic. The toll highway leads you directly to Marbella and from there follow N340 direction Estepona. About 2 kms after San Pedro de Alcantara, you will find the Benahavis exit. Then it is only another 5 minutes to the town.

From Gibraltar Airport

Just follow the signs for Malaga. The toll highway is the better option here as well, and for the same reasons as above. Once you get to Estepona, follow the coastal N340, the Benahavis exit is about 15 kms away. Do watch out to go under the pedestrian bridge, since signposts are a bit cheeky here.

Building permits

Building permits

Building licences

A licencia (building permit) must be obtained before the construction of any building can begin, regardless of whether the structure is to be used as a dwelling, or whether or not it has foundations. This same permit is compulsory for any work carried out on an existing building where this work would; change the usage, exterior appearance, modify the volume, or where extra storeys would be created. (Note: you also need a building permit for a prefabricated wooden house.)

There are two types of building permits:

– Permit for minor works: walls, terraces, and barbecues.
– Permit for major works: new buildings, alterations, and demolitions.

To obtain a building permit for minor works, you need simply request a licencia de obra menor at your Town Hall. Normally this should include a small description of the work to be undertaken and an estimation of the costs. This so that taxes can be calculated. The tax is paid at the end of the job and is normally calculated at around 4 to 6% of the construction cost.

To obtain a building permit for major works you will need:

– Technical dossier (proyecto) created by an architect registered in the Spanish architecture college
– A technical architect (aparejador), normally chosen by the architect. The technical architect is the site manager in
official control of the building site
– A builder  ( optional )

All three of these professionals have to sign the application.

Submitting the soliciud de licencia

The application is submitted either in person or by registered letter to the local alcalde, where a receipt (recibo) will be issued; the application is usually processed within two months of receiving the registered letter.

A letter of notification will be sent following the submission with the application number. After an examination confirming that the correct information has been presented, details of the request will be posted in the Town Hall. The application will be verified for compliance with the building rules. A tacit approval may be assumed two months from the date of submission and the permiso de construir (building permit) will normally be delivered within that time.

Note: If the building authority does not give you a notification within two months, you will automatically obtain the license, assuming that the correct information was submitted and it complies with building regulations.

Responsabilities

The building act LOE of 5th November 1999 (Ley de Ordenación de la Edificacion), considers all parties involved in the construction of the building to carry some responsibility.
Without prejudice to their contractual responsibilities, the individuals or legal entities who assist in the building process are liable to the owners and third party buyers of the building or any parts thereof, should the building be divided.

The following property damages affecting the building within a specified time, starting on the date of the commencement of the works without reservation or starting on the date of the correction of such reservations:

Responsibility is assigned for faults in the building in the time frames specified as follows.

For a ten year period, any structural damage caused to the building due to faults or defects affecting the foundations, supports, beams, framework, load-bearing walls, or other structural elements which directly jeopardise the building’s mechanical resistance and stability.
For a period of three years, damages caused to the building by faults or defects in the constructive elements or services which result in the building failing to meet habitability requirements.
The builder will likewise be liable for damages due to construction faults or defects affecting elements of the finish work for a period of one year.

Each agent is individually liable for their own acts or omission and for those of the persons for whom they are legally responsible according to law.

Local taxes

Local taxes

Local Taxes and when to pay them

Automobile tax
from 15-03 to 22-05

Real estate tax
from 03-07 to 11-09

Dustbin collection tax
from 07-01 to 20-12

Tax on economic activities
from 18-10 to 20-11

All payments automatically deducted from your bank account will be charged around the 15th of july.

More Information:

Townhall of Benahavis

Spanish Residence

Spanish Residence

Residencia
Spanish Residency

Without a Residencia you are not legally entitled to stay in Spain more than 90 days without returning to the UK or home country or applying for a Temporary Residence Permit. (This seems to be largely ignored but it is the law and applies even if you have bought a property and moved in.) Here for over six months and the law says you must apply for a full Residential permit. It is initially for two years then in 5 year periods.

Benefits

Benefit or not? Only you can decide if it is good for you. Personally I think so.
Applying for Residencia does not lose you any of your rights as a British Passport holder. It does mean that if you have your Residencia you don’t pay Capital Gains Tax if you sell your property. Likewise if you sell your property it is easier to take your money out of the country if returning to the UK or other home country. If you are stopped for a traffic offence without a residencia, the car can be impounded until you pay. Pensioners holding a confirmed Residencia who join the Pensionista Club are also entitled to the same benefits as Spanish Nationals, reduced rail and bus fares, reduced cost holidays in good hotels etc.

Residencia Application

Go to the Comisaria de Policia Nacional in Marbella and say you wish to apply for Residencia

You will need :
Certifica de Empadronamiento. This is a card sent to you by the local Town Hall which proves that you are on the Electoral Register
Passport and one photocopy
Four passport size photographs.

Each individual must apply personally with all the relevant documents. Once applied for, it can take several months to process. In our case it has taken nine months. We received a letter with a further form to fill in and take back to the main Police station with a fee of €6.75 we were then advised our Residencia would be available to collect within 4 weeks and we collected it on the given date. Once it is issued it is good practice to carry it with you.

Who doesn’t need to apply for a residence card?

UK nationals who are Employees, Self-employed, Students.
Dependants of an EU or Spanish national.
Pensioners who receive their pension from the Spanish Social Security system.

Who must obtain a residence card?

UK Pensioners who have retired to Spain.
Non Pensionable Persons of independent means residing in Spain.

All you need to know about the municipality of Benahavis