The Benahavis hike to Castillo de Montemayor (PR-A 165) is not easy, however it’s suitable for intermediate adult level hikers walking approximately two hours there and back. Refer to https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/
Benahavis Hike Description
Province: Málaga
Town: BenahavÃs
Total Distance: Approx. 5 km return trip
Total Positive Elevation Gain: Approx. 429 m
Total Negative Elevation Loss: Approx. 429 m
Type of Route: Circular (Out-and-back linear section)
Maximum Elevation: 579 m
Minimum Elevation: 150 m
Difficulty: Medium
Type of Terrain: Track and trail
Recommended Season: Autumn, winter, and spring.
This Montemayor mountain has a pyramidal shape and is visible from a great distance, which provided a high degree of protection for the fortress. The castle once had up to three walled enclosures, built entirely of rubble masonry. Inside, three cisterns stand out, which were used to ensure water reserves.
Directions: Benahavis hike to Castillo de Montemayor
Most hikers enjoy this hike that starts in the Málaga municipality of BenahavÃs and ascends to Montemayor Peak (579 m). At its summit are the remains of the Castillo de Montemayor, a watchtower fortress from which it is possible to see up to 100 km of coastline, as well as the African coast.
- Leave from BenahavÃs Hills Country Club parking lot here (5 kms)
- Or leave from Av. La Moraleda, 3, LOCAL A to BenahavÃs Hills (6.5 kms)
You are advised to drive and park at the upper part of Benahavis village town at a closed down development called BenahavÃs Hills Country Club. The parking lot is located at Calle Aixa, Sector La Coja, 29679 BenahavÃs. Continue along a track with a couple of junctions that will take you close to Montemayor Peak. The final section follows a clearly marked trail with a steep gradient that leads to the castle.
- Continue ascending to the right, where a waymarker indicates the route.
- Go to the right.
- A waymarker indicates the path to follow.
- The asphalt gives way to concrete and, a little further on, turns into a dirt track. After just over 800 metres, reach the next junction and continue to the left, as indicated by a small sign.
- Continue along the track to the left.
- A little further on, there are a couple of turn-offs: one to a private estate and another to a water tank. Continue straight ahead. After a bend, the imposing hill comes into view, where you can already make out some of the remains of the castle. Arrive at a large pine tree, beneath which you will find an information panel about the Castillo de Montemayor. Behind it begins the trail, with a considerable incline, which takes you directly to the castle.
- Trail leading up to the castle.
- Once at the summit, you will see that there are still many remains of the castle, but what captures our attention most are the views.
- Views to the west, Sierra Bermeja and the entire coastline of Estepona, Casares, and Manilva. On clear days, the Rock of Gibraltar, the Strait, and the African coast can be seen.
- A small trail to the east leads to the Montemayor Viewpoint, where you will find an information panel.
- At the summit, look for the Geodetic Vertex, which marks the maximum elevation at 579 metres above sea level.
Without a doubt, you will enjoy some of the best views of the western Costa del Sol and the surrounding mountain ranges. On clear days, you can see as far as the Strait of Gibraltar and the African coast.
Montemayor Hike: The castle ruins overlooking Benahavis and Coastline
The ruins of Montemayor Castle stand at an elevation of 579 metres, crowning a commanding, pyramid-shaped isolated hill that once dominated over 100 kilometres of coastline. At a time when raids by African Barbary pirates were common, this vantage point was of immense strategic importance.
Local legends still speak of underground passages leading down to the coast, allegedly used by Moorish troops under Sultan Havis. The castle was constructed by the Moors, with little evidence of any earlier structures on the site. The earliest written references appear in the 10th century, recorded by Ibn Hayyan in al-Muqtabis V, where he describes it as a place where Umar ibn Hafsun stored supplies and maintained fully stocked warehouses.
The original entrance to the fortress was located on the opposite side of the mountain, meaning there is no obvious access point when approaching the ruins today. Visitors must scramble over the first line of defences to reach the outer bailey, which covers an area of approximately 3,000 square metres. At its centre stands the old keep. A further climb onto the walls leads to the highest point of the site, marked by a small stone obelisk.
Those who reach the summit are rewarded with magnificent panoramic views.
On a clear day, it is possible to see the coastline stretching from Gibraltar to Fuengirola, as well as the African coast and ships passing through the Strait. All access roads to BenahavÃs are visible, including the motorway and the San Pedro–Ronda road. The atmosphere is one of timelessness and quiet melancholy, and it is common to find yourself entirely alone. Montemayor was once the most significant Moorish stronghold on the western Málaga coastline.
The Castle of Montemayor was a symbol of strength, wealth, and power.
Those who occupied it, and those who eventually captured and destroyed it, were among the most influential figures of their era. During the Reconquest, the castle would have posed a formidable obstacle to Christian forces. After its capture in the 1480s, it was deliberately destroyed to prevent its reuse. It never again functioned as a stronghold, although it later served as a refuge for Moriscos fleeing the Sierra Bermeja uprising in 1568, and again in the early 19th century during resistance against Napoleon’s troops in the Guerra de la Independencia (the Peninsular War).
The original structure of the keep is difficult to determine, as many of the upper levels have collapsed inward over time. Hidden chambers likely still exist, as suggested by features visible from the northern towers, one of which retains a pinkish render. Several aljibes, or water storage tanks, were also located within the fortress.
Monte Mayor (written as two words) is also the name of an exclusive gated community located a few kilometres south of Montemayor Hill. This residential area is accessed not from BenahavÃs village itself, but from the A-7175 BenahavÃs Road. Travelling uphill towards the village, turn left at the small roundabout shortly after passing beneath the A-7 coastal motorway.
Despite their proximity to BenahavÃs, the castle ruins are not easy to reach.
The road from the village (Calle Aixa), leads up to a housing development known as BenahavÃs Hills. Parking here allows for a walk of approximately one hour thirty to the summit and similar time to return to your car.
After roughly 200 metres, take the right-hand fork onto a track called Camino a Montemayor. The distinctive pyramid shape of Montemayor Hill makes the destination unmistakable. As the track ends near the castle, follow the steep path along the ridge. This final section is demanding and unsuitable for those who are unfit, alone, or wearing slippery footwear or sandals. For those who make it to the top, the views are richly rewarding.
For visitors who enjoy combining history with dramatic natural scenery, BenahavÃs is an essential destination on any hiking itinerary. Set along a gently winding road through the hills rising from the coast, this charming mountain village is renowned not only for its whitewashed streets and excellent dining, but also for its surrounding countryside and historical landmarks. Nestled in the foothills of the SerranÃa de Ronda, BenahavÃs offers hikers a wealth of trails that cross rugged terrain, dense woodland, and evocative ancient ruins.
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