Route PR-A 165 Benahavís - Montemayor

Route description

This is a linear route that starts from the village of Benahavís and ascends to the Montemayor summit (579 meters). Montemayor is one of the most significant mountains of the Costa del Sol, not only because of its shape and position, which allows for magnificent views of the coast, but also because it is the site of Montemayor Castle, a watchtower. From it you can see up to a hundred kilometers of coastline and, of course, the African coast.

The route runs along a surfaced lane practically to the top. The castle is accessed through a well-marked path. Unlike others this is a route with a single section. It does not present great difficulties and can be done by anyone on foot or on a mountain bike. The length is approximately 3,200 meters and takes around one hour and thirty minutes.

The beginning of the route is next to the old school. On the right is the indoor sports hall of the school. This road continues until the end of the route and is tarmac to a large extent as a result of the increase in residential developments to which it gives access. We have to take special care on the route and use common sense, since during the entire route there are numerous crossroads.

At the firstjunction, about 700 meters from the start, turn left. Continue straight ahead and, about 300 meters from this junction, there is another, larger junction. Go straight ahead. At this point it is already possible to see, to the south, part of the coast.

After a couple more junctions you arrive at one with two branches to the right. Take the one on the left. The others are being covered by the vegetation. It is a Mediterranean scrub mainly composed of palm hearts (chamaerops humilis), rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis), mastic trees (Pistacea lentiscus) and wild olive trees (olea europea varus sylvestris). After a sharp curve you can see the Montemayor summit, which will serve as a reference point.

The arrival at the end of the route is along a ridge along which the lane runs, but on the left and about 300 meters from the end, there is a large water tank whose roof serves as an excellent viewpoint.

This path ascends diagonally and has a good surface, although sometimes it has a lot of weeds, which makes it a little uncomfortable. The ruins of the castle are on the western slope and, from this point, the views are impressive.

Castle of Montemayor - VIII to XV centuries. This was one of the most impregnable fortresses of Al-Andalus. It had up to three walled enclosures, with a wide distance between them to facilitate their defense. There were small square towers on its walls, a circular tower and several cisterns. Its function was the defense of the religious settlements, near the coast and therefore in constant danger because of its proximity to the Strait of Gibraltar. It had direct visual communication with other coastal surveillance watchtowers, such as Castillejo de los Negros.

Documents of the period also describe here the production of rubies of good quality, associated with the honor, wisdom and prosperity of the inhabitants of the castle. The castle passed into Christian hands in 1485.

This castle was also the dwelling place of Havis, whose son gave name to the municipality of Benahavís (son of Havis). Some say that the castle has underground tunnels that connected the fortress with the coast.

Files to download

• There is a full description of the route in Spanish and English starting on page 59 of the free publication Western Costa del Sol Hiking Guide
• View on Google Earth
• GPX track file
• Page in Spanish
• Detailed map