Montemayor (Benahavís, Málaga)

This walk is to the peak of Montemayor (579m). Starting from Benahavís village, the first stage is up along a steep tarmac road to Benahavís Hills, a luxury new development. From there the path heads into the hills initially away from the normal Monte Mayor pathway and towards a derelict finca once believed to be used as a bakery. From this point there is a view across towards the infamous Goldsmith and Tramores Estates.
From the bakery the group will head up a narrow track to the source of the Benahavís springs and eventually reach the other side of the mountain affording views of Gibraltar and Africa on a clear day.
The path then leads directly to Montemayor, taking a steep goat-track for the final 10 minute hike which will need ‘hands and feet’ in parts.
At the summit there are uninterrupted views of the coast from Marbella to Estepona which have given the site its valued strategic position throughout history.

Directions to the Meeting Place
From the main N340/A7 take the Benahavís exit (MA547). There is no kilometre sign but it is just after San Pedro de Alcantara when travelling westwards, and approx. three km from Cancelada if travelling east.
Leaving the exit for Benahavís, cross straight over the next three roundabouts.
At the first roundabout, very soon after leaving the N340, there is a petrol station on the right. At the second there is a Mercadona on the left. The third roundabout is 7km from the N340 and is at the entrance to the village of Benahavís.
At the third roundabout carry straight up on the hill following the natural right turn in the road. To the right there are buildings among which is the cookery school with three flag-poles visible. Just after that, again on the right-hand side, is the first café on this stretch with chairs and tables outside. This is the meeting place. There is plenty of parking immediately before the café.