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Benalauria is located in the Genal Valley accompanied by a beautiful drive up from the coast or down from Ronda.  o­n the main road the A-369 headed south-westwards you will need to take a left which will take you o­n a narrow winding road to the village of Benalauria.  Autumn or Spring is the best time to visit this gem of a place, especially Autumn when it is accompanied by the fantastic Autumn colours which are intense and can be seen all over the region.  Summer temperatures can hover over 40C and is just too hot to enjoy this lovely little village.  The name Benalauria comes from Berber Tribe of Banu al Auria which made up part of the first Moslem expeditions across from Africa led by El Tariq in 710AD.  During 1570 the village was populated by “Moriscos” (Moslem converts to Christianity) who were deported or imprisoned as they fought against the residents of Benadalid by burning the Castle, the Church and other such monuments which were part of the Duke of Alcala’s estate.  The area was repopulated with Christians from El Coronil.
Benalauria consists of incredibly steep streets which thus provide beautiful panoramic views over the mountains that lead down to the coast of Estepona and Manilva.  The Vultures and eagles float above as the local Spanish residents go about their daily routines of chatting away o­n the Plaza which is home to their 18th Century town hall.  Just off the Plaza is St Domingo’s Church which was constructed around the 15th and 16th Centuries.  This beautiful village hasn’t yet come to the notice of the tourists that flock to the Costa del Sol which is not surprising as this village has little to offer in the way of restaurants, bars, hotels or attractions.  But this village isn’t here for the tourists, its real Spain at its most best.  So if you want to see a little of the real Spain then visit Benalauria.  Its ambience and charm will make you enjoy your time here and will provide you with some lovely memories.