History
The archaeological remains found in the area suggest that the site was inhabited by the Iberian people. Traces of the Roman Empire have also been discovered here, including coins and a bust of Emperor Trajan. During the Moorish period, the site's strategic location between the Kingdoms of Granada and Jaén meant it gained great importance.
Benalúa de las Villas was conquered by the Christians in 1486, after numerous skirmishes took place between troops in the surrounding area. It was later granted town status by the field marshal Fernán Sancho del Cañaveral. He established the Benalúa entailed estate within its territory, which gave rise to one of the most significant noble titles in the province's history. The now-defunct Sierra Nevada tramway and the road to Veleta Peak are also associated with it. Benalúa de las Villas suffered massive depopulation for some years until it was settled by colonists from other parts of the kingdom.
The town's farmers worked their own lands under a system of forced labour established by the landowners, as well as day labourers. In 1614, Cristóbal Cañaveral de Córdoba, the third Lord of Benalúa, purchased the town. In 1781, the title passed to José Miguel de Cañaveral y de Mesía, and the title became the Condado de Benalúa de las Villas. The current area of the municipality corresponds to that of this former lordship.