Where is Puerto Banus?
Puerto Banus sits just west of Marbella on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol in southern Spain, roughly 50 kilometres from the provincial capital of Malaga.
What kind of place is Puerto Banus?
Puerto Banus is the creation of Madrid property developer Jose Banus and was spawned from a vision to create a luxury marina for the international elite of neighbouring Marbella. Since its high-profile inauguration in 1970, it has become one of the top destinations for the truly rich and famous, as well as the truly star struck.
What is there to do and see in Puerto Banus?
With a golden beach that stretches for one kilometre along the Costa del Sol, Puerto Banus is an idyllic spot for the sun-worshipper. Really, however, the focal point of the area is the marina, filled with yachts which belong to some of the world’s wealthiest individuals and which have price tags that stretch into the millions. For the average holidaymaker, they make for a jaw-droppingly spectacular sight and the opportunity to play ‘I spy’ for film stars, famous politicians, jet-setters and even kings.
When you have had your fill of the boats (which you probably won’t), it is time to head for the designer boutiques, the five-storey El Corte Ingles department store or the Marina Banus Shopping Centre, which stocks ranges such as Zara and Mango. If these are not to your taste, or out of your price range, there are also plenty of more traditional Spanish shops to choose from.
Puerto Banus always was home to a huge range of al fresco bars and some very expensive restaurants, but as the growth of the port has continued and its popularity has increased, so the range of eateries has expanded. With international chains such as TGI Fridays now having a presence, there is something to suit every pocket.
Needless to say, the nightlife in Puerto Banus is amazing. You can either head for one of the many bars which are located throughout the town, or settle down in one of the chic cocktail bars around the marina and seafront areas and do some star spotting. With piano bars, clubs and discotheques open until the early hours of the morning, you will not be short of an evening’s entertainment.
Puerto Banus also offers its own multi-screen cinema which shows films in English, and an Aquarium.
What is there to do and see in the area generally?
Only a couple of kilometres away, Marbella has to be seen during your stay, especially the old part of the town with its ‘Orange Square’ and old Arab walls.
A trip a few kilometres inland to the pretty little whitewashed village of Benahavis is also a ‘must’. Not only is it famed for its culinary prowess and range of gourmet restaurants, but it is also home to a range of craft and antique shops and art galleries, one of which displays the work of British sculptor, David Marshall.