Puerto Banús is the symbol of luxury, exclusivity, and high-end luxury in general. Moorings for yachts, boats, cars, shops, restaurants, bars, mansions… everything is designed for those who don’t have to stretch their vacation budget. In other words, spending the summer in Puerto Banús isn’t for everyone. However, it’s open to ordinary people if they simply want to take a stroll and visit the marina to discover the unique quality of this unique space, conceived half a century ago by businessman José Banús, just six kilometers from Marbella.
Declared a Center of National Tourist Interest, Puerto Banús has been awarded the Gold Medal for Tourist Merit, as it has become a major attraction for millionaires, celebrities, travelers, and curious people from around the world, who don’t want to miss the spectacle of this glamorous destination or the chance to bump into someone rich or famous, no matter who they are.
Just a curiosity? Some say that Puerto Banús has the most luxury shops per square meter in the world. What’s more, shops are open from 11 a.m. to midnight.
- History of Puerto Banús
- Walking around the port
- Puerto Banús Beach
- Puerto Banús Nightlife
- Where to Eat in Puerto Banús
- Where to stay near Puerto Banús
History of Puerto Banús
To understand the origins of Puerto Banús, we must go back to the 1960s, when businessman José Banús began building a luxurious development in the area called Nueva Andalucía. It was a meeting with Noldi Schreck, architect and designer of the iconic Beverly Hills neighborhood, that led him to consider a more ambitious, exclusive, and international project.
Puerto Banús was built as an Andalusian-style Mediterranean village with luxurious avenues and exotic gardens overlooking the sea. It was inaugurated in 1970 with a party for 1,500 guests that lacked nothing. Members of the Spanish Royal Family, Rainier and Grace of Monaco, and a very young Julio Iglesias were the stars of an event that kicked off the life of an exclusive space that would generate a lot of buzz.
The world’s most sought-after brands soon settled in the new fashion destination, and within a few years, it was a magnet for the world’s most important personalities. Since then, royalty, artists such as Prince, Rod Stewart, and Maria Callas, and actors of the caliber of Sean Connery, Liz Taylor, and Brigitte Bardot, among many others, have strolled the streets of Puerto Banús.
Walking around the port
Just walking around the marina is a unique experience worth experiencing. This is the most exclusive marina in Europe. It has 915 boat berths spread across 15 hectares of sheltered water for vessels up to 50 meters in length. Naturally, many of the boats and yachts that dock here belong to the world’s greatest fortunes. But if you wish, you can also rent a yacht or a sailboat in the port itself.
Puerto Banús is, for many, the mecca of luxury in Spain, and its avenues are home to the most sought-after fashion boutiques internationally, featuring the latest collections from the world’s most exclusive designers. Of course, there’s a personal shopper service, and fashion and trend experts will guide you to the shops that best suit your personality if you wish.
The culinary scene is also very high, as you can enjoy unforgettable experiences that combine traditional cuisine with the most innovative culinary techniques, as Puerto Banús is a draw for some of the greatest Spanish and international chefs.
Puerto Banús Beach
At Puerto Banús Beach, you can go paragliding, jet skiing, cycling, or surfing. These are the most popular sports on this exclusive beach so close to Marbella, a town connected to Puerto Banús by a beautiful promenade, ideal for walking or running. Puerto Banús Beach has fine sand and is a very pleasant place to enjoy the sun and the water with family or friends.
Puerto Banús Nightlife
The nightlife is very lively in Puerto Banús. The pubs, clubs, and bars get going in the late afternoon and don’t stop until dawn. It’s a very attractive destination for young people looking to have fun and have a good time while enjoying the music and luxury of the most select clubs. Of course, you’ll also find many foreigners, and some places, curiously, only speak English.
It’s said that some establishments charge up to 1,000 euros for a bottle of champagne, but don’t be alarmed, because there are places to suit all budgets. Among the most famous clubs are Nikki Beach and Ocean Club, both on the beach. Here they offer concerts, live shows, theme parties, and the chance to mingle with celebrities and, perhaps, even rich people.
It’s important to remember that the nightlife in Puerto Banús is especially intense in the summer, because in winter the bars and clubs are only open on weekends.
Where to eat in Puerto Banús
The restaurants in Puerto Banús combine the most traditional with the most sophisticated. Here you’ll find restaurants with cuisines from all over the world, but before entering, take a look at the menu and, above all, the prices. Want to treat yourself? Head to Rococelli (Italian). Or book at Mumtaz Restaurant (Indian). Or Daytona Motor Passion, if you like speed and more relaxed food. Other options include Meksian (which has two tasting menus), INIMItable (they define themselves as “neighborhood haute cuisine”), and La Bocana, an Andalusian restaurant with a terrace overlooking the sea.
