Described by many as the most glamorous resort in Europe, Puerto Banus attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.

José Banus, a businessman with interests in real estate, at the beginning of the 1970s, dreamed of providing Marbella’s international elite with a glamorous marina, a relaxing haven far from the usual journalistic hounding they had to put up with on other parts of the Mediterranean coast. His dream became reality, and the internationally renowned marina that carries his name – Puerto Banus- was built. At the time, a flourishing construction drive all along the coast was leaving the deeply-rooted Andalucian architectural style behind, replacing it with more modern and stylish buildings.

From its more humble beginnings in the 1950´s, this stunning marina was transformed into a luxury resort which attracted royalty and aristocracy from around Europe. Soon afterwards, the swinging 60´s and 70´s bought a whole new crowd to Puerto Banus, and legends from the world of film and cinema could be seen mingling with the crowds. Diana Dors, Sean Connery and Rod Stewart all owned properties in Marbella, and some of the world´s highest-profile businessmen moored their yachts in the marina.

Although Puerto Banus has retained much of the glitz and glamour from those early days, it is now much more accessible to holidaymakers from all over Europe, since the budget airlines started to fly into Malaga.
Cheaper hotel and package deals can be arranged close to the port, and there is a vast range of self catering accommodation to choose from. Although the bars and restaurants in the marina itself can be pretty pricey, there are plenty of cheaper cafés and beach bars on the outskirts of the port.

Such is the popularity of Puerto Banus, not only does it offer one of the best leisure marinas in Europe, but it also boasts fantastic shops, bars and live entertainment. Most of the top name designers have outlets here, and there is the fabulous El Corte Ingles department store situated just off the main road entrance.
As far as the entertainment and nightlife goes, Puerto Banus is the best resort in Andalucia. Whether you prefer a few pints of Guinness in an Irish pub, or whiling away your time in lapdancing clubs, wine bars, fine dining restaurants, champagne bars or even pizza parlours, Banus has it all. More recently, this elegant marina has attracted hundreds of revellers for stag weekends and hen parties – many local bars offering all inclusive rates and riotous nights.

With over 320 days of sunshine a year, it is no surprise that Banus boasts many excellent beach bars and seafood restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean. From the cheaper sardinas al espeto – delicious fresh sardines cooked on an open air fire- to the most sumptuous fresh lobster and caviar, all tastes and budgets are catered for.

Just up the road from Puerto Banus is Nueva Andalucia. The bullring on the right marks the entrance to this upmarket residential area, while the road climbs towards the mountains and offers magnificent views of the coast. On a clear day, you can even see Gibraltar and North Africa in the distance. For golfers in particular, the area could not be more ideal. There are several magnificent courses within virtual putting distance, and the famous golf valley includes Las Brisas, Los Naranjos, Aloha Golf and La Dama de Noche, which is floodlit for night time play. All the Nueva Andalucia golf courses are surrounded by stunning scenery with a backdrop of mountains. Nueva Andalucia is also fast becoming well known for its fabulous restaurants, and many local residents no longer feel the need to visit the marina for a good night out.

Sports enthusiasts can find plenty on offer here with tennis, paddle tennis and a gymnasium, and every type of water sports facilities can be found on the local beaches, including water skiing, parasailing, windsurfing and scuba diving. There are many good beaches around Banus, but probably the best are situated either side of the marina. Plenty of summer events also hit the beach in July and August, including live DJ´s and local radio station road shows which run late into the night.

Puerto Banus is best described as a family resort with a tendency to over indulge the adults. When José Banús first gave his name to this port, it is unlikely he ever envisaged it would develop into the most famous marina in Europe. Whether it’s a Stag and Hen weekend, a night of dancing and entertainment or a trip aboard a luxury yacht, every visitor to Puerto Banus and Nueva Andalucia can be sure to take home memories to treasure.

For more information about Puerto Banus call the tourist office on: 0034 95 281 8570.