If you are a shopaholic, there is no better place to indulge your fantasies than in Puerto Banus. Home to the rich and famous, and boasting some of the most elegant shops in Spain, Puerto Banus attracts thousands of shoppers a year who want to make the most of the fabulous boutiques and designer stores.

Described by many as the most glamorous resort in Europe, Puerto Banus is also home to some of the most glamorous shops.

About Puerto Banus
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, and some fabulous shops.

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, which saw the first designer shops open nearby.

Puerto Banus – shopper´s paradise
Take a stroll around the Marina area of Puerto Banus and you will find designer shops galore to excite even the most discerning shoppers. Here the super shops meet the super yachts, and you can marvel at the stunning background while pushing your credit cards up to the max. 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, so combine your shopping trip in Puerto Banus with a spot of lunch or dinner.

Puerto Banus jewellery
If you are looking for jewellery, you will be spoilt for choice in Puerto Banus. Visit the incredible Bulgari store next to the famous Sinatra´s Bar at the western entrance to the Marina or Cartier, which is situated along the right side of the Marina where the big boats are moored.

Getting to Puerto Banus
Although Puerto Banus has retained much of the glitz and glamour from the 1950s, it is now much more accessible to holidaymakers from all over Europe, since the introduction of budget airlines, and the choice of shops on offer will suit all budgets. There is much more to Puerto Banus than the designer boutiques which can be expensive, but well worth it. You will also find a range of great stores which are slightly cheaper but still offer great quality and originality. Situated just 40 minutes from Malaga Airport, you can arrive in style by hiring a car from the airport before you travel.

Designers on the front line Puerto Banus
Many of the top designer shops are located on the front line of the Marina, including Fendi and Versace. Loewe, Hermes and are also situated on the front line of Puerto Banus, and Lacoste, Emporio Armani, Moschino, Trend and Louis Vuitton are situated around the port.
The shopping malls include Cristamar, which is situated just at the east end of Puerto Banus Marina and Marina Banus Shopping Centre, close to Antonio Banderas Square.  In the latter you will find Pull and Bear and Bershka, and Mango and Zara are also situated close by.

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.  In addition to top name designers, you will also find the fabulous El Corte Ingles department store situated just off the main road entrance at the back of Antonio Banderas Square, where you can explore five storeys of clothes, shoes, electrical goods and much more.  Hipercor is also situated on the ground floor, so you can get your food shopping at the same time. Parking is free at El Corte Ingles, if you are planning to shop in the store.

If you want to pump up the volume at home, take the time to look around Bang & Olufsen, which is situated just to the left of the entrance to Puerto Banus. If you are looking for new gear for the house, Amani Home and Zara Home are situated close to El Corte Ingles.

Nueva Andalucia and Puerto Banus shopping
Just up the road from Puerto Banus, and within easy walking distance is Nueva Andalucia, where you can also shop until you drop.  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.

Centro Plaza is the main shopping complex, and you can also find some great bars, cafés and restaurants here. Here you can find fashion outlets, golf stores and clothes shops as well as local supermarkets.  If you are looking to bag a bargain, venture up to Nueva Andalucia on a Saturday and enjoy a stroll around the market.  Stretching from Centro Plaza to Puerto Banus,  and selling everything from leather goods, bedding, antiques, carpets, rugs and electrical items, Puerto Banus and Nueva Andalucia has shopping outlets to suit all tastes and  budgets.

Shopping and golf Puerto Banus
If you are here on holiday, and want to combine some shopping with a few rounds of golf, you have come to the right place. There are several magnificent courses within virtual putting distance of each other next to Puerto Banus, 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, and are situated 5 minutes from Puerto Banus.

The good news is that most of the shops in Puerto Banus open all day, although some close between 2 and 5pm for siesta, and they don´t close for the evening until around 10pm in summer (or later).

Shopping and sports in Puerto Banus
If you want to combine your shopping trip with some more adventurous pastimes, sports enthusiasts can find plenty on offer in Puerto Banus, including health clubs, tennis clubs, spas and a gymnasium. Water sports are also available on Puerto Banus beaches, including: water skiing, parasailing, windsurfing and kite surfing. There are two excellent beaches situated on either side of Puerto Banus, and summer events include road shows, concerts and beach parties.
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 shopping marina in Spain. Whether you are looking for luxury household goods, a shopping weekend around the designer boutiques, or a stroll around Cristamar or Marina Mall, you won´t be disappointed.