Puerto Banús is a name that resonates with many, and for good reason. This stunning marina in southern Spain is not only one of the most luxurious in Europe but also stands out as a top destination on the Costa del Sol, making it a must-visit spot in Marbella. Here, you'll find the largest yachts, the fastest cars, and the most prestigious fashion brands, all frequented by a host of celebrities. It's truly a place where you can see and be seen, and it also offers fantastic property options in Marbella.

Where is Puerto Banús?                              .

Puerto Banús lies on the west side of the Golden Mile in Marbella. The high-end residential area of Nueva Andalucía sits to its north and San Pedro de Alcántara to its west.

What are the origins of Puerto Banús?

Puerto Banús, the most luxurious marina on the Costa del Sol, marked its 50th anniversary in 2020. Founded by entrepreneur José Banús and architect Noldi Schreck from Beverley Hills, this marina has always strived to be among the best in the world. The grand opening in 1970 was attended by 1,500 guests, including some of the most renowned personalities globally. Rainier of Monaco and Grace Kelly were the guests of honor, while a young Julio Iglesias entertained the crowd.

In the past five decades, Puerto Banús has expanded to include various residential and commercial developments, such as apartment complexes and the El Corte Inglés department store. Despite the growth, the heart of the marina has maintained its original Andalusian charm. Even after 50 years, Puerto Banús continues to be the most prestigious marina in southern Spain.

What’s Puerto Banús like?

The marina boasts a Mediterranean-style design featuring wide boulevards and lush tropical gardens. With over 900 berths, some of which can accommodate superyachts up to 50m long, Puerto Banús is a popular destination for luxury vessels like the Taiba, Azteca, and Solandge. Many consider this prestigious marina to be on par with Saint Tropez and Monaco, ranking it among the finest in southern Europe.

Onshore, you'll find upscale fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, restaurants, and café-bars lining the waterfront. Established establishments like Salduba and Sinatra Bar, which once welcomed celebrities like Liza Minelli and Sean Connery, now host the likes of Lady Gaga and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Beyond the marina, there are more shops and residential areas. The central square, Plaza Antonio Banderas, hosts art and craft markets year-round and features an ice rink during the Christmas season.

Puerto Banús is renowned for its vibrant nightlife on the Costa del Sol. The marina is home to several clubs, and its beach clubs transform into nightclubs during the summer months. Flip through any gossip magazine in July and August, and you're likely to spot celebrities enjoying the nightlife in Puerto Banús.

How big is it?

Puerto Banús itself is small and sits sandwiched between the highway and the coast.

How many people live in Puerto Banús?

The marina doesn't have many permanent residents (there's no official census). But in July and August, the population increases significantly with holidaymakers, a lot of whom choose to stay in self-catering accommodations in Puerto Banús or one of the hotels.

What’s the weather like in Puerto Banús?

Puerto Banús benefits from the wonderful weather of Marbella. Thanks to the Sierra Blanca mountains, the marina is shielded from the winter cold and summer heat, creating a special micro-climate. You can look forward to lots of sunshine, gentle winters, and hot summers.

How do I get to Puerto Banús?

If you're coming from the west (from Estepona or Guadalmina) on your way to Puerto Banús, make sure to take one of the right turns right after you exit the A-7 highway tunnel at San Pedro de Alcántara. If you're approaching from the east via the A-7 motorway, Puerto Banús will be the first turn on your right. If you're coming from Marbella, you can reach Puerto Banús by driving along the Golden Mile.

How far is it to Malaga Airport from Puerto Banús?

Puerto Banús is just under 60km from Malaga Airport, and it takes around 35 minutes to get there. Expect to take up to 50 in the summer when traffic is heavy.

How far is it to Gibraltar Airport from Puerto Banús?

If your flight goes to Gibraltar, allow just under an hour to get to Puerto Banús by car plus extra for passport and border controls.

How far is it to Puerto Banús from Marbella?

Just a stone's throw away. The two are only 8km apart along the Golden Mile. If you're up for a little exercise, it's a pleasant walk and a beautiful stroll along the seafront promenade.

What are the main attractions in Puerto Banús?

The biggest marina on the Costa del Sol appeals to tourists and residents for several reasons:

People-watching – the list of celebrities from all walks of famous life (nobility and royalty, TV stars, entertainers, artists, actors…) runs very long, particularly in the summer.

Yacht-watching – you’ll see some of the world’s finest crafts moored throughout the year (some are year-round residents). The sight of a superyacht against the backdrop of the Andalusian architecture and mountains is one of the most spectacular in Marbella.

Fancy cars – the four wheels match the glamour moored next door and most vehicles in Puerto Banús are top of the range. Bugatti, Lamborghini, Jaguar and Aston Martin sportscars line the marina flanked by Rolls Royce and Cadillac limos.

Shopping – browsing for luxury items (or just window shopping) is top of the things to do in Puerto Banús. You’ll see the world’s top designers in fashion, shoes, accessories and jewellery in boutiques around the port.

Dining out – the marina is home to many excellent restaurants, some of which are classics on the Marbella dining scene. You’ll find a good choice of different cuisines and some restaurants boast frontline marina positions so you can people-watch while you eat.

Beach clubs and nightlife – the hedonistic lifestyle at Puerto Banús lends itself perfectly to a day at one of the beach clubs followed by an evening at a nightclub.

Aquatic activities – numerous companies offer water sports in Puerto Banús. These range from the hire of jet skis and windsurf boards to fishing expeditions. You can also go on dolphin spotting trips and catch the ferry service to Marbella.

What are the beaches like near Puerto Banús?

Puerto Banús may not boast the largest beaches in Marbella, but they certainly make up for it with their vibrant atmosphere and entertainment options. The eastern side of the marina features the longest and quietest beach, while the western side offers a series of charming small bays. All of them have sandy shores and safe swimming conditions.

In Puerto Banús, you'll discover a variety of beachfront restaurants, some of which offer water sports equipment rentals like jet skis, longboards, and kayaks. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try out thrilling activities such as the Banana Boat or Doughnut rides.

For a more upscale beach experience, Puerto Banús is home to some of the most exclusive beach clubs in southern Spain. Ocean Club, known for its celebrity clientele and lavish champagne parties, boasts a large pool and a prime location. On the other hand, La Sala by the Sea embraces a Thai-inspired theme and provides live entertainment for guests to enjoy.

How about shopping in Puerto Banús?

Puerto Banús is perfect for retail therapy as it is chock-full of boutiques from world-class designers. As you walk along the marina’s promenade, Louis Vuitton, Sandro, Maje, Rolex and many others open their doors for you. Hermes, Dior and Fendi can be found closer to Puerto Banús’ main entrance, in the second line to the promenade.

El Corte Inglés, Marbella’s most popular department store is just a 3-minute walk from the harbour, filled with everything one may need. Cosmetic stores, pharmacies, and a supermarket boasting organic foods can be found within, alongside the most popular brands with their respective clothing stands. All in all, Puerto Banús has it all when it comes to shopping. If you would like to learn more before indulging in shopping in Marbella … look no further!

And Property?

The limited expanse of the marina results in property options being predominantly confined to apartments. The frontline units primarily reflect the traditional Andalusian architectural style, featuring balconies that provide views of the boats. In recent years, more contemporary developments have emerged, offering spacious living arrangements, particularly in penthouse apartments. Additionally, there are luxury complexes that boast some of the finest communal amenities in Marbella, complemented by the benefit of a beachfront location.

As anticipated, real estate in Puerto Banús ranks among the priciest in Marbella. The cost of apartments can easily exceed €1 million, with prices reaching as high as €5 million for those situated in prime locations. The demand for holiday rentals in Puerto Banús is significant, presenting opportunities for buy-to-let investments.

Discover more information about real estate in Puerto Banús