Puerto Banus

Puerto Banus was opened in May 1970 by the developer Jose Banus. It is situated only 5km to the east of Marbella center  and has become one of the most famous ports in Europe. It’s synonymous with wealth, extravagant parties, high fashion and glitz.

The lavish opening of the complex was attended by, amongst others, the film director Roman Polanski, Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, Dr. Christian Barnard and Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco. An army of 300 waiters from Seville served 50 pounds of Beluga caviar to the 1,700 guests.

The focal point of Puerto Banus is of course its  marina. It has berths for 915 boats, including those of the King of Saudi Arabia and several of the world's wealthiest individuals. , The ostentation of the boats is only matched by that of the cars and some of the clothing. You'll see Rolls Royce cars as well as Lambonghini and Ferrari convertables. It's quite a sight! is all about the bling!

Even if all this glitz and glam ain't your thing, its nice to just stroll around the marina in the warm sunshine and just dream of what life could be like...sitting on a yacht, travelling from port to port, visiting amazing places...have driver deliver ferrari to you... drive into the andalusian hillside.

Behind the harbour lie streets filled with bars, boutiques, nightclubs and men's clubs.  The shops are set in charming little alleyways and I heard one woman comparing it to "The Lanes" in Brighton. I kinda got what she meant, but I still think she was missing the bigger picture somewhat. This is serious money territory, and a serious lack of IQ is sometimes required in order to spend it.

Puerto Banus is the prime party spot on the Costa del Sol. Expect to pay 10 euros ($12) per drink. This area is not called the Spanish Riviera for nothing. Expect to be up until sun-up if you're going to party here...not for the faint of heart!

Puerto Banus unfortunately / fortunately has become the place to come for stag and hen weekends.  Great for businesses, bars, clubs, restuarants and  shopping; not so great sometimes to people like us that live here that have to see the place where we live look like somewhere out of club 18 to 30.

However Puerto Banus does have 2 lives.  During the day until 9 / 10pm its lovely strolling around with the family, take a bite to eat, do a little shopping in some of the most luxury shops around.  In the past couple of years, more and more of the top designers have come to Puerto Banus.

There is a  great choice of restaurants to choose from.  One of the most popular restauratns are Aretusa, The Lonestar Brasserie , Los Bandidos and Pravda. Those in the know go to the trendy argentinian restauraunt  tango. Terrasana near the shoping mall and the cinemas is one of our favourites to grab a quick salad or wrap.

For the younger crowds there is also lots to do in the summer with choice after choice of beach clubs & bars.  The Ocean Club is one the newest around with the big white beds and tents; one the hippest places to be seen at the moment.  Then you have all the other beach bars, either side of the Port.  Plaza Beach, Mistral, Azucar Beach, Soul Beach which has some great music in the summer.  Some of the best night clubs around  are Suite in Puente Romano Hotel and Olivia Valeres.  Both really good clubs.  Some bars like Pangeas where the rich and famous tend to hang out...

Above all be prepared to spend good money.