Located in the heart of the Costa del Sol, Puerto Banús is an iconic marina that radiates luxury and sophistication. Since its opening in 1970, it has attracted the international elite, becoming a landmark for luxury yachts, high-end boutiques, and a lively nightlife.
This port, which can accommodate up to 915 vessels, stretches along a picturesque promenade surrounded by elegant apartments and villas. Keep reading to learn more about this fascinating place!
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History of Puerto Banús
The history of Puerto Banús dates back to the 1960s, when José Banús, a renowned Spanish real estate developer, conceived the idea of creating a port that combined luxury and modernity with the traditional charm of the Mediterranean Sea.
In 1966, Banús began the project together with architect Noldi Schreck, known for his work with Walt Disney on Disneyland.
Construction began shortly after and was finally inaugurated on May 18, 1970, with a grand ceremony attended by members of the Spanish royal family and Hollywood celebrities such as Grace Kelly and Rainier III of Monaco, marking the beginning of its status as an icon of luxury and exclusivity.
During the 70s and 80s, Puerto Banús became a prime destination for the international jet set and for brands like Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci.
In the 90s and 2000s, the port continued to expand and modernize, improving its infrastructure and adding services to meet the needs of its demanding clientele. Today, Puerto Banús is a symbol of sophistication and elegance on the Costa del Sol, contributing significantly to the region’s economy and culture.
What to See and Do in Puerto Banús
From exclusive beach clubs to stunning views, Puerto Banús offers an unrivaled array of activities to enjoy during your visit.
Marina
Puerto Banús is known for its impressive marina, where you can admire luxury yachts of all sizes. In addition to being one of the largest and most prestigious in Europe, the marina can accommodate some of the world’s largest yachts and its facilities are designed to offer maximum comfort and first-class services to yacht owners and crews.
The port offers modern infrastructure with services such as fuel supply, electricity, water, internet connection, 24-hour security, and docking assistance. Additionally, for water sports enthusiasts, Puerto Banús is an ideal place to enjoy jet skiing.
The calm waters and scenic surroundings provide the perfect setting for this exciting activity, with several operators offering rentals and guided tours to explore the coast from a unique and adventurous perspective.
Avenida de Lola Flores
This avenue is one of the busiest in Puerto Banús and was named in honor of the legendary Spanish artist.
Here you can find some of the most prestigious fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, Versace… These boutiques offer the latest in fashion, accessories, jewelry, and luxury items, attracting an international clientele seeking exclusive and high-quality products.
Bulevar de la Fama
Similar to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, the Puerto Banús Boulevard of Fame honors influential figures who have contributed to the development and promotion of Marbella as a luxury tourist destination.
It is located very close to the marina and features commemorative plaques embedded in the ground, each with the name of a notable personality along with a brief description of their contributions. Visitors can find personalities such as Julio Iglesias, Antonio Banderas, and Sean Connery.
Antonio Banderas Square
This square in Puerto Banús is a popular meeting point as it is surrounded by shops and restaurants. Moreover, this is often where cultural events and activities take place, especially during the summer months.
Sculpture “La Victoria” by Zurab Tsereteli
Created by the renowned Georgian sculptor Zurab Tsereteli, this column, approximately 30 meters tall, is topped with a figure with outstretched arms, symbolizing peace and freedom.
Although initially thought to be a gift from the Mayor of Moscow to the Marbella City Council, it was later discovered that its high cost was covered by the municipality itself.
Puerto Banús Market
The Puerto Banús market is one of the most popular attractions in this luxurious enclave. It is held every Saturday morning in Antonio Banderas Square and along the streets near the marina.
Interesting facts:
- Hours: Every Saturday from 9:00 to 14:00
To make the most of the Puerto Banús market, arrive early to avoid crowds and find the best deals. Bring cash, as it’s useful for small purchases even though many vendors accept credit cards.
Puerto Banús Lighthouse
The Puerto Banús Lighthouse is one of the most emblematic and recognized elements of the luxurious marina. It is strategically located at the port entrance and, in addition to guiding boats navigating the area, it also adds a picturesque touch to the seascape with its white structure and lantern illuminated at night.
Luxury Shops in Puerto Banús
Puerto Banús is a renowned luxury shopping destination worldwide, offering an unparalleled experience for fashion and style lovers. Among its most famous boutiques and stores are:
- Louis Vuitton: In its Puerto Banús store, you can find luxury products including handbags, clothing, accessories, and shoes, all featuring its unmistakable monogram.
- Dior: The Dior Boutique in Puerto Banús is a paradise for fashion lovers as they can find the latest haute couture collections, prêt-à-porter, handbags, shoes, and even perfumes from the French brand.
- Versace: Versace offers a selection of clothing, accessories, and home items from the iconic Italian brand.
You will also find other luxury stores like Fendi, Gucci, Hermès, Salvatore Ferragamo, Cartier, or Bulgari that attract celebrities and curious visitors seeking the latest in fashion and style in Puerto Banús.
Popular Festivals and Gastronomy
In addition to its luxurious and exclusive atmosphere, Puerto Banús is also known for its social life marked by numerous popular festivals and events.
Throughout the year, especially during the summer months, this area becomes an epicenter of celebration with events that attract visitors from around the world.
San Juan
One of the most notable festivals is the night of San Juan, celebrated on June 23rd. During this night, the beaches of Puerto Banús fill with bonfires, music, and fireworks to celebrate the summer solstice.
Events
Puerto Banús is also known for its exclusive events that attract visitors and celebrities from all over the world.
Luxury Car Presentations:
Throughout the year, Puerto Banús hosts presentations of cars from brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Porsche to showcase their latest models and even offer test drives for some visitors.
Marbella Fashion Show:
Held in July, this fashion show presents the latest trends from renowned designers against the stunning backdrop of the port and the sea.
Beach Club Parties
The most famous beach clubs in Puerto Banús, such as Ocean Club and Nikki Beach, are renowned for their themed parties, brunches, and musical events with international DJs. These clubs offer a unique combination of luxury and fun in a beachfront setting.
The parties in Puerto Banús are not limited to the night. These beach clubs also offer a wide range of exclusive services, such as poolside massages, gourmet menus, and a selection of top-quality cocktails and champagnes.
Golf in Puerto Banús
Due to its small area, Puerto Banús does not have its own golf course. However, Marbella does have some of the best golf courses on the Costa del Sol that you can visit if you fancy spending a day enjoying outdoor sports.
Art Galleries in Puerto Banús
The art galleries in Puerto Banús are a reflection of the area’s sophistication and cultural taste. The beautiful exhibition spaces house works by local and international artists in a variety of styles and media, including painting, sculpture, and photography.
Shopping Centers in Puerto Banús
One of the most popular shopping centers in Puerto Banús is El Corte Inglés, with a wide variety of fashion, beauty, and luxury products.
Additionally, the Marina Banús Shopping Center houses a wide selection of high-end stores, restaurants, and cafés, providing an elegant and comfortable atmosphere for shoppers.
How to Get to Puerto Banús
How to get to Puerto Banús airport
Which route to take to get to Puerto Banús? The option is Malaga airport, as Puerto Banus does not have an airport and this is the nearest one. From there, you can opt for various means of transport to get to Puerto Banús, which we describe below.
How to Get to Puerto Banús by Public Transport
Bus
To get to Puerto Banús by bus from Málaga, you can take a direct bus on the M-220 line from the Málaga bus station.
The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. You can check schedules and frequency here.
If you prefer to travel with a private company, you can also look for buses from Avanza, which offers a comfortable and direct service to Puerto Banús and Marbella.
Train
Although there is no train station in Puerto Banús, you can take a commuter train from Málaga to Fuengirola on the C1 line and from there travel the remaining 30 kilometers to Puerto Banús by taxi or bus.
This train journey takes around 45 minutes. Buses from Fuengirola to Puerto Banús run quite frequently and take about 25 minutes.
How to Get to Puerto Banús by Car
To get to Puerto Banús by car from Málaga airport, leave the airport and take the A-7 highway towards Algeciras/Cádiz. Stay on the A-7 for approximately 60 kilometers.
If you prefer a faster and traffic-free journey, you can opt for the AP-7 toll highway, although it has an additional cost. Then, take exit 174 towards Puerto Banús/Nueva Andalucía and follow the signs to Puerto Banús.
The drive from Málaga airport to Puerto Banús takes about 45 minutes. For greater convenience and flexibility during your stay, consider hiring a car at Málaga airport as this option will allow you to explore not only Puerto Banús but also the picturesque surroundings of the Costa del Sol at your own pace.
If you wish to explore beyond Puerto Banús, there are several interesting destinations nearby such as Marbella, which is located just 7 kilometers away, or Estepona, about 30 kilometers away, offering beautiful beaches and a charming historic center.
On the other hand, Fuengirola, located 30 kilometers to the east, is perfect for enjoying restaurants and bars to suit all tastes. Also, long beach days and a wide range of beach clubs.
Map of Puerto Banús
Below, you will find a detailed map of Puerto Banús showing all the important points mentioned in this post to help you organize your visit.
We hope this map and the directions provided in this post help you make the most of your stay in Puerto Banús!
