Puerto Banús: the name alone evokes images of luxury yachts, designer boutiques, fine dining, and an alluring beach lifestyle. Renowned as one of the most glamorous and vibrant marinas in the world, this stunning Marbella district has become a byword for luxury living. Whether you're planning to visit, move, or invest here, our detailed guide to Puerto Banús provides all the information you need to make the most of this spectacular destination.
Living in Puerto Banús
Living in Puerto Banús means residing in a place where the sun always shines, the sea is always blue, and there is always something happening. The marina's white-washed Andalusian buildings, framed by the azure Mediterranean Sea and the dramatic Sierra Blanca mountains, present an idyllic lifestyle that few other places can match.
Property here ranges from luxurious seafront apartments to opulent villas nestled in the hills, ensuring a variety of options whether you're looking for a holiday home or a permanent residence. Additionally, living in Puerto Banús means being within walking distance of some of the Costa del Sol's best restaurants, boutiques, and nightlife, making it the ultimate playground for those who enjoy the finer things in life.
Education and Schools
For families moving to Puerto Banús, access to quality education is a critical consideration. Fortunately, the area is home to several prestigious international schools offering curricula for children of all ages:
- Aloha College: This respected international school, located only a short drive from Puerto Banús, offers the British National Curriculum for students from 3 to 18 years of age.
- Swans International School: Situated in nearby Marbella, Swans provides the English National Curriculum alongside the Spanish Baccalaureate, catering to a diverse student body.
- Laude San Pedro International College: Offering a bilingual curriculum, Laude San Pedro is just a few kilometers from Puerto Banús and educates children from 2 to 18 years.
Restaurants and Dining
As a gastronomic hub, Puerto Banús boasts an impressive array of eateries that cater to every palate and preference. Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a romantic dinner, or a gourmet dining experience, you'll be spoilt for choice:
- Los Bandidos: Located right on the waterfront, Los Bandidos offers a warm and cozy setting where you can enjoy a variety of dishes from the Mediterranean cuisine.
- Astral Cocktail Bar: Astral is as much about the experience as it is about the drinks. The bar is shaped like a sailboat and is one of the most distinctive features of the Puerto Banús landscape.
- La Sala Banús: A popular dining destination, La Sala offers an extensive menu that ranges from light breakfasts to gourmet dinner options, not to mention their infamous Sunday Roast.
- El Gran Gatsby: Providing stunning views of the marina, El Gran Gatsby offers modern Spanish cuisine in an elegant setting. The floor-to-ceiling windows ensure you can soak in the views regardless of where you're seated.
Things to Do
In Puerto Banús, you'll never be at a loss for things to do. From sun-soaked beach days to shopping sprees and cultural explorations, there's something for everyone.
Shopping Extravaganza
If you’re a fan of retail therapy, you're in the right place. Puerto Banús is famed for its impressive selection of high-end boutiques and designer stores. Stroll around the marina and you’ll find a world of luxury at your fingertips:
- El Corte Inglés: Spain's biggest department store offers a comprehensive range of products, from clothing and accessories to home goods and gourmet food.
- Marina Banús Shopping Center: An ideal place for high-street shopping, with a variety of shops like Zara, Massimo Dutti, and Mango.
- Designer Boutiques: The marina is lined with luxury designer stores, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and more.
Leisure and Entertainment
Puerto Banús offers an extensive selection of leisure and entertainment options for both adults and children:
- Casino Marbella: For adults seeking some excitement, Casino Marbella offers a variety of table games, slot machines, and regular poker tournaments.
- Cinema Gran Marbella: If you fancy a more relaxed evening, catch a movie at the local cinema. It features a good selection of the latest releases, including English-language films.
- Marbella Boat Charter: Rent a private yacht for the day and explore the stunning Costa del Sol coastline from a different perspective.
- Selwo Marina A great day out for kids, this animal park located in nearby Benalmadena offers dolphin shows, a penguin enclosure, and exotic bird performances.
The Great Outdoors
Puerto Banús offers a wealth of opportunities for those who love the great outdoors:
- Golf: Known as Costa del Golf, the region is home to some of the finest golf courses in Europe, including Aloha Golf Club and Real Club de Golf Las Brisas.
- Water Sports: The calm Mediterranean waters are ideal for a host of water sports, including jet-skiing, paddleboarding, and sailing.
- Hiking: For stunning panoramic views, take a hike up La Concha Mountain. Just be prepared; it's not an easy climb, but the view at the top is worth it.
Beaches
The beaches of Puerto Banús are beautiful, clean, and family-friendly:
- Playa Puerto Banús: Also known as Playa de Levante, this beach is perfect for families with its calm waters, children's play areas, and proximity to a variety of restaurants and shops.
- Playa Rio Verde: East of Puerto Banús, Playa Rio Verde is a quieter beach, perfect for a relaxing day of sun and sea. You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, and there are a couple of excellent beach restaurants here too.
The Nightlife Scene
Puerto Banús is well-known for its vibrant nightlife, with a wide variety of bars, pubs, and nightclubs catering to different tastes and moods:
- Pangea: Known for its open-air terrace with stunning panoramic views of the marina, Pangea offers a sophisticated clubbing experience.
- News Cafe: This chic and stylish venue transforms from a lounge bar in the early evening to a buzzing club as the night progresses.
- La Sala By The Sea: Located on the beachfront, this is a chill-out lounge by day and a lively nightclub when the sun goes down.
Annual Events
Puerto Banús hosts several annual events that draw visitors from around the world:
- Marbella Luxury Weekend: Held in June, this event celebrates the luxury and glamour associated with Puerto Banús, with exclusive product launches, fashion shows, and gourmet food.
- San Juan Festival: Celebrating the arrival of summer, the San Juan Festival in late June is marked with bonfires on the beach, barbecues, music, and dancing until dawn.
- Feria de Marbella: This week-long festival in June includes a colorful parade, live Flamenco performances, food stalls, and a vibrant fairground.
Health and Wellness
Many people are drawn to Puerto Banús for its health and wellness offerings. From beachfront yoga classes to luxury spa facilities and organic food stores, the area supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle:
- Healthouse Las Dunas: A world-class health and wellness center offering personalized health and weight loss programs.
- Marbella Club Hotel Golf Resort & Spa: This luxurious resort features a spa offering a range of treatments, a fully-equipped gym, and holistic wellness programs.
Recommendations for Kids
Aside from the beaches and parks, there are plenty of attractions and activities for children in and around Puerto Banús:
- Selwo Aventura: Just a short drive away in Estepona, this animal adventure park features creatures from across the globe.
- Funny Beach Marbella: This beachside amusement park offers go-karts, parasailing, jet skis, and paddle boats. A great place for a family day out.
- Mariposario de Benalmadena: Kids will be amazed at this butterfly park, home to over 1,500 butterflies from around the world, housed in a Thai temple-style building.
Living, visiting, or investing in Puerto Banús presents an opportunity to enjoy a world-class lifestyle that combines the traditional charm of Andalusian culture with the modern, luxurious amenities of a premier resort destination. From its stunning natural beauty to its vibrant social scene, Puerto Banús truly offers something for everyone.
I hope this guide has provided a comprehensive overview of Puerto Banús. Please let me know if there's anything else you'd like to know about this marvellous district of Marbella.