Guide to Puerto Banús, Marbella

Jonny Stark
May 20, 2025
Last Updated: May 30, 2025

Puerto Banús is Marbella’s glossy, high-energy playground where yachts, Lamborghinis, and designer labels set the tone.

🛥️ The Port

Where the Banús magic starts — superyachts, palm trees, and a whole lot of scene.

Puerto Banus Marina

The port is what started it all — opened in 1970 as a millionaire’s Mediterranean playground, it still pulls in celebrities, influencers, and yacht-spotters every season. Walk along the palm-lined promenade and you’ll see Ferraris parked outside Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Dolce & Gabbana, with café terraces filled with sunglasses and cocktails. It’s one of the best places in Spain for people-watching, especially around sunset. You don’t need to spend a cent to enjoy it — the vibes are free. Read More

Golden Mile

This iconic stretch connects Puerto Banús with Marbella’s Old Town, lined with luxury hotels, fine-dining spots, and bougainvillaea-covered villas. It’s one of the most elegant seafront walks in Spain, especially around golden hour when the light hits the white façades and palm trees just right. You can walk, cycle, or just beach-hop along the way. Great for couples and casual flâneurs alike. Read More

🛍️ Shopping

From designer labels to Spanish high street staples, Puerto Banús is one of the best shopping destinations in southern Spain.

El Corte Inglés Marbella

C. Ramón Areces, 29660, s/n, Nueva Andalucía, 29600 Marbella, Málaga

One of the largest El Corte Inglés stores in the region, this is where Puerto Banús gets practical — with five floors of fashion, beauty, electronics, gourmet food, and a brilliant Spanish wine section. It’s sleek, air-conditioned, and ideal for picking up quality essentials or souvenirs without stepping out of the luxury bubble. There’s also a supermarket downstairs and a decent rooftop café for a post-shop reset. Right across from the marina, it’s perfect for mid-glam errands. Read More

Marina Banús Shopping Centre (Zara Mall)

C. Ramón Areces, s/n, Nueva Andalucía, 29660 Marbella

Directly opposite El Corte Inglés, this mid-range mall features high-street hits like Zara, Bershka, Stradivarius, and Pull & Bear. It’s a lifeline if you forgot swimwear, need basics, or want a fashion refresh without dropping €500. The mall is compact, easy to navigate, and open every day — rare in Spain. A popular stop for stylish visitors not quite in the billionaire bracket. Read More

Weekly Saturday Market

Plaza de Toros de Marbella (Bullring), Marbella

Held every Saturday near the bullring, this open-air market is a local favourite for handmade jewellery, clothes, bags, souvenirs, and the occasional antique. It’s not luxury, but it’s vibrant and fun — and a great place to pick up something more authentic. Get there early for the best finds and fewer crowds. Ideal for bargain hunters or anyone after a more down-to-earth Banús experience. Read More

La Cañada Shopping Mall

Carretera Ojén, s/n, 29603 Marbella, Málaga

A 10-minute drive from the port, La Cañada is Marbella’s biggest shopping centre with over 150 stores, a cinema, and dozens of cafés. It’s where locals go for Apple gear, Spanish brands, and indoor air-conditioning during the summer heat. Less flashy than the port, but way more functional. Great for a full-day retail mission or rainy-day backup plan. Read More

⛳ Golf

Nicknamed “Golf Valley” for a reason, the area just north of Puerto Banús is home to three of Spain’s top courses: Las Brisas, Aloha Golf, and Los Naranjos. Each one has a distinct personality — Las Brisas is exclusive and immaculate, Aloha is beautifully landscaped and walkable, and Los Naranjos is friendly, scenic, and social. All three are open to non-members with advanced booking, and their clubhouses offer excellent dining and panoramic views. Whether you’re a serious golfer or just fancy a polished driving range session, this is where you go to play in style.

🚤 Boats & Watersports

Puerto Banús is all about sea life — whether you’re chartering a private yacht or flying across the water on a jet ski. Dozens of companies offer boat rentals for everything from chilled sunset sails to luxury cruises with full crew and cava on ice. Jet ski rentals, banana boats, and parasailing are available right off the beach and marina — with safety gear and instructors included. You can also hop on the Fly Blue Catamaran to Marbella, which runs regularly and offers amazing coastal views.

🧘 Wellness & Spas

Even in Banús, you need a reset. Luckily, there are world-class spas where you can unwind in style — many inside Marbella’s luxury hotels. Six Senses Spa at Puente Romano is a beachfront sanctuary with holistic treatments and sea views. Marriott’s Playa Andaluza Spa and Senator Banús Spa Hotel in nearby Estepona round out the list for massage, hydrotherapy, and serious pampering. Ideal for detoxing post-Ocean Club or just escaping the midday heat.

🍸 Bars & Entertainment

When the sun goes down, Banús turns up — hard.

Ocean Club Marbella

Puerto Banús’s most famous beach club is a full-on lifestyle statement. With a massive saltwater pool, oversized sunbeds, and champagne shows on the hour, Ocean Club is all about high-glam indulgence. DJs play everything from house to funk, and the crowd leans international and Insta-ready. It’s not subtle, it’s not cheap — but it’s 100% Puerto Banús. Read More

The Second Line (Bar Strip Behind the Port)

Tucked just one row back from the waterfront, this street is where the nightlife really kicks off. Packed with clubs, sports bars, shot bars, and party venues like Tibu and Mirage, it’s loud, late, and loaded with stag and hen groups in high season. Expect flashing lights, booming music, and crowds that spill out onto the street after midnight. It’s not classy — but it’s a classic.

Plaza de Toros / Marbella Arena

A few minutes’ walk uphill from the marina, the old bullring of Puerto Banús has been transformed into Marbella Arena — a sleek venue hosting concerts, food festivals, and summer events. The architecture keeps its circular soul, but the vibe is now modern and inclusive. If there’s something on while you’re visiting, it’s a cool contrast to the port’s glitz. Worth the walk — and a great alternative night out. Read More

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Experiences

Even Banús has space for family-friendly fun.

Playa de Puerto Banús

A short walk west of the marina, this beach is as polished as the port itself. It’s sheltered and calm, making it great for swimming or lounging with kids, and the sand is soft enough to ditch your flip-flops. There are loungers, showers, and watersports on offer, plus a handful of well-rated chiringuitos for grilled fish and cocktails. On weekends it gets buzzy, but it rarely feels overwhelming. Read More

Kids Arena Marbella

This indoor soft play zone in nearby San Pedro is perfect for younger kids under 10. It’s clean, colourful, and has climbing structures, slides, and a toddler area — plus a café for grown-ups to chill. The staff are friendly and safety-focused. A great rainy-day or escape-the-heat option. Read More

CostaJump Marbella

Marbella’s first trampoline park is just 10 minutes from the port and ideal for energetic kids and teens. Sessions run every hour and include wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, and basketball zones. It’s supervised, air-conditioned, and surprisingly fun for adults too. Book ahead during weekends and holidays. Read More

🏘️ Nearby Neighbourhoods

Get out of the marina bubble and explore what’s around.

Marbella

The cultural core of the Costa del Sol — just 10 minutes by car or 45 minutes on foot via the Golden Mile. Expect cobbled streets, tapas plazas, historic charm, and a completely different vibe to Banús. The perfect counterbalance to the flash. Read More

Aloha Neighbourhood

Part of Nueva Andalucía’s “Golf Valley,” Aloha blends elegant villas, leafy streets, and a growing cluster of trendy cafés and wine bars. It’s popular with digital nomads, golfers, and anyone seeking chilled luxury close to the action. Highlights include fresh breakfast spots, wine tastings, and relaxed terraces. Great for slow mornings and sunset aperitifs.

Nueva Andalucía & Polígono Industrial Nueva Campana

A smart mix of golf clubs, residential living, and Marbella’s most creative industrial district. Nueva Campana is full of hidden gems — art galleries, mechanics, furniture stores, and Pit Stop Café. Don’t miss our full blog post on the polígono.