Puerto Banus
Glamorous marina resort on Spain's Costa del Sol, famous for superyachts, designer shopping, and celebrity spotting. Just minutes from Marbella, this purpose-built luxury playground delivers proper high-end holiday vibes with upscale beach clubs, Michelin-starred restaurants, and legendary nightlife.
✨ Why visit Puerto Banus?
☀️ Gorgeous Mediterranean weather - over 320 days of sunshine annually
⛵ Iconic marina - 915 berths packed with superyachts and luxury boats
🛍 Designer shopping heaven - Gucci, Dior, Versace, Louis Vuitton all in one place
🏖 Beautiful beaches - golden sands with exclusive beach clubs and water sports
🎉 Legendary nightlife - upscale clubs, cocktail bars, and late-night glamour
🎉 Good to Know
🤩 Fun fact: Puerto Banus was purpose-built in 1970 by property developer José Banús as a luxury resort to rival Monaco and Saint-Tropez! It worked - the resort now attracts over 5 million visitors annually, including royalty, celebrities, and football stars. You might spot superyachts worth more than £100 million (€120 million) moored in the marina!
🛍 Best for shopping: The marina front is basically an open-air designer mall! You'll find over 100 boutiques including all the major luxury brands - Dolce & Gabbana, Bulgari, Jimmy Choo, Rolex. Centro Plaza shopping centre has high-street brands too. Every Saturday there's a street market next to the bullring (9am-2pm) for bargains.
🍽 Must-try: Fresh seafood at waterfront chiringuitos (beach restaurants), traditional tapas at authentic spots away from the marina, and don't miss a proper Spanish gin & tonic with fancy garnishes. The Hard Rock Hotel does brilliant international cuisine, while L'Ambassciata at Gran Guadalpin has two Michelin stars!
🚗 Getting around: Everything's walkable in Puerto Banus itself - marina to beaches is 10 minutes on foot. Local buses connect to Marbella (10 minutes), Málaga (1 hour), and surrounding areas. Taxis are everywhere. There's also a catamaran ferry to Marbella marina (30 minutes). Fancy hire cars available if you want to cruise in style!
🏨 Top hotels in Puerto Banus
Hard Rock Hotel Marbella - Absolute stunner with rock 'n' roll vibes! 383 music-themed rooms and suites, three restaurants including Mexican Suena Chido and Sessions international buffet. Eden Pool Club perfect for daytime relaxation. Just 1km from Puerto Banus marina (12-minute walk). Next door to Marbella Casino, 6km from Marbella Old Town. Contemporary luxury with personality.
Meliá Marbella Banús - Five-star luxury on the famous Golden Mile! 200 rooms across eight categories with DreamBed mattresses. Outdoor pool, adults-only pool, kids' pool, indoor pool, sauna, and Turkish bath. Mini club for ages 5-11 (summer season). Five-minute walk to Puerto Banus marina. Discount rates for 22 nearby golf courses. Adults-only Level rooms available.
Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach - Beachfront stunner just metres from Rio Verde Beach! 170 rooms including junior suites, all with sea, garden, or pool views. Four kilometres from Marbella centre, 1km from Puerto Banus. Multiple restaurants, entertainment, and perfectly connected by public transport. Great for beach lovers wanting easy marina access.
Gran Guadalpín Banús - Pure luxury on the seafront! 181 exclusive rooms with terraces and Mediterranean views. Five restaurants including two-Michelin-star L'Ambassciata, plus Basque, Greek, and Asian options. Outdoor pool with solarium, spa access at sister property, fitness centre, and beachside massages available. Only 1km from Puerto Banus marina. Proper high-end experience.
Occidental Puerto Banus - Apartment-style accommodation 600m from beach. Various apartment sizes with kitchenettes and 55" Smart TVs. Three restaurants including Italian La Dolce Vita, pool bar, and lobby bar. Outdoor pool and kids' pool. Close to 22 golf courses. Great for families and longer stays wanting self-catering flexibility.
Bluebay Banus - Peaceful location west of Puerto Banus in lush tropical gardens. 315 rooms across two floors including family rooms and spacious suites. 20-minute walk to marina (or quick taxi). Tropical restaurant for international cuisine, El Cocodrilo snack bar by pool. 700m from beach. Traditional Spanish courtyards add authentic charm. Good value for location.
Vasari Resort - Apartment resort five-minute walk from Puerto Banus beach. Air-conditioned apartments with kitchenettes, living areas, and terraces. Pool bar, à la carte restaurant, outdoor pool, kids' pool, jacuzzi, and sauna. Gym, putting green, and 3km from nearest golf course. Perfect for active families and golfers.
🎯 What to do in Puerto Banus
🛍 Things to do for shopaholics
Browse designer boutiques on the marina - Gucci, Versace, Dior, Louis Vuitton
Visit Centro Plaza shopping centre for high-street brands
Check out Saturday street market next to bullring (9am-2pm)
Drive to La Cañada shopping centre in Marbella - one of the largest in the area
⛵ Things to do for water lovers
Hire jet skis and speed through crystal-clear Mediterranean waters
Book yacht charters or boat trips along the coast
Try parasailing, paddleboarding, and banana boats at beaches
Take the catamaran ferry to Marbella marina (30 minutes)
🎉 Things to do for party animals
Hit legendary clubs like Pangea, Tibu, and News Cafe
Experience exclusive beach clubs - Ocean Club, Nikki Beach, Sisu
Enjoy sunset cocktails at marina bars with yacht-watching
Pop to nearby Marbella's Old Town for more nightlife options
🏛 Things to do for day-trippers
Explore Marbella's charming Old Town with whitewashed buildings (4km away)
Day trip to Gibraltar for duty-free shopping (45 minutes)
Visit traditional white villages like Ronda or Setenil de las Bodegas
Try one of 30+ championship golf courses around Marbella
🗓 When to visit Puerto Banus
July to August (Peak season glamour) - This is when Puerto Banus absolutely buzzes with jet-set energy! Temperatures hit lovely 28-31°C with endless sunshine and warm sea (23-24°C). The marina's packed with superyachts, beaches are buzzing, and every beach club, restaurant, and nightclub operates at full capacity. Celebrity spotting at its peak! Prices reflect the popularity and everywhere gets properly busy - book restaurants and beach club beds well ahead. Perfect for experiencing the full Puerto Banus vibe with guaranteed sunshine and non-stop nightlife.
May, June, September (Brilliant shoulder season) - Clever timing for luxury without the chaos! May and June hit comfortable 22-26°C, perfect for beach days without peak summer heat. September's particularly smart - still warm (24-27°C), sea's lovely, but UK schools are back so it's quieter and cheaper. Most facilities stay open including beach clubs and restaurants. You get that glamorous Puerto Banus experience with better value and easier restaurant bookings. Great balance of weather and atmosphere.
October, April (Quieter months) - For those wanting to avoid crowds. October's still pleasant (20-24°C) and many beach clubs stay open into early October. April's warming up nicely with spring sunshine. Some beach clubs closed or operating reduced hours. Hotels offer brilliant rates. Good for shopping, marina strolls, and Marbella Old Town exploring, less ideal if you're after the full beach club party scene.
November to March (Off-season) - Most beach clubs close for winter. Temperatures drop to 12-18°C, though still mild compared to UK and Ireland. The resort's much quieter, many seasonal restaurants and bars shut. However, Marbella stays lively year-round and you'll get rock-bottom hotel prices. Good for golf, shopping, and exploring the area without tourists, but you'll miss the quintessential Puerto Banus beach and party atmosphere.
Popular Puerto Banus hotels
More Puerto Banus hotelsWeather in Puerto Banus
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Puerto Banus experiences a mild year round climate with highs of 28°; Celsius in the summer, perfect for relaxing next to the beautiful azure waters of the marina, or some al fresco dining at any one of the excellent restaurants in the area. The great weather makes Puerto Banus holidays ideal at any time of the year, whether you are coming with your family or for a romantic break away!
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Puerto Banus?
How long does it take to fly to Puerto Banus?
It takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes to fly to Puerto Banus from the UK.
What’s the time difference between the UK and Puerto Banus?
What’s the time difference between the UK and Puerto Banus?
Puerto Banus is one hour ahead of the UK.
What currency do they use in Puerto Banus?
What currency do they use in Puerto Banus?
The official currency of Puerto Banus is the Euro.
What language do they speak in Puerto Banus?
What language do they speak in Puerto Banus?
The official language spoken in Puerto Banus is Spanish.
Is Puerto Banus expensive?
Is Puerto Banus expensive?
It can be! The marina restaurants and exclusive beach clubs charge premium prices - think £20-40 (€24-48) for mains, £15-20 (€18-24) for cocktails. However, venture slightly away from the waterfront and you'll find better value tapas bars and restaurants. Shopping ranges from high-street brands to designer boutiques. Hotel packages from UK and Ireland offer excellent value considering the luxury on offer. You can absolutely do Puerto Banus on a budget if you're smart about where you eat and drink.
How far is Puerto Banus from Málaga Airport?
How far is Puerto Banus from Málaga Airport?
Around 60km - roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic. You can take the express bus from airport to Marbella bus station then local bus or taxi to Puerto Banus, or book a direct transfer. Taxis cost around £50-70 (€60-84). Many hotels offer airport transfers too. We can arrange transfers when you book your package.
Is Puerto Banus good for families?
Is Puerto Banus good for families?
Yeah, definitely! Loads of family-friendly hotels with kids' pools and clubs. Beaches have shallow waters perfect for little ones. However, Puerto Banus is primarily geared towards couples and groups - the nightlife scene is sophisticated and late-night. Consider staying slightly outside the main marina area if you have young kids who need early nights. Marbella's a short trip away and more family-focused.
What's the nightlife like in Puerto Banus?
What's the nightlife like in Puerto Banus?
Legendary! Upscale and glamorous - think cocktail lounges, champagne bars, and exclusive clubs. Famous spots include Pangea, Tibu, and News Cafe which stay open till dawn. Beach clubs host daytime parties that continue into evening. Dress code is smart - trainers and shorts often won't get you in the better venues. It's expensive but the atmosphere and people-watching are incredible. Definitely more Monaco than Magaluf!
Can you walk from Puerto Banus to Marbella?
Can you walk from Puerto Banus to Marbella?
It's about 6-7km, which takes roughly 1.5 hours along the coastal promenade - lovely seaside walk if you fancy it! However, most people take the local bus (10 minutes, runs frequently) or taxi (around £8-12 / €10-14). There's also a catamaran ferry between the two marinas in summer (30 minutes). Both destinations are worth visiting - Marbella's Old Town is charming and authentic, while Puerto Banus is all about the glitz.