Nueva Andalucía & Puerto Banús

Puerto Banús (The Port) is known around the world as a jet-setters paradise, This millionaire’s playground has also been home to select residents since its opening in 1970. Situated to the West of Marbella, it is visited by around 5 million people each year. Within the port, you will find designer boutiques, expensive yachts and luxurious cars and it’s also known for its glamorous nightlife. Clubs, bars, piano bars and pubs overflow in the area. During the day you can visit the lovely beaches, hit the shops or enjoy lunch in one of the port’s top restaurants.

Nueva Andalucía has grown into a very extensive urbanisation just above Puerto Banús. It is a residential area with a large population of foreigners. Also known internationally as The Golf Valley, due to its concentration of famous golf courses, it is well served with restaurants and supermarkets. You can expect to find busy shops and cafés peopled with many different nationalities, as well as golfers who naturally gyrate to this area.

Puerto Banus is just a short 10 minute drive to Marbella along the glamourous Golden Mile and approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Málaga Airport.

Attractions

Salvador Dalí’s famous green rhinoceros
The sculpture was unveiled in Puerto Banús in 2004. The El Marbellero statue is also a landmark. It stands an amazing 30 meters high and was a gift from Russian expats in the area to former Marbella mayor, Jesus Gil. It is said to be a representation of Marbella’s local residents.
Stroll along the beach
There are pleasant long promenades (Paseo Maritimo) on either side of the port. These promenades are a great place to cycle or roller blade. Or you opt to use the municipal exercise machines located right on the Paseo Maritimo.
Visit the Marina
The marina provides docking facilities with berths for 915 boats between 6 to 50 meters long and is said to be one of the most luxurious marinas in the world, it berths yachts belonging to the world’s wealthiest individuals including the King of Saudi Arabia. Many of the yachts moored can enjoy spectacular views of the ocean as well as La Concha Mountain, one of the Costa del Sol’s landmarks.
Shopping
The marina has hundreds of the most exclusive designer shops, including brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Dior, Versace, Hugo Boss, Carolina Herrera, and many more. Puerto Banús is also full of Spanish high street fashion stores like Stradivarius, Zara, Mango, Bershka, etc. Or take a visit to El Corte Inglés the biggest department store on the Costa Del Sol with everything under one roof.
Handmade Craft Fare
Handmade Craft Fare, is located in the main square of Plaza de Antonio Banderas during the whole month of August, there is also a weekly street market on Saturdays next to the bullring, Plaza de Toros de Nueva Andalucía, where you can find clothes, local produce, shoes, toys.
Cinema
The Cine Gran Marbella in Puerto Banus plays all the latest movies in both Spanish and English. Located in the heart of the port, the cinema is a great place to take the kids on a day out there, and they have all the classic snack choices including popcorn, sweets, nachos and hot dogs.
Boat Trip
For those that don't fancy taking the bus back to Marbella, or simply want to see the Costa del Sol from the sea, why not take a boat trip to Marbella? A boat leaves hourly from Puerto Banus marina on a 30 minute trip to Marbella, or a one-hour round trip.
El Lago de Tortugas
(Turtle Lake) offers a scenic destination for a picnic under its shady eucalyptus trees.

At the Beach

Be sure to check out Puerto Banús’ chiringuitos and luxurious beach bars. It is so veried that you can rent a sunbed from anywhere between €10 to €120. Depending on the exclusivity of the beach club, food and drink also ranges in price. One can expect things to be somewhat expensive as this area was designed for the world’s most wealthy visitors. Some of the most lavish beach clubs are in Puerto Banús, such as the classy Ocean Club located on Playa de la Siesta, offering designer drinks, trendy cuisine and chilled music in a great ambience. There are also chiringuitos, such as Pedro’s Beach on Playa Rodeo, that cater for visitors looking for a simpler beach experience.

There is plenty of space on the beaches and you will have no problem finding a patch of sand to roll out your towel and soak up the sun. While lying on the sand you’re likely to spot a luxurious yacht.

Sports

Puerto Banús and Nueva Andalucía offer a full range of sporting facilities that are accessible whatever the season. This includes several gyms such as the Qi Gym, Plaza Gym in Centro Plaza and Atenas, opposite the port. If you prefer water sports, Puerto Banús beaches have them all! They are professionally staffed but can be pricey. Nueva Andalucía is first and foremost recognised for its world-renowned triumvirate of golf courses, Aloha, Las Brisas and Los Naranjos which receive countless golfers during the season, October – May. There is also Lawn Bowls available in Aloha and various tennis clubs.

Our top picks

✓ Los Bandidos

✓ Pizzeria Picasso

✓ Meraki Bistro Bar Restaurant

✓ Jacks Smokehouse

✓ Breath

Eating Out

There are a plethora of restaurants in the port to choose from that include nearly every type of cuisine imaginable.

In Nueva Andalucía, there are also many highly regarded, quality restaurants offering a range of selective cuisine, bars and cafés. The commercial centre, Centro Plaza has a great range of popular bars and restaurants such as Yanks and Starz as well as boutique clothes shops, furniture shops, hair salons, nail bars, banks and coffee shops.

Hotels

  • H10 Andalucía Plaza
  • Hotel Meliá Marbella
  • Hotel PYR Marbella
  • Plaza Suites
  • Gran Hotel Gvadalpin Banús