Mixing with the rich and famous in the well renowned party town of Puerto Banús certainly gives you an insight to ‘how the other half live’. Puerto Banús attracts more than five million visitors each year. They come to enjoy the unique blend of year round sunshine, nightlife, designer shops and luxury yachts.
TRAVEL
Fly to Malaga airport from any Midlands airport for under £200 return. We found the best price with Ryanair from Leeds Bradford – £125pp. Take the train from Sheffield to Leeds city centre (40mins) then the airport bus from Leeds city centre to Leeds Bradford airport (30mins) – £17. The flight time is 2hrs 45mins. Once at Malaga airport you have various options to get to Puerto Banús – car rental (£58 p/week) / bus (8euros) / taxi (70 euros).
FOOD AND DRINK
Puerto Banús is a food lover’s paradise. From Italian and Indian to traditional Spanish tapas bars — there’s menus for all tastes. Eating in the port can be expensive, but head to the hidden streets behind and prices will half. Picasso’s is the busiest pizzeria in the Port — in summer you’ll see queues of expectant diners standing outside waiting for a spare table. Their plentiful portions and family friendly atmosphere make them a favourite with both locals and tourists. Hard Rock Cafe Marbella is another tourist hot spot. Soak up the Hollywood ambience on the beautiful terrace with its cascading waterfall, or step inside and cool off while you browse the world famous menu.
WEATHER
Puerto Banús is a haven for sun seekers who like to lounge in luxury. Summer temperatures will vary between 25°C and 35°C during the day and clear blue skies are virtually guaranteed. Even in winter, temperatures in Puerto Banús can still reach 20°C throughout the day, but take a jacket for the evening breeze.
EXPLORE
The focal point of Puerto Banús is the marina — home to hundreds of yachts owned by the world’s wealthiest individuals. Behind the harbour you’ll be spoilt for choice on the streets lined with boutiques, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. One stretch is known as ‘The Golden Mile’, where the most expensive luxury boutiques are located. Be prepared for some hefty price tags in Lois Vuitton, Christian Dior, Gucci, and Prada. In the heart of the Antonio Banderas Square you’ll find one of the largest El Corte Ingles department stores in Spain — a more budget friendly place to shop.
PARTY
From beach-side day clubs to roof top champagne bars and sleek nightclubs — there’s plenty of places to choose from to party day and night. Marbella’s Ocean Club is one of Europe’s biggest beach clubs, attracting more than 25,000 visitors each year. With its panoramic white washed profile and crystal clear infinity pool, it’s easy to see why it welcomes the best clientele from all over the world, who simply want ‘to be seen’ at Ocean Club Sisu Boutique plays host to weekly VIP pool parties where guests can lounge on the designer decking areas with leather pads, loungers, trendy seating whilst spraying champagne. And not for the faint hearted, TIBU nightclub is a sophisticated venue boasting stunning décor where you can dance the night away or soak up the atmosphere at your own private table.
RELAX
Chill out through the day on one of Puerto Banús’ beautiful beaches. Pedros Beach is a laid back Caribbean style beach – visit the beach bar for fresh fish dishes, paellas and refreshing juices.
Hop across the sandy road behind Pedro’s Beach and you’ll reach Sala Beach (formally Buddha Beach) — a boutique style location where you can hire out individual or double sun beds and indulge in a Zen massage.
Or for something a little more down to earth, keep walking to Mistral Beach. There’s a great atmosphere as visitors enjoy a sangria or two at the beach bar or try out the selection of water sports on offer.
FAMOUS FACES
Are you good at celebrity spotting? You’ll be spoilt for choice if you head out near the marina at Puerto Banus. Watch out for royalty sailing in on their yachts; world famous actors dining in the sea front restaurants and musicians partying the night away in the bars and clubs. The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) are regulars on the island too. The reality TV cast take an annual tripp to Puerto Banus every spring/summer to film their Only Way Is Marbs series.
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