Puerto Banus Party Town
Widely known as Europe’s party town, Puerto Banus continues to attract revellers from all over the world.
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Señor José Banus, first began to develop Puerto Banus in the early 1970´s, and quickly attracted the international elite, the royalty and the celebrities to this up and coming resort. The Mediterranean coast became famous for its warm climate, its elegant resorts and its wonderful Andalucian charm which is still very much in evidence today. Puerto Banus in particular began attracting the big yachts and the big wallets in the early 1960´s.
Celebrities including Diana Dors, Sean Connery and famous actors and actresses from the theatre and the small screen bought holiday homes in Puerto Banus, and it soon evolved into the glitzy, anything goes resort it is now known as being. Elegance and style were once the buzz words for Puerto Banus, and although the fabulous restaurants and cocktail bars still attract the jet set, this fast moving resort also hosts plenty of stag and hen parties each year as visitors take advantage of budget airlines operating to Malaga from northern Europe.
Also once an exclusive haunt for the infamous as well as the famous, Marbella became synonymous with the names of UK criminals who managed to remain just out of reach while they enjoyed the rich trappings of Puerto Banus. Freddie Foreman and Ronnie Knight, for example, who disappeared from the UK after a 6 million pound security express robbery resurfaced in Marbella in the late 80´s and made the Costa del Sol their home.
Interestingly, a breakdown of relations between Spain and Britain, over the sovereignty of Gibraltar, resulted in the extradition treaty between the two countries being cancelled, allowing some of the UK´s most wanted criminals to flourish in Puerto Banus.
The capers of the Costa criminals were reported widely in the UK press, but instead of having a negative effect on tourism in Marbella and Puerto Banus, it had the opposite effect and intrigued holiday-makers flocked to the area to try and catch a glimpse of Britain´s most wanted.
Money, glamour and just a hint of danger was a heady mix indeed, and Puerto Banus flourished with an influx of tourists.
With the old style crooks long gone, and having cleaned up its act, Puerto Banus is no longer just for the rich and famous. Fantastic bars and clubs, including Sala Beach and the Ocean Club, offer visitors a fantastic choice of food, cocktails and live entertainment.
With over 320 average days of sunshine a year, and enough designer shops to please Imelda Marcos, Puerto Banus has indeed come into its own. Top restaurants overlooking the Marina and visitors to Marbella can also enjoy over 70 golf courses dotted along the Costa del Sol. Most of the night clubs open until at least 6am, and there is little wonder the party crowd flock to Puerto Banus.
As a regular visitor to Puerto Banus, Marbella, I would probably describe the resort as more shabby chic than the stylish, swish resort it once was, but it still offers a vast choice of things to see and do, and whether you are looking to soak up the sun and enjoy a few cocktails or hit the clubs and the designer shops, you will not be disappointed.
Puerto Banus is special, and this luxury marina attracts some of the most wealthy holidaymakers from around the world, and is also easily accessible to the budget holiday market, as most of the cheaper airlines fly from major cities around the world.
Every type of accommodation is available in and around Puerto Banus and Marbella, including luxury villas with private pools, luxury apartment rental and deluxe hotels, plus a choice of budget accommodation and hostals which charge from just €25 per night.
If you are lucky enough to be staying in Puerto Banus or Marbella centre, there is no need to hire a car as there is so much to see and do in the area, all within easy walking distance, and the advantage is you can enjoy a cocktail or two without having to worry about the car. If on the other hand you want to pose around the port, hire a Ferrari or a Bentley and live the high life for a day or two.
Puerto Banus has many faces .. by day the elegant resort where holidaymakers come to watch the world go by and enjoy views over the Marina while sipping a beer or coffee by the water´s edge … by night the resort comes to life when the clubs open, the music hots up and the dance floors open. If you are planning your first trip to Puerto Banus, check out the things to see and do online before you visit .. that way you won´t waste time when you arrive. If you are planning a golf trip, book your green fees in advance to save yourself time and money.
Some of the biggest and most luxurious yachts are moored in Puerto Banus, many resembling small ships. Enjoy a rest at one of the bars at the entrance to the port and watch the comings and goings of the yacht owners. If shopping is more your thing, take a stroll around El Corte Inglés in Puerto Banus, or visit the many designer boutiques around the Marina.
Whatever you fancy to eat or drink in Puerto Banus you will find it without too much trouble. From sushi, to sandwiches, from fish and chips to fajitas and from paella to pasta, there is something to meet all tastes, budgets and requirements. Look out for special winter promotions and offers which can work out much cheaper than booking when you arrive.
If you are looking for family entertainment, take a trip around Sea Life Centre by the big boats, where the kids can feed the fish while while learning about their natural habitats and conservation in the area.
Water sports are available on beaches in Puerto Banus and either side of the Marina, including water skiing, kite surfing, wind surfing and scuba diving, plus paragliding. Visitors can also enjoy a boat trip between Marbella and Puerto Banus to enjoy both resorts. Dolphin trips can also be booked from the Port, and offer a great view of the coast line from the sea.
Beach parties are held regularly at the beach clubs in Marbella and Puerto Banus during the warmer months, and guest DJ´s, live bands and acts perform regularly to make most nights go with a bang.
Whatever you are looking for in Marbella and Puerto Banus you will find it, and if you take the time to look around before you arrive, you will save yourself plenty of time and money.
