What to do in and around Puerto Banus
The Costa del Sol is replete with incredible locations to visit. One you most certainly will want to check out is Puerto Banus and its surrounding areas. Located right on the seafront, this marina town is to the south-west of Marbella and features a host of exciting things to see and do. Known for its top nightlife and great beaches, a visit here has a lot to offer – including its close proximity to San Pedro Alcantara – perfect for those who are using car rentals in Malaga. Read on to discover some of the best things to do in and around Puerto Banus.
Stroll around the marina
Puerto Banus’ defining feature is, of course, the marina, named after property developer Jose Banus. This luxury marina opened back in 1970, imitating a traditional fishing village design. This is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing stroll after lunch, basking in the glorious Spanish sun and marvelling at the many beautiful and impressive boats docked here.
Enjoying a leisurely stroll is the top advice of Paulina from the travel blog Paulina on the Road, who further describes the pleasures of the marina: “My favourite thing to do in Puerto Banus is definitely walking along the marina and marvel at the luxurious yachts. The playground of the jet set makes me daydream! Luckily there are plenty of shops and restaurants where you can indulge in Andalusian food. Most shops are quite luxurious so be ready to spend. I also love wandering in the old town which gets it unique character by the spectacular backdrop of the mountains.”
Enjoy a top Puerto Banus meal
One of the strongest memories people take away from any trip is the dining experience. So, you will be pleased to know that this area of Spain has some excellent food options with many delicious meals to be had. One of the best spots in Puerto Banus to visit has to be La Habana Lounge. Known for its excellent fresh seafood – the shrimp being a particular favourite as well as the black rice. If you are looking for a quiet meal, while enjoying the Andalusian sunshine, then this spot looking out over the marina is the one for you. One of the top three restaurants in Marbella on TripAdvisor, the restaurant says: “Visitors will enjoy a pleasant meal in an excellent location, right at the front of Puerto Banús, overlooking the yachts and lovely sunsets.”
Paulina from Paulina on the Road has a fantastic tip for dining in Puerto Banus, recommending to visitors a specific dish that must be tried: “You can’t leave Puerto Banus without having tried the most typical dish from Costa del Sol: espetos. The fish skewers are slowly grilled over an open fire on the beach. Traditionally the skewer consists of sardines but sometimes they use dorade or calamari too. The meat is therefore particularly tender and tasteful.”
Relax on the beaches of Puerto Banus
Any holiday to Spain has to involve a relaxing session on the beach. Luckily, Puerto Banus is home to some incredible beaches, including Playa Nueva Andalucia, Playa Puerto Banus, Playa del Rio Verde, and Mistral Beach. No matter if you want to enjoy a spot of sunbathing, a drink at the beach clubs, or a splash in the sea, the beaches of Puerto Banus won’t disappoint. The picturesque Playa Rio Verde is certainly a standout, a verified oasis right here in the Costa del Sol – awarded a Blue Flag for cleanliness and facilities, it’s a top spot to mark down on your to-do list. There’s even remains of an ancient Roman villa nearby.
For some of the best water sports in the area, Hollywood Watersports on nearby Mistral Beach is a great choice. With jet skiing, flyboarding, paddle surfing, banana boats and more, there’s fun for all to be had. The team at Hollywood Watersports told us: “We have been on the beach for 10 years in Puerto Banus – always with the best and new water sports from May to September. If you need more information, you can come to the beach every day between 11am and 7pm when the weather is good.”
Party at salsa clubs and cocktail bars
Puerto Banus is great during the day but as soon as the sun comes down it really comes to life. For those who have come to the area to let down their hair a little, the nightlife of Puerto Banus will be a big attraction, being known for its excellent clubs and cocktail bars. For a party by the beach, La Sala by the Sea is a great option. This beach club comes complete with a pool, live DJs, cocktail menu and a great atmosphere. There are also a number of great salsa clubs in town if you really want to get your dancing shoes on. Of course, if you are looking for a less lively evening, Puerto Banus has a nice mix to offer, as does the wider Marbella area.
Visit San Pedro Alcantara
As touched on earlier, the ability to nip over to lovely San Pedro Alcantara is another appealing prospect of any trip to Puerto Banus. Just a 10-minute drive away, this small town won’t fail to please. The Thursday market is an attraction to take note of, where the locals are busy buying and selling fruit, veg, clothes, and souvenirs. There’s also the park of Los tres Jardines, a spacious area full of plants and trees, as well as two children’s playgrounds. The Boulevard of San Pedro is also worth checking out, featuring small restaurants, water activities, an open-air ice rink, and playgrounds – a truly top location for families to enjoy. With plenty of tapas on offer and a delightful local atmosphere, an afternoon in San Pedro Alcantara is an exciting prospect.
How to enjoy a visit to Puerto Banus
- Stroll around the marina
- Relax on the beaches of Puerto Banus
- Enjoy a top Puerto Banus meal
- Party at salsa clubs and cocktail bars
- Visit San Pedro Alcantara
As you can see, Puerto Banus is really a wonderful Spanish destination, providing a little bit of something for everyone, especially if you also explore the surrounding areas! We hope the above advice has been helpful as you plan your next holiday to the Costa del Sol.
Find more guides and tips to Malaga and the wider region over on our blog.
