Puerto Banús Visitor Guide: What to See, Getting There and Tips

Superyachts, designer boutiques and waterfront terraces: Puerto Banús is probably the most famous image of Marbella. But behind the glamour there's a marina with a story, open-air art and beaches right on the doorstep. In this Puerto Banús visitor guide we cover what to see, how to get there and our tips for enjoying it without the stress.

It's a trip we recommend to almost all our guests, whether they're staying in Marbella or elsewhere on the Costa del Sol.

A little history

Puerto Banús opened in May 1970 as a marina with homes, shops and restaurants. It was the project of developer José Banús, and its architects, Noldi Schreck and Marcos Sainz, modelled it on a traditional Andalusian village — whitewashed houses, terracotta roofs and narrow lanes running down to the water.

The opening party drew the likes of the Aga Khan, Hugh Hefner and Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, and the port has been shorthand for Costa del Sol glamour ever since.

Puerto Banús at a glance

Opened	May 1970
Berths	915
Boat sizes	8 to 50 metres
Area	Around 15 hectares
Distance from Marbella centre	About 6 km
Distance from Málaga Airport	About 60 km

What to see in Puerto Banús

The quayside and the yachts

The classic plan couldn't be simpler: stroll along the quay and look at the boats. In summer the biggest yachts tend to moor near the harbour mouth, and many spend much of the year here. Early morning is calm and quiet; sunset is when the place really comes alive.

Dalí's rhinoceros

On the roundabout of Avenida de las Naciones Unidas, at the entrance to the port, stands the "Rhinoceros Dressed in Lace" (Rinoceronte vestido con puntillas), a three-tonne bronze Salvador Dalí created in 1956 and installed in Puerto Banús in 2004. It's a must for photos — and if you've already seen the Dalí sculptures on Marbella's Avenida del Mar, it completes the set.

La Victoria and the Boulevard of Fame

At the seaward end of the same avenue rises La Victoria, a statue by Georgian sculptor Zurab Tsereteli on a 26-metre granite column, a gift from the city of Moscow in 1994.

Walking down Avenida José Banús towards the marina, look out for the stars set into the pavement on the Boulevard of Fame, honouring people who have put Marbella on the map — Julio Iglesias, Montserrat Caballé and chef Dani García among them.

Torre del Duque

By the harbour entrance, half hidden between buildings, is the Torre del Duque, a watchtower built on the remains of an older Moorish tower. You can only see it from outside, as it stands in a private garden.

Shopping in Puerto Banús

The front row of the quay is lined with luxury fashion and jewellery boutiques. For something more everyday, Plaza Antonio Banderas — a few minutes' walk away — is home to El Corte Inglés and its Hipercor hypermarket, plus more shops and places to eat. It's a handy spot to combine shopping and parking.

Beaches by the port

There are beaches on both sides of the marina, with chiringuitos, sun loungers and, in season, boat and water-sports hire. Head west and the promenade carries on towards San Pedro Alcántara; head east for the Golden Mile and Marbella town. To compare your options, our guide to the best beaches in Marbella goes through them one by one.

Boat trips along the coast also leave from the port itself. Times change with the season and the sea conditions, so it's best to check on the quay the day before.

Getting there and parking

• By car: it's about 6 km from Marbella centre along the coast road (A-7). The underground car park around Plaza Antonio Banderas is open 24 hours, and there are other car parks around the port. In summer and at weekends, street parking is hard to find.
• By bus: local and intercity buses stop on Avenida José Banús, a few minutes' walk from the quay.
• By taxi or on foot: if you're staying in Nueva Andalucía or on the Golden Mile, this is the easiest option — especially if you're going out for dinner.

Our tips for your visit

• Go twice if you can: once in the morning for a quiet wander and photos, and again at sunset for the buzz on the terraces.
• Book a table in high season: in July, August and at weekends the quayside restaurants fill up.
• Check the menu before you sit down: front-row prices are high; one street back you'll find more variety.
• It's worth it out of season too: spring and autumn bring smaller crowds and still lovely weather.
• Make it part of a bigger plan: it slots neatly into our things to do in Marbella in 3 days itinerary.

Stay close to Puerto Banús

Staying a few minutes from the port means you can come and go without the car and enjoy the evening at your own pace. At ERA we look after luxury villas in Marbella with private pools and direct support from our team throughout your stay. Browse our villas in Marbella and book direct with us — no middlemen.

Own a property in the area and thinking of letting it? See how we work on our holiday rental management in Puerto Banús page.