Ask anyone on the Costa del Sol where the glamour lives and you will hear the same answer: Puerto Banús. Built in 1970 by the developer José Banús as a whitewashed, Andalusian-style village wrapped around a marina, it has grown into one of the most famous ports in the world — a place where superyachts, supercars and designer boutiques share a few hundred metres of waterfront. Just 8km west of Marbella and around 45 minutes from Málaga airport, it is also the natural base for exploring the coast. For many visitors deciding what to do in Marbella, Puerto Banús is stop number one. If you are wondering about the best things to do in Puerto Banús, this guide covers all of it — including the one experience that beats everything else.
The Marina and the Superyachts
The Puerto Banús marina is the spectacle that made the port famous. Row after row of gleaming motor yachts line the quays, from sleek dayboats to some of the largest private vessels in the Mediterranean, with the Sierra Blanca mountains rising behind them. The waterfront promenade stretches for nearly a kilometre, and walking it slowly — coffee in hand, watching crews polish stainless steel while owners come and go — is the essential first activity for any visitor. Come early in the morning for quiet photographs, or at sunset when the light turns golden and the terraces fill up. People-watching here is a sport in its own right.
Shopping in Puerto Banús
Behind the front line of the marina, Puerto Banús is one of southern Spain's most serious shopping destinations. International luxury brands cluster along the streets nearest the water, while independent boutiques sell fashion, jewellery, swimwear and accessories in every direction. A few minutes' walk from the port you will also find a large El Corte Inglés department store, useful for everything the boutiques do not cover. Even if you have no intention of buying anything, window shopping between the yachts and the storefronts is part of the Puerto Banús experience.
Beach Clubs and Beaches
On either side of the port, sandy beaches stretch along the coast, backed by some of the most famous beach clubs on the Costa del Sol. The formula is simple: sun loungers, pools, restaurants and full service on the sand, with DJs playing through summer afternoons and into the evening. If you prefer something quieter, the public beaches beside the port are wide, clean and family-friendly, with calm water for most of the year. Levante beach to the east and the beaches towards San Pedro to the west are both an easy walk away.
Where to Eat
Puerto Banús has dozens of restaurants packed along the waterfront and the streets behind it, covering everything from casual tapas bars and beachfront chiringuitos to high-end seafood and international fine dining. The rule of thumb: the closer to the water, the better the view and the higher the bill. For a classic Costa del Sol lunch, look for grilled fresh fish and a cold glass of local white wine with the yachts as your backdrop. Book ahead for dinner in July and August — the good terraces fill up fast.
Nightlife
After dark, Puerto Banús changes gear. The port's bars and clubs draw an international crowd throughout the summer season, and the party often runs until sunrise. The scene ranges from relaxed cocktail terraces overlooking the marina to full-scale nightclubs a few streets back. And if big nights out are not your thing, an evening drink on the promenade, watching the lights reflect off the water, is every bit as memorable.
Day Trips from Puerto Banús
Puerto Banús sits at the centre of the western Costa del Sol, which makes it a perfect base:
The #1 Experience: See It All from the Water
Here is the truth every regular visitor knows: the best thing to do in Puerto Banús is not in the port at all — it is on the water. A private yacht charter turns the coastline into your playground: cruising past the Golden Mile, anchoring in quiet bays for a swim, and seeing the marina, the mountains and Marbella from the angle they were designed to be seen from.
Luxury Charter Marbella operates its entire fleet from Puerto Banús. Day charters start from 1,815€ for four hours aboard the Prestige 50 "La Brisa", while the new Cobrey 50 Fly "Swederm" offers a flybridge experience from 2,250€. For larger groups and full-day celebrations, the Antago 90 "Venus" (from 6,929€) is the flagship of the fleet. Every charter includes crew, fuel, catering and water toys — see our water sports guide for what is waiting on board.
Practical Tips
FAQ: Visiting Puerto Banús
Is Puerto Banús worth visiting? Absolutely. Even if luxury shopping is not your thing, the marina, the beaches and the setting make it one of the most distinctive places on the Costa del Sol — and walking the port costs nothing.
How expensive is Puerto Banús? As much or as little as you want. A coffee on the promenade costs little more than anywhere else in Marbella; the price climbs with front-row tables, beach clubs and boutiques. Fixed-price experiences like a yacht charter let you know the full cost upfront.
Can you visit the yachts? The moored yachts are private, so you can admire them but not board them. The only way onto the water is to charter one yourself — which is exactly why a day charter is the most popular experience we offer.
Plan Your Day in Puerto Banús
Walk the marina in the morning, have lunch by the water, and spend the afternoon on deck with the coast sliding past. Contact us to build your perfect day in Puerto Banús — we will take care of the rest.
