Puerto Banús · Spain

Population - 12,000
Distance from Malaga airport: 32 Miles (54KMS)

Spain's answer to St Tropez is Puerto Banús and is the most prestigious port in Spain, this port has every right to claim prize as the top tourist attraction spot.

Puerto Banus is the place to be pampered yachtside and ogle those fabulous luxury yachts while sipping a drink at one of the many open air restaurants and bars. The setting is close to ideal, with its impressive mountain backdrop and ocean views.

Housing tends to be of the luxurious, with many large and exclusive villas adorning the town.

Shopping is at the top-end of expectations with plenty of designer shops and boutiques. It also home to a huge El Corte Inglés department store and hypermarket.

This playground for the rich and famous is a desirable destination and not just for the famous but also for holidaymakers ranging from high-flying business men and women to families just looking for a relaxing time away, with plenty of sunshine.

Puerto Banus is a relatively recent travel destination however, as it has only opened it's doors to the general holidaymaker in the last 10 years or so; previous to that it was a very exclusive spot, known only to the locals and filmstars! As with any resort associated with the rich and famous, Puerto Banus has more than it's fair share of pubs, clubs, restaurants, world-class shopping and casino facilities. Designer names can be found on all the main streets, but if you prefer to browse smaller, more traditional Spanish shops and boutiques then there are plenty of these too. A visit to the weekly market held in the bullring each Saturday morning is a great way to buy both local products and holiday souvenirs!

Puerto Banus is only a few kilometres west of Marbella, and being under the Municipality of Marbella shares many characteristics of the Costa del Sol's most well known resort. Famous for it's picturesque marina filled with multi-million dollar yachts, Puerto Banus also boasts a beach that stretches for one kilometre - the golden sands are a major attraction to this town that was once a traditional Spanish fishing village decades ago.

Where to drink in Puerto Banús

The Costa del Sol boasts a wide array of nightlife, with Marbella and nearby Puerto Banús playing host to the most exclusive venues. For swanky surrounds head for the famous "Golden Mile", illuminated with a glittering tiara of star-studded restaurants, discos and night clubs, frequented by malagueño Antonio Banderas whenever he's in town.

• Discoteca Scream
• Salon Bar - Navy
• OH! Marbella
• Old Joy's Pub
• Olivia Valere
• Ana Maria's
• Frank's Corner
• La Notte Piano Bar
• The Champagne Room
• Stones Music Bar
• Maxim Cabaret & Restaurant
• Sinatra Bar
• Salduba Pub
• News Café
• El Café de Banús
• O'Grady's
• El Cubanito
• Mambo Club
• Tridente Bar
• Tipsy Turtle
• Devils
• Linekers
• Portside

Where to stay in Puerto Banús

• Hotel PYR - www.hotelpyr.com
• Gran Meliá Don Pepe - www.solmelia.com
• Meliá Marbella Dinamar - www.solmelia.com
• Hotel Puente Romano - www.puenteromano.com
• Incosol Hotel Spa Marbella - www.incosol.com
• Coral Beach - www.coralbeach-marbella.com
• Don Miguel - www.puertobanus.to
• Hotel Andalucia Plaza - www.hotelh10andaluciaplaza.com
• Atalaya Park - www.atalaya-park.es
• Fuerte Hoteles - www.fuertehoteles.com