Vacation Marbella is perfect to explore Puerto Banus

Puerto Banus and neighbouring Marbella, or ‘Marbs’ as it has affectionately become known as, have long been popular destinations for holidaying Brits and that shows no signs of abating.

That is certainly not to suggest that demand has swamped the area with floods of tourists. On the contrary, visitors could never bore of people-watching while sipping a cocktail in the harbour as the sun sets over the sparkling Mediterranean waters.

However, should they wish to escape the crowds then there is no shortage of secluded bays, mountainous walks or traditional quaint Spanish villages off the beaten track that give a true taste of this beautifully diverse region.

But naturally, as this is area has been dubbed the “Golf Valley” thanks to the fact it boasts more than 60 golf courses stretching from Malaga to Sotogrande, more than 30 in the Costa del Sol region and 15 alone in Marbella, the area is a paradise for those wishing to hit the fairways, and with an average of 320 sunny days a year, this is the ideal destination in all seasons.

With so many highly-acclaimed golf courses within such close proximity, it is the perfect place for golfers of all levels – those who fancy themselves as the next Rory McIlroy, or those part-time fair-weather players who simply fancy dusting off the old clubs in warmer climes.

Here at Vacation Marbella we have an excellent relationship with the neighbouring courses and we can take care of every aspect – from hiring clubs if you haven’t brought your own to transfers and even discounted green fees at the likes of Los Naranjos.

Los Naranjos is just a five-minute drive from Puerto Banus, and as well as enjoying pristine fairways and carefully-manicured greens, this prominent course also boasts an impressive club house which serves all kinds of delicious home-cooked food to suit all tastes.

There are also a host of world-famous courses to play if visitors want a real test with the likes of Valderrama – regarded as one of Spain’s best courses and host of the 1997 Ryder Cup – Finca Cortesin and La Quinta Golf + Country Club, which boasts 27 holes divided into three loops, to name just a few.

Puerto Banus is renowned for its food and seemingly endless supply of bars and restaurants, making it one of Europe’s most sought-after spots – a Spanish equivalent of St Tropez in the south of France.

Yet the beauty of this hotspot, unlike the millionaire’s playground of its continental cousin, is you don’t have to be rich or famous to enjoy the trappings of this luxurious resort town as there is something for all budgets.

Yes, you may well spot a celeb from the world of sport or TV enjoying the scenery (and or a drink or two), or perhaps even royalty, and there most certainly are high-end exclusive venues to wine and dine, but Puerto Banus is accessible to all walks of life, despite the array of luxury yachts and flash cars that line the harbour.

For those shop-a-holics with a liking for big price tags and designer names, the harbour is home to Calle Ribera and its rows of boutiques and high-end stores such as Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Gucci, while Marina Banus Shopping Centre offers equally tantalising clothes at more modest rates in modern surroundings. This is where there are 17 high street brands on two floors under one roof, including the likes of Zara, H&M and Claire’s Accessories.

Having undoubtedly built up a hunger while perusing the shops, a delicious meal is never far away in Puerto Banus, and again the selection is wide-ranging from light bites or burgers to Michelin star restaurants.

Naturally, the views from most of them in the harbour are stunning with unobstructed views of the Med.  Whether you want to call in and enjoy the “Legendary Home of the Burger’ – Hard Rock Café, tackle one of the mouth-watering steaks at El Groucho de Banus, or visit one of the four Michelin star restaurants – El Gran Gatsby, Vovem Asador, Albert y Simon and Victor.

This is Puerto Banus, and if you want to burn off some of those calories on the dance floor then you are most certainly in the right place thanks to the glamorous and world-famous nightlife. While life here during the day may be half-paced, it is anything but when the sun goes down as the place truly comes to life at night.

There is no shortage of venues for those who like the smaller more intimate bar-style clubs, but equally this is party central, and the choice of heart-pumping loud and hectic settings where you can dance and drink until the small hours of the morning are in abundance. Either way, there is never a dull moment.

While this is certainly the place to let yourself go, it is also the ideal destination to unwind, relax and soak up some rays thanks to Puerto Banus’ three beaches, all of which are very different. Just to the west of the harbour is Playa Nueva Andalucia – made up of three man-made bays, while Playa del Rio Verde to the east both proudly boast the coveted EU blue flags thanks to their outstanding facilities and high standards of cleanliness.

There is also Playa Puerto Banus, also known as Playa de Levante, which is situated between the marina complex, and Playa Rio Verde that runs for 1km and is perfect for families and young children thanks to its calm and shallow waters.

What makes this region so appealing for single travellers, couples, families and groups of any age is the fact there is still much to do and see. Activities are endless around these parts, whether it is chartering a yacht from the harbour or wine-tasting in a converted monastery in the stunning setting of Ronda, we can arrange every aspect of your adventure at Vacation Marbella with a comprehensive list of guest services.

Whether it’s a family occasion with the kids, or you want to enjoy some quality time with your loved one, we arrange fully qualified and certified nannies thanks to a comprehensive baby-sitting service to allow you the freedom to enjoy Puerto Banus and much further afield.