MARBELLA ONEPuerto Banús is Marbella's luxury marina, roughly 6–8 km west of the town centre, and the Golden Mile is the coastal stretch linking the two, home to some of the Costa del Sol's best-known hotels and residences. Marbella One is a digital concierge app in Marbella that helps you request restaurant tables, beach club beds, transfers and experiences in the area through Marco, its AI assistant.
This guide explains what each area is, how to get there and around, what to do and when to visit.
What are Puerto Banús and the Golden Mile?
Puerto Banús opened in May 1970, developed by José Banús. Today it has more than 900 berths for small, medium and large vessels, over 100 luxury brands and a beach on either side of the harbour. It holds a Blue Flag as a marina for 2026.
The Golden Mile is a popular rather than official name, and its limits vary depending on who you ask: roughly 4–6 km between the western edge of Marbella town and Puerto Banús. It was the main N-340 coast road until the bypass opened in 1994, and its dead-straight line is often linked to a possible Roman origin. It is home to the Marbella Club, which opened in 1954, and Puente Romano, with hillside neighbourhoods such as Sierra Blanca and Nagüeles behind.
How far is Puerto Banús from Marbella and Málaga airport?
Distances are approximate, and journey times depend heavily on traffic, especially in July and August.
| Route | Approx. distance | Approx. drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Puerto Banús – Marbella town centre | 6–8 km along the Golden Mile | Short; you can also walk the seafront promenade |
| Puerto Banús – Málaga airport | Just under 60 km | About 35 min; up to 50 min in summer |
| Golden Mile – Málaga airport | Similar | About 40 min |
| Puerto Banús – Nueva Andalucía | Next door (to the north) | A few minutes |
What is there to do in Puerto Banús?
The classic plan is a stroll along the quayside looking at the yachts, ending on a waterfront terrace. It is compact and easy to explore on foot, with a few landmarks worth knowing.
- The marina: berths for boats from 8 to 50 metres, plus yacht and sailing-boat hire. If you want to get out on the water, see the guide to yacht charter in Puerto Banús.
- Luxury shopping: the front line is lined with fashion, jewellery and accessories boutiques, and Puerto Banús is regarded as Spain's third-largest luxury shopping market after Madrid and Barcelona.
- El Corte Inglés: on Calle Ramón Areces by Plaza Antonio Banderas, with a Gourmet Experience food hall, a fine wine shop and a personal shopping service (Xquisit Shopping).
- Public art: Salvador Dalí's rhinoceros (installed in 2004), Zurab Tsereteli's statue La Victoria and the Boulevard of Fame.
- Beaches: Puerto Banús beach is not on the 2026 Blue Flag list (the marina is). The longest and quietest stretch lies east of the marina, with small coves to the west.
What is there to see along the Golden Mile?
The Golden Mile is mainly residential and hotel territory, with access to the beach and some of Marbella's landmark resorts.
Puente Romano combines a tennis club, the Six Senses Spa and a long line-up of restaurants, including La Petite Maison, Nobu, Cipriani, COYA and Leña. The historic Marbella Club, with its tropical gardens and private beach, made Condé Nast Traveller's 2026 Hot List. Nagüeles beach, right on the Golden Mile, and Casablanca beach both hold Blue Flags for 2026.
In summer, the Starlite festival stages concerts at the Cantera de Nagüeles, a former quarry on the hillside above the Golden Mile. For treatments and spa days, see the Marbella spas and wellness guide.
What is Nueva Andalucía and how does it relate to Puerto Banús?
Nueva Andalucía is the residential area that rises north of Puerto Banús, running inland from the N-340 up to the AP-7 motorway, with part of it falling within Benahavís. It is known as the Golf Valley for its cluster of courses, including Las Brisas, Los Naranjos and Aloha.
For visitors, Nueva Andalucía is mainly a place to rent a villa or apartment a few minutes from the marina, with its own neighbourhood restaurants, cafés and services. Local bus lines 4 and 5 connect it with Puerto Banús and San Pedro Alcántara.
Where should you eat and go out in Puerto Banús and on the Golden Mile?
The scene splits into three settings. In Puerto Banús, the front line of the marina is lined with restaurants and terraces facing the yachts; after dark, the action moves to the bars and clubs around the port and the streets behind it.
On the Golden Mile, Puente Romano works almost as a dining quarter of its own, with Japanese, Peruvian, Italian, French and Andalusian cooking on one site. On the beach, Ocean Club and La Sala by the Sea are among the beach clubs near Puerto Banús.
For specific recommendations, see our guides to the best restaurants in Marbella, Marbella beach clubs and Marbella nightlife. In August and on summer weekends, book ahead.
How do you get around and park in Puerto Banús?
The area is served by the A-7 (the old N-340) and the AP-7 toll motorway. Summer traffic is heavy, especially around sunset and at night.
- Public car park: the Saba Puerto Banús car park on Calle José Saramago (Plaza Antonio Banderas) is open 24 hours and has EV charging points.
- Inside the marina: vehicle access is controlled and requires the annual Access Card or a One-day Pass (approx. €185 in low season and €255 in high season, VAT included).
- Local buses: lines 1 and 3 link Marbella town centre with Puerto Banús, and line 8 runs at night. Line L1 stops at El Corte Inglés.
- From the airport: Avanza runs a direct coach to Marbella bus station (around 45 minutes), then a local bus or taxi. Otherwise, take a taxi or private transfer.
- On foot: the seafront promenade connects Puerto Banús with Marbella town along the Golden Mile.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Banús?
June and September strike the best balance, with average highs of around 26°C, long sunny days and fewer crowds than high summer. July and August reach about 29°C and bring the liveliest atmosphere, the heaviest traffic and the highest prices; this is also Starlite season. From October to May the area is calmer, with highs of 13–21°C, which makes it the best time for walking, shopping and getting a table without a wait.
Some beach clubs, terraces and events open only in season, so in winter check opening before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Is Puerto Banús part of Marbella?
Yes. It lies within the municipality of Marbella, in the Nueva Andalucía area, around 6–8 km west of the town centre.
How long does it take to get from Málaga airport to Puerto Banús?
About 35 minutes by car, just under 60 km, and up to 50 minutes in summer traffic. By public transport, take the coach to Marbella and then a local bus or taxi.
Can you drive into the marina?
Only with authorisation: the annual Access Card or a One-day Pass (approx. €185–255 depending on the season). Most visitors use the public car park at Plaza Antonio Banderas.
Where does the Golden Mile start and end?
It has no official boundaries. It is generally taken to be the stretch of roughly 4–6 km between the western edge of Marbella town and Puerto Banús, where Marbella Club and Puente Romano are.
Can you walk from Puerto Banús to Marbella town?
Yes, along the seafront promenade. It is around 6–8 km, so take it slowly or walk one stretch and return by taxi or bus.
How Marbella One helps
With Marbella One you tell Marco, the app's AI assistant, what you need in Puerto Banús or on the Golden Mile: a table overlooking the marina, a sunbed at a beach club, an airport transfer or a boat for the afternoon. Marco prepares the request and sends it to the venue or provider; once they accept it, you receive the confirmation. Marco is available 24 hours a day in 14 languages, through the iPhone and Android app or at concierge.marbellaone.es.
Opening times, prices and seasons can change, so always check with the venue. Marbella One does not charge for bookings; a request is only confirmed once the venue or provider accepts it.
More Marbella guides
- Marbella beach clubs: a practical 2026 guideMarbella beach clubs in 2026: where they are, the vibe, season, approx. sunbed and daybed prices, dress codes, how to book and the best months to go.
- Yacht charter in Puerto Banús: a practical 2026 guideYacht and boat charter in Puerto Banús: skippered or bareboat, Spanish licence rules, routes, best months, approx. prices, and fuel, VAT and APA explained.
- The best restaurants in Marbella: a 2026 guideMarbella's 2026 Michelin-starred restaurants, fine dining, beach chiringuitos and classics by area and occasion, plus dining times, approx. prices and booking.
- Marbella nightlife: clubs, areas and practical tips for 2026Marbella's 2026 nightclubs in Puerto Banús, the Golden Mile and the old town: opening hours, dress codes, approx. VIP table minimums and getting home safely.
- Marbella spas and wellness: the 2026 guideHotel spas, medical fasting clinics, yoga and in-villa massage in Marbella: what to expect, approx. prices with sources and how far ahead to book in 2026.
Sources
- Puerto Banús – official marina website
- Access Card: exclusive parking service in Puerto Banús
- Puerto Banús area guide – Realista (updated Aug 2026)
- Puerto Banús – Wikipedia
- Marbella – The Golden Mile – Andalucia.com
- Marbella Golden Mile area – Engel & Völkers
- Centro Comercial El Corte Inglés Marbella (Puerto Banús)
- Parking Saba Puerto Banús
- Marbella buses – Andalucia.com
- Spa & Wellness and venues – Puente Romano Beach Resort
- Condé Nast names Marbella, Sevilla and Madrid hotels in 2026 Hot List – RUS Tourism News
- Playas Bandera Azul Costa del Sol verano 2026 – Malagacar
- Best time to visit Puerto Banús – Weather2Travel
- Starlite Occident – What to visit in Puerto Banús
- Nueva Andalucía area guide – Winkworth
- Nueva Andalucía: The Golf Valley buyer's guide for 2026 – Crinoa