Marbella and Puerto Banús: The 'Golden Mile' Guide
MARBELLA is a city and municipality in southern Spain, belonging to the province of Málaga in the autonomous community of Andalusia. It is part of the region of the Costa del Sol and is the headquarters of the Association of Municipalities of the region; it is also the head of the judicial district that bears its name. Marbella is situated on the Mediterranean Sea, between Málaga and the Gibraltar Strait, in the foothills of the Sierra Blanca. The municipality covers an area of 117 km² crossed by highways on the coast, which are its main entrances. In 2012 the population of the city was 140,473 inhabitants, making it the second most populous municipality in the province of Málaga and the eighth in Andalusia. It is one of the most important tourist cities of the Costa del Sol and throughout most of the year is an international tourist attraction, due mainly to its climate and tourist infrastructure.
PUERTO JOSÉ BANÚS, more commonly known as Puerto Banús is a marina located in the area of Nueva Andalucía, to the southwest of Marbella, Spain on the Costa del Sol. It was built in May 1970 by José Banús, a local property developer, as a luxury marina and shopping complex. It has since become one of the largest entertainment centres in the Costa del Sol, with 5 million annual visitors, and is popular with international celebrities. Developed around a coastal village in the Mediterranean architectural style, Puerto Banús contains expensive shopping malls, restaurants and bars around the marina. It is also scene to many exotic car's that are owned by international celebrities and wealthy owners that also own large yachts.
MARBELLA CLUB HOTEL was built in 1954 by Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe-Langenburg as his private residence. It was extensively renovated and enlarged from the mid-1980s through 2000. The hotel features 121 bedrooms and suites, spread over the beach front resort, and 16 Andalusian-style villas throughout 42,000 square metres (10 acres) of gardens. In 1999, the hotel completed its own private 18-hole golf course, designed by Dave Thomas.
PRINCE ALFONSO OF HOHENLOHE-LANGENBURG (28 May 1924 – 21 December 2003) was a businessman known for his promotion of the Spanish resorts of Marbella and the Costa del Sol. He also founded the Marbella Club Hotel. After World War II, the prince started to buy land in Marbella in 1947. He sold plots to various rich and powerful friends including the likes of the Rothschild and Thyssen families. In 1954 he created the Marbella Club, the Costa del Sol's first luxury hotel, attracting many celebrities of the time to the former fishing village. In the 1990s, the property speculator Jesus Gil y Gil became mayor of Marbella and the town entered a construction boom. The prince pulled out, selling his shares in the Marbella Club, due to the area's increasing association with Arab arms traffickers and Russian mafia, whose conspicuous consumption was peppered with violence. He moved to the town of Ronda and successfully turned his efforts to wine-making. He died in Marbella on 21 December 2003.
Bars, Cafés & Lounges
- All in 1 CafÉ - Centro Comercial Los Halcones, A-397, Km 166, Benahavís.
- Astral Cocktail Bar - Astral Coctelería SL. Muelle de Levante s/n, Puerto Banús.
- babilonia banus - Calle Ribera, Front Line, Puerto Banús. "The trendiest bar in the heart of Puerto Banus."
- Banana Tree - Calle Camilo José Cela, 13.
- BAR El estrecho - since 1954. Calle San Lázaro, 12.
- beckett's - Calle Camilo José Cela, 4.
- BIJOUX BANUS - 2nd Line, Calle Muelle Ribera, Puerto Banús.
- Buddha Marbella - Avenida Puerta del Mar, 3. Music Bar & Restaurant.
 - El Gran Gatsby Bib Edificio del Mar, Muelle de Honor, s/n.
- Finca Besaya - Urbanización Rio Verde Alto, s/n.
- Frank's Corner - Calle Camilo José Cela, 12.
- Freudenhaus - Avenida José Banús, s/n, Urbanización Jardines del Puerto, Local 6, Puerto Banús. "Best cocktails in Marbella."
- Funky Buddha - Camino de la Cruz, s/n. "Fantastic VIP area & a large cocktail bar."
- GÜey Marbella - Plaza de las Orquideas, 4.
- Hard Rock Cafe Marbella - Calle Ramon Areces, s/n (Edificio Marina Banus), Puerto Banús.
- Joe's Bar - at Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa, Avenida-Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n.
- Joe's Marbella - Avenida de Ricardo Soriano, 52. Private smokers club.
- Joys Live - Calle Muelle De Ribera, 48, Puerto Banús. Bar & nightclub.
- La Sala - Calle Juan Belmonte, s/n, Puerto Banús. "Live Music in the Main Bar."
- La SUITE - at Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa, Avenida-Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n. "Sophisticated night spot and event space in Marbella. Drawing inspiration from Studio 54, the seductive 600 m² club environment successfully fuses the hotel’s Roman heritage with the industrial-feel of a New York City loft."
- Linekers bar - Muelle De Ribero, Puerto Banús.
 - Marbella Club's Champagne Room - Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n. October to April, open daily 17:00 to 1:00. "Little wonder, Pol Roger, Krug, Marguet, Salon, Dom Perignon and Cristal have been sipped here over the decades by many a celebrity."
- Marbella Club's Summer Bar - Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n. May to September, cocktails served 19:00 to 1:30. "Our atmospheric terrace bar with its twinkling lights and live music is the perfect setting for an aperitif or a digestif."
 - News Cafe - Front Line, Lugar Muelle de Ribera, s/n, Puerto Banús.
- O'Grady's - Calle Ribera, 1, Puerto Banús. Irish Tavern.
- POLO HOUSE - Bulevard Príncipe Alfonso Von Hohenlohe. Opened in 2009 by James Hewitt of Princess Diana fame - suffers closure (The Telegraph, March 10, 2013).
- Portside - Front Line, Puerto Banús.
- Robin Hood Inn - Urbanización Benamara Dos Hermanas, Avenida Dos Hermanas, Carretera de Cádiz, Km 168, Estepona.
- Route 66 Marbella - Calle Jesus Puente, Plaza Antonio Banderas, Puerto Banús. American Bar & Grill.
- SALDUBA PUB - Muelle Ribera, Local 1E, Puerto Banús. A cool crowd begin the day with a coffee and a read of the newspaper with a great view of the super cars and super yachts.
- SEVEN - Avenida Ribera s/n, Puerto Banús. "One of the most exclusive & elegant places in Puerto Banús."
- SINATRA BAR - Muelle Ribera s/n, Puerto Banús.
- Sushisha Rooftop Lounge - Carretera de Cádiz Km 173, Puerto Banús. On the rooftop terrace of Sisu Boutique Hotel. Rooftop restaurant & lounge designed to accomodate private dining and private parties.
- Tanino - Carretera de Cádiz, Km 168, Urbanización Benamara, Estepona. "The Art of the Cocktail."
- The Lounge - Puerto Banús. "Open-air cocktail & champagne bar." The perfect meeting place in Puerto Banús, the place where the chic and the elite meet. Located next door to Linekers Bar.
Beach Clubs & Beaches
- Best beach clubs in Marbella in 2022 - "The year-round sunshine, along with the reputation for great parties is a perfect combination for vacation. The old fashion beach vacation became more glamorous. There is no more soggy towels and catching shades to avoid sunburns! Now, your beach vacation can be a full service with wine, champagne, cocktails and top-class food, while live entertainment and swimming pools are adding up to the luxury experience. The best thing is that these clubs will turn into discotheques at night, with personalised parties and music for all kinds of tastes."
 - Amare Club - Avenida Severo Ochoa 8.
 - Estrella del Mar Beach Club - Carretera Nacional 340, Km 190.7, Avenida José Rivera, Urbanización Estrella del Mar, desvío Urbanización Golden Beach.
 - La Cabane - "The most elegant Beach Club in the Costa del Sol." Calle Jabalí, Carretera Cádiz, Km 187.
 - La Sala By The Sea - Avenida José Banús, Puerto Banús.
 - Macaao Beach Club - since 2013. Calle José Echegaray, s/n.
- Mahiki Beach by Sala - Avenida Duque de Ahumada, Chiringuito no. 2.
- Marbella Beaches - There are 24 beaches along the coast and many boast the prestigious Blue Flag award proving that they are among the best in the world when it comes to cleanliness, safety and the management of the surrounding environment.
 - Marbella Club - since 1954. Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n.
 - Mistral Beach - Playa del Rodeo, s/n.
 - Nikki Beach - Playa Hotel Don Carlos, Carretera de Cádiz Km 192.
 - Ocean Club Marbella - "The Ultimate Beach Club Experience." Avenida de Lola Flores, s/n.
 - Opium Beach Club - since 2018. "The Ultimate Beach Club Experience." From our legendary day-parties by the sea, in which our DJs perform live music, to the spectacular concerts that enlighten starry nights, Opium Beach Club Marbella stands out as the place to be and an international entertainment reference. We are permanently seeking to bring out joy, energy, and authenticity to help create the best summer memories. Carretera N340, Km 184.
- Playa de la Bajadilla - a particularly popular beach as it is nestled right in the town of Marbella, next to the old fishing port. It is considered one of the most touristic in the city due to its central location in the heart of the city centre of Marbella.
- playa de la fontanilla - situated in the heart of Marbella, facing the promenade and to the west heading towards Estepona. It is therefore one of the most central beaches of Marbella, with high occupancy and much popularity due to its location.
- Playa de Venus - popular beach on the east side of Marbella´s Puerto Deportivo before the Rio Represa located right in the Centre.
- Playa del Faro - small beach close to the Puerto Deportivo in the centre of Marbella with safe shallow bathing. Playa del Faro is made up of two bays, which are backed by the Paseo Maritimo it is only a few hundred metres long.
 - Playa Padre Beach Club - Calle Miguel Angel Catalán Sañudo.
 - Plaza Beach - Urbanización Playa Poniente, Urbanización Benabola s/n, Puerto Banús.
 - South Beach Marbella - Avenida del Limonar, 124.
Casino
 - Casino Marbella - located within the grounds of the Andalucia Plaza Hotel, Casino Marbella is the main casino in the Marbella area.
Hotels
 - Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa ***** Avenida Zurita, s/n.
- El Castillo Marbella - "Rediscover the city."
- Gran Hotel GuadalpÍn BanÚs ***** Calle Edgar Neville, s/n, Puerto Banús
- Gran MeliÁ Don Pepe ***** Calle José Meliá, s/n.
- Kempinski Hotel BahÍa ***** Carretera de Cádiz Km 159, Playa El Padron, Estepona
- Los Monteros Spa & Golf Resort ***** Carretera de Cádiz Km 187.
- MARBELLA CLUB HOTEL, GOLF RESORT & SPA ***** LHW Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n.
- Marriott's Marbella Beach Resort ***** Carretera de Cádiz Km 193, Urbanización Marbella del Este.
- Nobu Hotel Marbella ***** "From luxurious accommodations to fine dining options, preview all that awaits you." Boulevard Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n.
- PUENTE ROMANO Beach Resort & Spa ***** LHW Avenida-Bulevar del Príncipe Alfonso Von Hohenlohe, s/n.
- PYR HOTEL *** Avenida Rotary Internacional s/n, Puerto Banús.
- SISU BOUTIQUE HOTEL **** Carretera de Cádiz Km 173, Puerto Banús
- Vincci SelecciÓn Estrella del Mar ***** Urbanización Estrella del Mar, Carretera A7, Km 190.5.
- Westin La Quinta Golf Resort ***** Urbanización La Quinta, s/n.
Marbella & Puerto Banús News & Resources
 - ‘A united nations of crime’: how Marbella became a magnet for gangsters - "The new international crime organisations have made Marbella their centre of operations. And as violence rises, the police lag far behind."
- Costa del Sol - Wikipedia.
- Estepona - Wikipedia.
- GANGSTERS’ PARADISE - "A look at the key figures past and present of the Costa del Crime."
- JesÚs Gil - (1933-2004). Was a Spanish businessman and politician. He served as Mayor of Marbella between 1991 and 2002, and presided for a 16-year tenure as president of the Spanish football club Atlético Madrid. In 1991, he founded and led the Grupo Independiente Liberal (GIL) as his political vehicle, and was elected as mayor of Marbella the same year. He installed a bust of Francisco Franco in the town hall and was known for walking the streets of the town shouting abuse at prostitutes and homeless people. The area of economic and political influence of the Gil family, became a popular residence for British, Italian, and Russian gangsters while he was mayor. His mayorship was popular enough for him to be re-elected three times. In April 2002, he was banned for 28 years from holding public office, forced to stand down as mayor and briefly imprisoned.
- Marbella - official website: Tourism in Marbella.
- Marbella - Wikipedia.
- Marbella 2018: Best of Marbella, Spain Tourism - "In the chic, sun-drenched Costa del Sol town of Marbella, hints of its former Moorish occupation mingle with modern-day resort amenities. Bask on the sands of famous La Fontanilla beach or ricochet among the area's family-oriented water, wildlife and theme parks. Experience the Andalusian charm of the historic quarter, ..." TripAdvisor.
- Marbella Events Guide - "Your ultimate guide to Marbella's lifestyle." We bring you all the news about events in Marbella and Puerto Bnaus.
- Marbella Exclusive - "Official website of Marbella Tourism. All the tourist information of Marbella."
- MarbellaAzul.com - since 2014. "Everything you need to know about Marbella."
- MarbellaFamilyFun - "Where locals come to discover and share unique tips on the Costa del Sol lifestyle."
- MARBELLA'S GOLDEN MILE - Marbella city to Puerto Banús.
- My Guide Marbella - "Marbella Local Guide."
- Piers Morgan's Marbella - Daily Mail.
- Piers Morgan on Marbella - YouTube 1:10:47.
- Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe-Langenburg - (1924-2003). Was a businessman known for his promotion of the Spanish resorts of Marbella & the Costa del Sol. He also founded the Marbella Club Hotel.
- Puerto BanÚs - Wikipedia.
- Puerto Banus Guide - gives you the opportunity to know what are the latest best rated restaurants in Puerto Banus, Marbella, the best rated attractions including architecture and landscape, the best nightlife, and a selection of upcoming events during your visit, including cultural agenda, sports, concerts, festivals, local parties or congresses you cannot miss, with our unique editorial and users reviews.
- The Beginnings of Marbella Club - by Count Rudi von Schönburg.
- The Golden Mile - Marbella city to Puerto Banús.
- The Pioneer - "Explore the colourful life of politician, football mogul and property tycoon JesÚs Gil in this docuseries."
- Travel Guide Marbella - The Michelin Green Guide.
- Vladimir Putin's house in Marbella - Virtual Globetrotting.
- Why this Spanish city stands apart from other Mediterranean hot spots - "Marbella even has a popular hashtag on social media, 'Marbs,' that has become shorthand to convey a certain upscale lifestyle (#marbslife)."
Media
- Costa News - "Costa del Sol News."
- Euro Weekly - "English Newspaper Costa del Sol."
- Hot Marbella - on Twitter. "Bringing you the latest in celebs, gossip and parties from Europe's hottest resort."
- i-marbella.com - "Marbella News. Marbella Tourist Guide." Marbella, Costa del Sol, Puerto Banús, events, news, gallery, business, nightlife, parties & celebrities.
- i-marbella.com - on Twitter. "The leading online magazine on Costa del Sol."
- #Marbella-Hashtag on Twitter
- Marbella Chic - since 2009.
- Marbella Chic - on Twitter.
- Marbella Events Guide - "Your Ultimate Guide to Marbella’s Lifestyle. All Marbella & Puerto Banus Event and Party Listings."
- Marbella Guide - on Twitter. "Marbella Guide is your one stop information portal about Marbella."
- Marbella News - on Twitter.
- Marbella Turismo - on Twitter.
- Nikki Beach Marbella - on Twitter. "The Sexiest Place on Earth! Tell Only Your Best Friends!"
- SUR in English - "The site for Southern Spain. Latest news."
- The Independent - "Marbella - latest news, breaking stories and comment."
- The Local Marbella - "Spain's news in English."
- The Olive Press - "English newspaper for Andalucia."
- What Marbella - Online Travel Guide.
Nightlife
 - AQWA MIST - Calle de Juan Belmonte, 523, Nueva Andalucía, Puerto Banús.
- Billionaire Marbella - exclusive luxury venue owned by flamboyant Italian entrepreneur Flavio Briatore. Situated on Marbella´s Golden Mile, just opposite the Hotel Puente Romano.
- Cavalli Club Puerto BanÚs - Carretera de Cádiz Km 175, Camino del Ángel, Nueva Andalucía, Puerto Banús.
- Club Olivia Valere - "The magic of Marbella's Nights." Carretera de Istán, Km 0.8.
- FUNKY BUDDHA F Camino de la Cruz s/n.
- JOYs Live - Calle Muelle De Ribera, 48, Puerto Banús.
- La SUITE - at Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa, Avenida-Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n. "Sophisticated night spot and event space in Marbella. Drawing inspiration from Studio 54, the seductive 600 m² club environment successfully fuses the hotel’s Roman heritage with the industrial-feel of a New York City loft."
- Lemmon - Puerto Deportivo, Local 12.
- Louie Louie - Avenida Louis Braile, Puerto Deportivo, Estepona.
- Mansion - Carretera de Cádiz, Km 176, El Oasis.
- Mirage - Edif. Gray d'Albion Nº1, Bulevar de la Fama, Puerto ú. "Illusion Becomes Reality."
- NIKKI PRIVÉ - located at Don Carlos Hotel, Carretera de Cádiz Km 192, Calle de la Playa. Open only during the summer months, internationally known DJ's spin the tunes at this, one of Marbella's most exclusive clubs.
- PANGEA F "Nobody does it better." Edificio Club de Mar Puerto Banús, Muelle de Honor, s/n.
- POLO HOUSE - Bulevard Príncipe Alfonso Von Hohenlohe. Opened in 2009 by James Hewitt of Princess Diana fame - suffers closure (The Telegraph, March 10, 2013).
- SEVEN - Avenida Ribera s/n, Puerto Banús. "One of the most exclusive & elegant places in Puerto Banús."
- Shout - (formerly Billionaire). Oasis Commercial Centre, Golden Mile.
- Sushisha Rooftop Lounge & Restaurant - Carretera de Cádiz Km 173, Puerto Banús. On the rooftop terrace of Sisu Boutique Hotel. Rooftop restaurant & lounge designed to accomodate private dining and private parties.
- Teatro Marbella - "Show Dinner Club." Camino del Ángel, Nueva Andalucía.
- TIBU F Plaza Antonio Banderas, right in the centre of Puerto Banús (behind Lineker’s bar).
- TRIBECA 12 - "Manhattan meets Marbella". Urbanización Lomas de Río Verde. Situated between Puerto Banús & Marbella near Olivia Valere.
Restaurants
- Marbella Michelin Restaurants - the Michelin Guide - ViaMichelin.
- Restaurants in Marbella - TripAdvisor.
- Restaurants near Marbella Old Quarter - TripAdvisor.
Top 30 Best Restaurants
- Albert & Simon Bib Urbanización Nueva Alcántara, Edificio Mirador, Bloque 4-B, San Pedro de Alcántara.
- ALBERT´S BAR & GRILL CABOPINO - "
Set in the hidden gem of Cabopino port is Alberts, occupying prime position over-looking one of the coasts prettiest marinas. Hidden behind the modern terrace lies a spectacular Victorian interior." Carretera Nacional 340. Km 195 Puerto Deportivo Cabopino, Local B5.
- BiBo Bib Avenida-Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n.
- Buenaventura Bib Plaza de la Iglesia de la Encarnación, 5.
 - DANI GARCÍA ** "One Kitchen. Zero Limits." At Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa, Avenida-Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n.
 - Don Quijote - Modern International Cuisine. Urbanización El Rosario, 8.
- El Gran Gatsby Bib Edificio del Mar, Muelle de Honor, s/n.
 - EL LAGO * (Master chef: Diego del Río). Urbanización Elviria Hills Avenida Las Cumbres, s/n.
- Hard Rock Cafe Marbella - Calle Ramon Areces, s/n (Edificio Marina Banus), Puerto Banús.
- JACKS AMERICAN BRASSERIE - Muelle Ribera, Local 23-25, Puerto Banús.
- L'Impronta Bib Avenida de Salamanca 14, Urbanización Nueva Alcántara, San Pedro de Alcántara.
 - Macaao Beach Club - since 2013. Calle José Echegaray s/n.
 - MARBELLA CLUB's The Grill - "A culinary landmark for its local and international dishes." October to May, dine indoors 20:30 until midnight. During summer, 21:00 until midnight. Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n.
 - Masala - Indian Restaurant. Avenida Príncipe Alfonso Hohenlohe, Km 179.
 - Messina * Avenida Severo Ochoa, 12.
- MUMTAZ - "Traditional Moghul cuisine focusing around the tandoori oven. Bread, Fish and Meat: Are all cooked in the authentic north west Indian style." Benabola, Casa A, Nº 7, Puerto Banús.
- Nobu Marbella - "Pioneered and created by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the iconic Nobu menu is influenced by his years of studying Japanese cuisine in Tokyo and his extensive travels through South America. The diverse celebration of flavours formed Nobu’s trademark ‘Nobu Style’, which is intrinsic to all Nobu menus worldwide." At Nobu Hotel Marbella, Boulevard Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe s/n.
- Olivia Valere Babilonia - Carretera de Istán, Km 0.8.
 - POLO HOUSE - Bulevard Principe Alfonso Von Hohenlohe. Opened in 2009 by James Hewitt of Princess Diana fame - suffers closure (The Telegraph, March 10, 2013).
- Restaurante Santiago - Avenida Duque de Ahumada, 5.
- Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa Restauants - Sea Grill, Del Mar Beach Cafe, UNI (Peruvian & Japanese fusion cuisine), Dani García (Andalusian cuisine), Bibo (Raw & Oyster Bar), Thai Gallery, Serafina (Italian cuisine), Celicioso (gluten free dining), Rachel's (100% organic food). Avenida-Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, s/n.
- Restaurante Santiago Bib Avenida Duque de Ahumada, 5.
- Serafina Bib Avenida-Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, 1.
 - SKINA * (Chefs: Hideaki Yoshioka & Jaume Puigdengolas). Calle de Adúar, 12.
- Sushisha Rooftop Lounge & Restaurant - Carretera de Cádiz, Km 173, Puerto Banús. On the rooftop terrace of Sisu Boutique Hotel. Rooftop restaurant & lounge designed to accomodate private dining and private parties.
 - Sukhothai - "Royal Thai Cuisine." Genuine and delicious Royal Thai Cuisine, on the Golden Mile of Marbella. Sukhothai is one of Marbella's longest established oriental restaurants. Avenida Príncipe Alfonso Hohenlohe, Centro Commerical Marbella Mar, L3A.
 - TA-KUMI Bib Traditional & authentic Japanese cuisine. (Chefs: Toshio Tsutsui & Álvaro Arbeloa). Calle Gregorio Marañón, 4.
- TANGO - "The best argentinian restaurant in the Costa del Sol since 1993." Avenida Julio Iglesias, s/n, Puerto Banús.
- Victor Bib Centro Comercial Guadalmina II, Loc. 1, San Pedro de Alcántara.
 - Villa Tiberio - opened in 1989. "Tiberio is not just a fabulous eatery, it is a meeting place. Royalty, diplomats, and international celebrities could just as easily be dining at the next table as holidaymakers or local residents." N-340, Km 178.5.
- Vovem Asador Bib Calle Yedras, s/n, Centro Comercial Odeon, Local 9-10.
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