The Costa del Sol Area Guide
Here is an area map of the Costa del Sol and some helpful area guides.
Benalmadena
Comfortably situated just to the west of Torremolinos, Benalmádena is a fun and exciting urban centre with a more contemporary and modern feel than many of its neighbours on the Costa del Sol. Hitting its stride a little later than many other coastal enclaves, Benalmádena was allowed the time to apply the lessons of the past to its own development, emerging from the experience with a bustling and expansive urban landscape that appeals equally to families and younger visitors.
The focal point for the town’s leisure economy, the coast is lined with hotels and residences, overlooking a series of recently refurbished plazas, hosting one of the liveliest and most popular nightlife experiences on the Coast. Bridging the old and the new is Arroyo de la Miel, the commercial and residential centre of Benalmádena, home to a booming business district and the town’s main transportation lines, which includes quick train access to Fuengirola, Málaga city centre and Málaga's Pablo Ruíz Picasso International airport.
Though Benalmádena has experienced a steady pace of growth and development over the past two decades, the town has kept a close eye on new construction, recently advocating quality over quantity and has launched civic efforts such as a public arts project along its seaside promenade, to help preserve Benalmádena's local charm.
Healthy, wealthy and wise
Essential to any modern urban centre, Benalmádena's selection of services and amenities ensure that residents will never have to travel far to find their needs met. While there is a public health centre associated with Málaga’s University Hospital in Torremolinos, additional medical attention can be found at the private Xanit International Hospital, located in Benalmádena town. Unique to the coast, Benalmádena is also home to the Cudeca Cancer Hospice, providing home care for up to 600 patients, and on-site care for up to 120 patients.
Apart from a selection of Spanish nurseries, primary schools and secondary institutions, Benalmádena also boasts some of the finest educational programmes for non-Spanish residents on the Costa del Sol. The town is home to two major International schools, Benalmádena International College and The British College of Benalmádena. Further, parents can find programmes for younger children at the local Costa Kinder Care or the Peter Pan Nursery. Financial needs can also be easily met in the Arroyo de la Miel business district, home to a number of local bank branches.
Stepping out
A coastal favourite for visitors of all ages and tastes, Benalmádena has grown into a virtual holidaymaker’s paradise, complete with enough attractions to keep anyone’s calendar full. Young and old alike are sure to enjoy the town’s Tivoli Amusement Park, which sponsors a number of concerts and spectaculars throughout the summer, the El Ranchito Equestrian Centre and the exciting Selwo Marina and Sea Life centre, where visitors can see dolphins and penguins living right in the heart of the Costa del Sol. Benalmádena Costa offers a wide selection of bars and restaurants, open throughout the year and is also home to one of the coast’s few casinos, located in the luxurious Torrequebrada Hotel. In addition to the long list of water sports available along the beach, Benalmádena also boasts a number of outdoor activities including the Torrequebrada Golf Club, the lush Paloma Park, and the aforementioned ice skating rink, recently completed as part of a larger municipal sports complex, which includes heated swimming pools, a gym and a fitness centre.
While the town has indeed kept hold of its roots, evident in its older, more traditional neighbourhoods, Benalmádena has its eyes set firmly on the future of Andalusian living. The town’s forward thinking has made it an ideal location for a number of unique regional firsts, including the Costa del Sol's only ice-skating rink and the Benalmádena Cable Car, offering stunning panoramic views on its way up to Monte Calamorro, an outlook located 800 metres above the Mediterranean. Originating from the original Benalmádena Pueblo, complete with whitewashed homes lining narrow cobblestone streets, the town has grown towards the seaside, creating Benalmádena Costa, a busy collection of beach side restaurants, commercial centres and the award-winning Puerto Marina. Fast on its way to becoming one of Europe’s most popular leisure ports, Benalmádena's spectacular Puerto Marina, winner of the Best International Port in the World award, is fully equipped to moor over 100 vessels and offers a broad selection of excellent night clubs and bars located in the Puerto Marina area and the famous 24 hour square...say no more!
Fuengirola - Area Guide
Fuengirola is a bustling and cosmopolitan coastal town, just a short drive from Málaga airport. Around a quarter of its residents are foreigners, mainly from Ireland, Scandinavia and the UK but also from Argentina and Morocco, which gives the town a rich cultural mix. There are more than 8 km of beautiful sandy beaches, a picturesque promenade and wide, tree-lined pedestrian-friendly streets leading to the beautiful Constitution Square where Spaniards and foreign residents alike can chat over a coffee or a cold beer in the shade
Like many towns along the coast, Fuengirola has seen Phoenician, Roman and Moorish invaders and there are remnants of its ancient past dotted around the town. The most recognisable of them is the Moorish Castle Sohail, easily visible high on a hill above the town at the mouth of the River Fuengirola. Originally built in the 10th Century, its latest reincarnation was completed in 2000 and it now plays host to a varied cultural programme of open-air festivals and concerts throughout the summer months.
Healthy, wealthy and wise
Fuengirola in the 21st Century enjoys all the facilities you might expect of a major centre that’s popular with both tourists and foreign residents. It’s the central point for a huge range of services and amenities and is within easy reach of many more in the nearby city of Málaga. Public health services include two major health centres in Fuengirola, plenty of smaller surgeries and a major, fully-equipped hospital, the Carlos Haya, in Málaga. There’s also a brand new private hospital, called the Xanit hospital, just a short drive away in Benalmádena. A wide variety of good quality international and bilingual schools in and around Fuengirola serve a growing expatriate population.
There’s an endless array of activities whatever your age and preference with more than twenty magnificent 18-hole golf courses to choose from, stylish shopping, an abundance of water sports and plenty to keep the children happy. Fuengirola Zoo was modernised in 2001 and specialises in captive breeding of endangered species and specialised education programmes.
Stepping Out
If you fancy a spot of shopping, Fuengirola is home to the modern Parque Miramar shopping centre, the exclusive El Corte Inglés department store, or a variety of lively indoor and outdoor markets. Getting there is easy as Fuengirola is at the centre of the one of the coast’s best public transport systems, with excellent bus and train services. For those who prefer something a little more energetic than shopping, there’s an abundance of water sports and Fuengirola is the perfect spot for scuba diving and sailing. Its modern marina sits alongside the traditional fisherman’s port where you can still see the boats bringing in their catches. The Los Boliches area of the town was the old fisherman’s quarter and still retains a traditional feel with its narrow streets and white washed fisherman’s cottages.
One thing you absolutely mustn’t miss is the annual Feria Internacional de los Pueblos which celebrates the essence of Fuengirola’s international and cosmopolitan character, with food, music and dancing from around the world. Fuengirola’s foreign residents invite you to share the best of their home countries and sample a little of their folklore, culture and customs.
There's also a local feria, which takes place in October. A week during which the town parties from dawn to dusk, celebrating all that is typically Andalucía; the click of the flamenco dancers’ shoes, the rustle of the proud horses and the delicious aromas of Andalusian cooking. Why not join in?
La Cala de Mijas (Mijas Costa) Area Guide
La Cala de Mijas, often just referred to as La Cala, is a beautiful Spanish village, right at the heart of Mijas Costa, which has effortlessly stepped into the 21st century without losing any of its traditional fishing village charm. It has a lively, bustling town centre with a twice-weekly market, supermarkets, bars, restaurants and every amenity you could ever wish for. It’s perennially popular with increasing numbers of holidaymakers and is home to foreign residents from a range of different countries, including the UK and many other European countries. It’s a great central point from which to reach the whole of Mijas Costa and lovely nearby secluded spots such as Playa Marina, El Chaparral and Torrenueva and onwards to Calahonda and Cabopino.
La Cala de Mijas is in a perfect position to enjoy an enormous range of leisure facilities. Active retirees particularly love the area for its great combination of easy-going traditional Spanish charm and the wide selection of sporting activities in and around La Cala. The area is famous for its wealth of competition standard golf courses, including the magnificent La Cala Hotel and Golf Course Resort which is the biggest golf complex in Spain and has three of its own courses. La Cala Resort also has a luxury golf hotel, an exclusive spa and an enormous range of luxury apartments and villas for sale.
Stepping Out in La Cala de Mijas
One of the reasons that La Cala de Mijas is so popular is its versatility. Choose from beautiful, tranquil countryside, exquisite beaches or cosmopolitan towns, some within walking distance, most just a short drive away. There’s excellent road and public transport access from La Cala to all other parts of Mijas Costa and it’s just five minutes drive from cosmopolitan Fuengirola with its medieval castle, Blue Flag beaches and stylish shopping.
A 10-minute drive into the hills behind La Cala takes you into some of the most picturesque countryside in the area where there are a variety of stables offering riding lessons and trekking, so that you can enjoy an invigorating canter in breathtaking surroundings. For those who prefer to watch horses race rather than ride them, the Hipódromo del Costa del Sol race course on the outskirts of La Cala enjoys spectacular views of the sea and the Sierra de Mijas mountains. Covering 30,000 square metres and with seating for 1500 people, it’s the perfect place for exhibitions and concerts.
The La Cala area is fabulous for keeping the kids happy too with the family-friendly Fuengirola Zoo, which carefully recreates the animals’ natural habitat, whether it’s jungle, sea or river. Try one of the Zoo’s ‘moonlight visits’ which take place during July and August when the zoo stays open until 1.00am so that visitors can see the activity of more nocturnal animals. Other family attractions nearby are the ever-popular waterparks at Mijas and Torremolinos and the stunning Sea Life Centre, with its dolphins, sea lions and penguins and located next to Benalmádena’s award-winning Puerto Marina.
Adults might prefer the traditional Spanish delights of the historic quarter of the stylish city of Málaga, which is around a 20-minute drive from La Cala de Mijas. The city centre contains some beautiful, atmospheric little streets and squares and a wealth of cafes and tapas bars. The well-known, fashionable Calle Larios with its combination of designer shops and tiny boutiques is worth exploring and leads to the main square in the city, Plaza de la Constitución. From here it’s walking distance to the Picasso Museum which, since its opening in 2003, has been one of the most popular visitor attractions in Málaga. It’s dedicated to the city’s most famous son and is a great day out with both permanent and temporary collections by the man himself and a range of other artists. A cultural extravaganza in relaxed surroundings awaits you at the Picasso Museum.
Healthy, Wealthy and Wise
Residents and visitors to La Cala de Mijas are extremely well placed for some of the best healthcare, education and transport facilities in the region. Within just a short drive of La Cala are Fuengirola, Benalmádena and Málaga, where there’s a wide range of services and amenities. There are two major public health centres in Fuengirola and two large fully-equipped, public hospitals in the area; one in Málaga (the Carlos Haya) and another in Marbella (Hospital Costa del Sol). In addition, there’s a brand new, state-of-the-art private hospital, the Xanit, just a short drive away in Benalmádena. If you’re relocating and are interested in education for your children, this area is one of the best areas for good quality Spanish, international and bi-lingual schools. There are nursery schools, primary schools and senior schools and some international schools are combined primary and secondary schools.
Riviera del Sol (Mijas Costa) Area Guide
Riviera de Sol is just a short distance along the coast from La Cala in the Marbella direction. Sparkling sea and quiet beaches can be enjoyed from many of the beach bars and restaurants, or there’s the peaceful Princess Diana Park and Gardens to while away a few hours in the sun. Riveria is perfectly situated for almost anything, whether you’re on holiday or you’ve decided to relocate to this beautiful spot.
There’s a vast range of activities and facilities nearby, such as two AquaParks, one in Fuengirola, one in Torremolinos, an enormous choice of golf courses and beaches with plenty of activities for the kids. If you decide you want to make Riviera your home, access to schools and top quality hospitals couldn’t be easier, either in the direction of Málaga or Marbella. The recently opened Riviera Plaza commercial centre has cafes, restaurants and plenty of shopping.
Calahonda (Mijas Costa) Area Guide
Until 1963, there was very little that linked the coast between Mijas and Marbella. That was the year that Don José Orbaneja arrived in the area and bought two large estates, one from the Van Dulken family, and merged them to create Sitio de Calahonda. Now Calahonda is a huge and thriving community, home to many nationalities and perfectly situated almost equidistant between Málaga and Marbella, in the heart of Mijas Costa, allowing fast and easy road access to all areas in both directions along the coast.
Calahonda enjoys some of the best views on the coast, so it’s worth driving, or even walking, to its highest point, known as the Hermitage (La Ermita) which is the little white monument that you can see from most of the surrounding areas, and which enjoys some spectacular views across the coast to Gibraltar and Africa. La Ermita is in the midst of glorious countryside and although it now shares its top spot with the beautiful Las Cascadas urbanisation, it still stands proudly watching over Calahonda.
Stepping Out in Calahonda
One of the best things about Calahonda is that it’s very self-contained with all the sports and leisure facilities you’re ever likely to need, but it’s also close to many more in Fuengirola, Málaga and Marbella. Of course, Calahonda has the obligatory beautiful, sun-drenched beaches with their little beach bars and some small but beautiful parks and there’s certainly no shortage of sports facilities. Try a relaxed round of golf at the La Siesta Golf Club, a nine-hole, par 3 course or check out the facilities at the magnificent Club del Sol, set in beautiful surroundings with 12 tennis courts, 4 paddle courts and two squash courts. The club offers tuition at all levels and holds regular high-profile tennis championships and it also has a good-sized gym as well as a sauna and Jacuzzi. In addition, the popular Miraflores golf and lawn tennis club is nearby and there are plenty of shopping, eating and entertainment opportunities at the El Zoco commercial centre and the smaller shopping area of Las Cipreses.
From Calahonda, the world’s your oyster. Head east and you’ll find the former fishing village of La Cala de Mijas, the cosmopolitan town of Fuengirola and its myriad attractions, Torremolinos and Benalmádena with the water park and Tivoli World and stylish Málaga with its tapas bars and Picasso Museum. You can reach all of these locations within half an hour from Calahonda. Head west for the glitz and glamour of Marbella, the sophisticated Estepona, with its perfect mix of traditional and modern, and onwards to upmarket Sotogrande and its perfect harbour and marina areas, and finally, Gibraltar. Sotogrande and Gibraltar are just over one hour from Calahonda on the fast motorway road. Of course there’s also the option of heading inland from Calahonda; try the exquisitely traditional Mijas Pueblo and the beautiful countryside and countless golf courses surrounding it. There’s no end to the list of things to do and see – and they’re all easily reachable from Calahonda.
Healthy, Wealthy and Wise
Just as you can head east or west for entertainment, so you can do the same for education and healthcare facilities close to Calahonda. There’s a wide choice of international, bi-lingual and Spanish schools in both directions from Calahonda. The area has its own international school, Calahonda International College, which accepts children from the ages of 3 to 18 and is situated in a prime position close to the Club del Sol. In addition, there are schools in Fuengirola (10 minutes drive), Benalmádena and Málaga (20 minutes drive). In the other direction, you’ll find excellent international schools in Marbella, such as the English International College (10 minutes from Calahonda), the International College, San Pedro (20 minutes) and Sotogrande International School (50 minutes). This is just a small selection of the schools that are easily reached from Calahonda. There’s an equally wide variety of healthcare facilities. Fuengirola has two large, fully-equipped health centres. Benalmádena is home to the new state-of-the-art private Xanit hospital and in Málaga there’s a large public hospital, the Carlos Haya. If you prefer to go west, Marbella also has a gleaming public hospital, the Hospital Costa del Sol, with its extensive medical facilities and a team of interpreters. Further west in Estepona is another new private hospital, Hospiten. So you’ll never be far from the best medical facilities in the area if you’re in Calahonda.
Cabopino Area Guide
Cabopino is located at the very edge of the Marbella area, at the border with Mijas Costa. The Cabopino area is mainly know for its quaint little harbour and village, known as "Puerto Cabopino", with arguably the best beach stretch on the Costa del Sol (watch out for the neighbouring nudist beach!) surrounded by sand dunes. Try one of the many beach bars and enjoy a drink or some of their just-caught fish that’s sizzling on the barbecue. During the summer months, there are regular boat trips along the coast, and dolphin watching excursions from Cabopino port...maybe you can even catch some of your own lunch!
On summer evenings you can enjoy traditional Spanish flamenco in the Plaza just above the main Cabopino harbour, as you watch the sun go down. There are some great restaurants in the port that are very popular with expats and locals alike.
Those who enjoy a little more exercise can choose from one 9-hole course for beginners at the Artola Hotel, and two 18-hole courses - La Siesta in Calahonda, and Cabopino Golf.
Elviria Area Guide
Elviria is an elegant residential area, just 15 minutes from Marbella and around half an hour from Málaga’s international airport. One of the best things about Elviria is its immense versatility and its perfect position which means that residents and holidaymakers can enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle at its best as well as a fantastic transport infrastructure allowing access to all parts of the Costa del Sol. Elviria is famous for some of the finest sandy beaches along the Marbella coastline, stretching for miles both east and west. Yet there’s far more to this part of the Costa del Sol than simply beautiful beaches. The nearby port of Cabopino with its exclusive restaurants and mooring facilities is part of Elviria, as is the breathtaking mountain scenery and the exclusive residential estate high up in the Elviria mountains, known as La Mairena, set in lush green, mountain countryside. Close enough to Marbella to enjoy its benefits, but far enough away to avoid too much hustle and bustle, Elviria consists of beautiful tree-lined avenues and its village setting provides peace and tranquillity, while still being close to the local commercial centre with its cafes and bars, nearby sports and leisure facilities as well as fast road access and efficient public transport.
Thanks to its versatility it’s becoming increasingly popular with holidaymakers and foreign residents from all over Europe, including the UK. The area is perfect for families and has become increasingly popular for second homes and for those relocating to the Coast. Part of the area’s attraction is its careful development, thanks to an ongoing cork tree protection programme in Elviria and similar programmes for the pine trees of nearby Las Chapas and the sand dunes at Cabopino beach. Popular areas close to Elviria for holidaymakers and homebuyers are Costabella, El Rosario and Las Chapas.
Stepping Out in Elviria
You don’t have to go much further than Elviria village itself if you choose not to. It has bars, cafes, restaurants, a post office, an international school (the English International College) for primary and secondary students, supermarkets and banks. Many properties in Elviria are walking distance to the beach and you can follow the beach and walk along to Marbella in one direction or the port of Cabopino in the other. Nip into one of the many beachside “chringuitos” and restaurants on the way or if you fancy some five-star luxury, the Don Carlos Hotel is within walking distance. Partying until dawn is no problem because close to the Don Carlos, you’ll find the seriously cool world famous Nikki Beach day and night club, where the fun never stops.
There’s no shortage of sports activities and facilities within easy reach of Elviria and this combined with such a fabulous climate, makes it the perfect location for those who may want to do a little more than lie on the undeniably beautiful beach! Golf fans won’t be disappointed with four 18-hole, championship golf courses very close by; Santa María and Santa Clara Golf, the Marbella Golf and Country Club and one of the oldest golf courses on the Costa del Sol, Río Real. Those who prefer tennis are spoilt for choice too, with El Casco Tennis Club and the Hofsass Tennis College, both in Elviria, as well as the Club del Sol, just 10 minutes drive away at Calahonda. In the unlikely event of you running out of things to do, take yourself off for a bit of retail therapy in stylish Puerto Banús or to the comprehensive La Cañada shopping centre, both just a short drive from Elviria.
Healthy, wealthy and wise
If you’re thinking of relocating permanently to Elviria, you couldn’t be better placed for health and education services. Top international school, the English International College, is in Elviria and takes students from ages 5 to 18 years and the majority go on to top universities in the UK and all over the world. Also within a short drive are St. Javier’s International School and Swan’s International School. There are also plenty of private and public health facilities close to Elviria with two public health centres (centros de salud) in Marbella. The public Hospital Costa del Sol, just a 10 minute drive away, is extensively equipped and offers 24-hour emergency services and a multi-lingual voluntary interpreter service and a new private hospital in Estepona, Hospiten, is about a twenty-minute drive from Elviria.
Marbella
Marking the midway point between Málaga and Sotogrande, Marbella is a sophisticated blend of high society, exclusive shopping and seaside neigbourhoods, bathed in some of the most consistently sunny weather in Europe. Leading the wave of residential and commercial development on the Costa del Sol for much of the last twenty years, Marbella has risen from the ranks of a quiet fishing village to become Andalucía's most popular and renowned resort thanks to a pleasant combination of culture, commerce and sun that is difficult to beat. That combination has helped draw an array of visitors from across the world giving Marbella a uniquely international personality in the heart of Spain's most traditional region.
First developed as a hideaway for those in search of a discreet brand of luxury, Marbella has evolved into a varied collection of elegant residential areas surrounding a busy central business district and the famous Golden Mile; a lengthy stretch of the town's most exclusive shops, hotels, restaurants and residences, including the late Saudi King Fahd's palatial estate. Extending into the foothills towards the La Concha mountain peak, Marbella's Sierra Blanca neighbourhood showcases some of Andalucía's finest architectural treasures, with breathtaking villas set high above the town's long coastline. Presenting a more accessible side to the famous locale, Marbella's centre is a dynamic blend of family-friendly restaurants and shops, surrounding the peaceful Alameda Park and the narrow streets and orange-tree lined plazas of its fabulous Old Town.
The cultural centre of Marbella, the Old Town welcomes visitors throughout the year to a number of local festivals and celebrations and to see clear remnants of the town's rich history. Marbella's seaside promenade is one of the Costa del Sol's busiest and most popular, attracting a steady stream of families and younger visitors to its long line of cafes, tapas bars, boutiques and ice-cream parlours.
Healthy, wealthy and wise
As the focal point for much of the attention and activity along the Costa del Sol, Marbella has no shortage of services and amenities, including the Costa del Sol Hospital and countless smaller private medical and aesthetic centres such as the famous Molding Clinic. The town's diverse population has resulted in a number of international schools opening their doors in Marbella, including St. Javier's and Swan's international primary schools and The English International College. Additional educational programmes are available in neighbouring Nueva Andalucía at the Aloha College. Several sports facilities, ranging from high-end gyms to municipal soccer pitches can be found across town as well as a number of public parks and green spaces, ideal for jogging or an evening stroll, including the Paco Cantos Deportivo Park, offering spectacular views overlooking the town centre. Banking and financial investment offices are spread throughout town as are a number of chemists open 24 hours a day.
Stepping out
Brimming with activity throughout the year, it's not necessary to wait for the June town fair for a good time – though it's definitely not to be missed either. Cafes, bars and award-winning restaurants, including two Michelin star establishments, fill the town centre and extend out in every direction, providing an endless supply of dining and leisure choices, whatever your taste might be. From the quaint plaza cafes of the Old Town to the renowned eateries along the Golden Mile and on to the beachside "chiringuitos" serving the freshest seafood, Marbella really is a culinary adventure. The town's nightlife follows a similar path, providing an ideal night out for just about anyone. Look out for some of the more exclusive and seasonal spots down the Golden Mile such as the summer-only Suite del Mar and the famously sophisticated Olivia Valére night club and exclusive eatery.
Stretching far beyond the town centre, Marbella's beaches are some of the most active on the Coast, offering all sorts of activities to choose from, including the NH Hotel's beachside chiringuito and Spain's one and only Nikki Beach day and night club and restaurant. While widely known for its social activities, Marbella also boasts an increasingly active arts and culture scene, including a number of private galleries, the Ralli Museum, and the annual Marbella Jazz Festival each May when locations across town are turned into temporary music venues. Marbella also provides a wide variety of family-friendly activities including jet ski rentals, beach attractions and plenty of shopping opportunities, both in town and at the La Cañada commercial centre, located at its north end.
Puerto Banús
Established by Jose Banús almost four decades ago, in hopes of creating one of the most exclusive marinas in Europe, Puerto Banús has become far more than its creator ever could have dreamed. Situated on Marbella's western edge, the stylish and chic enclave has emerged from its decades in the spotlight as an elegant and fun centre of shopping and beach-side activity. A magnet for families and fun-seekers alike, Puerto Banús has become the Costa del Sol's busiest and most renowned resort community thanks to its charmingly affluent personality and a stream of activity that runs steadily throughout the year.
Built around the acclaimed marina that can moor up to 915 boats, Puerto Banús' small section of coast is lined with traditionally designed, low-rise white-washed buildings, home to high-profile eateries and shops selling some of the most sought-after designer labels in the world. From Dior to Dolce & Gabbana, Puerto Banús' front line is fashion at its finest, though a host of more accessible boutiques do indeed exist. A well-travelled seaside walkway also provides a chance to take part in the 'see and be seen' game favoured by the port's famous and not-so-famous visitors. Beyond the renowned marina, Puerto Banús is an impeccably well-kept collection of residential and shopping centres, set beneath the shadow of the famous La Concha mountain peak, providing a breathtaking backdrop to the local skyline. Flanked on either side by long beaches and seaside bars, such as the exclusive Ocean Club, Puerto Banús is a centre of water sports and other warm-weather activities, blessed by sunshine throughout much of the year.
Healthy, wealthy and wise
Connecting Marbella, San Pedro de Alcántara and Nueva Andalucía, Puerto Banús is ideally placed to make the most of its neighbours' amenities and services. However, the majority of the needs of non-Spanish residents can be met without ever leaving the glamorous enclave. Thanks to the town's long-established relationship with some of Europe's more exclusive residents, Puerto Banús has no shortage of financial institutions, including banks and currency conversion offices.
While Puerto Banús is composed mostly of commercial and residential centres, two of the Coast's finest international schools can be found no more than five minutes drive from the Marina. Nueva Andalucía's Aloha School and San Pedro de Alcántara's King's College both provide classes for international students from age 3-18. Marbella's fully-equipped public Costa del Sol Hospital can provide medical attention to those living in and around Puerto Banús, while a host of smaller private clinics can see to any additional medical or aesthetic needs.
Stepping out
Known as much for its nightlife as for the yachts moored in its famous marina, Puerto Banús has become a favourite spot for those in search of an exciting night out on the town. Home to a wide variety of clubs, cafes, discos and the Casino Marbella, Puerto Banús comes alive most evenings (and virtually every night of the week during the summer months) as revellers are given the chance to experience the beautifully lit marina until the early morning and sometimes even later. Low-key pubs and internationally known discos, such as Dreamer's Nightclub, share the Puerto Banús nightlife, providing something for everyone. Beyond the marina however, a more family-friendly Puerto Banús has emerged with cinemas, restaurants and shopping that can be enjoyed day or night.
An ideal destination for those in search of a golfing holiday, Puerto Banús is immediately surrounded by a number of courses, including neighboring Nueva Andalucía's famed Golf Valley. Golf clubs such as Las Naranjos and Aloha gives players the chance to tee off just minutes from the central plaza. One of many held each week on the Costa del Sol, Puerto Banús's outdoor market is a local favourite, extending from the gates of the Marina, into Nueva Andalucía each Saturday morning.