José Banús (1906-1984), a property developer, met architect Noldi Schreck, designer of the Beverly Hills neighbourhood; their collaboration gave rise to Puerto Banús, construction of which began in 1966.
History & origins
The port is named after its founder. Its double opening in 1970 (an official ceremony on 18 May, followed by a glamorous evening on 2 August bringing together 1,700 guests including Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly, with Julio Iglesias, then a young unknown, providing the music) firmly established its image as a gathering place for international high society.
Heritage & architecture
Unlike the Casco Antiguo, Puerto Banús is not an inherited heritage but architecture entirely designed in the 1960s, modelled on an Andalusian village with wide avenues and colourful gardens. It is one of Marbella municipality's 4 marinas. At the port's entrance, the monumental statue "La Victoria", a work by sculptor Zurab Tsereteli, serves as an iconic visual landmark. Calle Ribera concentrates upmarket shopping boutiques along the seafront.
Puerto Banús marina
Luxury marinaOne of the commune's 4.
Andalusian Mediterranean village
Architecture designed in 1966José Banús and Noldi Schreck.
"La Victoria" statue
Zurab TsereteliVisual landmark at the port entrance.
Calle Ribera
Upmarket shoppingAlong the seafront.
Culture & living traditions
The 1970 opening night firmly established the venue's glamorous reputation. Puerto Banús remains identified as a hub of nightlife and luxury shopping, in keeping with its original positioning.
Suggested itinerary
Morning · 9am-12pm: Marina and yachts
A stroll along the port, watching the moored yachts.
Afternoon · 12pm-5pm: Shopping and lunch
Seafront boutiques, lunch on a terrace facing the marina.
Evening · 5pm onwards: Nightlife
The port's restaurants and bars, an international atmosphere inherited from 1970.
Suggested itinerary, not field-tested.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Puerto Banús?
Property developer José Banús, in collaboration with architect Noldi Schreck.
Why did Puerto Banús have two openings in 1970?
An official ceremony on 18 May, followed by a glamorous launch on 2 August before Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly.
Did Julio Iglesias really perform at the opening?
Yes, he was then a little-known young singer.
What does the "La Victoria" statue at the port entrance represent?
A monumental work by sculptor Zurab Tsereteli, which has become a visual landmark of the port.
What architectural style is Puerto Banús?
An Andalusian-style Mediterranean village, designed from 1966 onwards.
How many marinas does Marbella have?
Four: Puerto Banús, the Puerto Deportivo, the Puerto de Cabopino and the Puerto de la Bajadilla.
