Despite catering predominantly to high net worth tourists, some argue this Spanish seaside destination has turned into an expensive and overcrowded nightmare
In spite of new tourist regulations and a likely tepid local reception, most UK tourists are still determined to descend onto Spanish beaches this summer.
However, it may not be a dip in hospitality that keeps some holiday regulars away. As Spanish resorts have grown in popularity and tourist commerce has exploded, travellers have complained that Spanish beaches have become exploitatively expensive, unkempt and an “outright scam”. And British tourists are calling out one popular seaside destination in particular.
The Marina in Puerto Banús is located in Marbella and known to attract a high net worth clientele of partiers and yachters. One of the most popular luxury ports in the world, the Puerto Banús Marina is ripe with over 100 luxury brands to shop, offering personal shopping experiences and a bustling promenade of designer retailers. The marina is also known for hosting high-end pool parties and the infamous Autobello Marbella, a supercar show that brings affluent car enthusiasts to Marbella. The procession of the luxury fleet passing through Puerto Banús is a key attraction every August.
Additionally, those more keen on sea than shopping can charter luxury yachts or sailboats in Puerto Banús to enjoy a day on the Mediterranean or sunbathe on one of the nearby beaches.
Despite sounding like the ultimate luxury playground, British tourists are calling out the marina for being exploitative of tourists and poorly maintained. One reviewer on TripAdvisor writes: “This is the most overrated site I have ever visited. The streets are filthy and full of people selling c*** and fake items. The restaurants are crowded and look cheap and outdated and honestly, suspicious…If at any point in time Puerto Banus was classy or beautiful, that time has passed a long time ago.
Another reviewer writes: “Puerto Banus is marketed as a high end millionaire type marina – it was absolutely awful – couldn’t believe how tacky, dirty & unkept it was.” It should be noted that many negative reviews called out the marina for being overcrowded and attracting rowdy groups or stag-doers. As well, some argue that the unkempt areas and infrastructure are a direct result of over-tourism.
Many positive reviewers urge that there is still beauty to be found at this marina and advise that it’s still worth a visit, just maybe a short one.
One TripAdvisor reviewer awarded the beach 4 stars, writing: “Puerto Banus, known for its richness and high class, is a wonderful marina. Even though in my opinion a bit overrated, it’s still worth a visit if you are on holiday in the Costa Del Sol…The marina itself is quite picturesque along the coast and it has 2 lovely beaches on either side. Its not really worth anything more than an hour for a good explore of the marina, unless you are going to pay the up-end prices for a meal or window shop in the high-end clothing shops, but it is worth a look.”
For those keen on enjoying the stunning harbour at sunset or photographing the fleets of supercars and luxury yachts, the marina offers plenty to admire.
