The importance of our local ports

Marbella is synonymous with Puerto Banus and has been for years.  Unfortunately far too often the things we value most tend to be get taken for granted.  Ironically it was the few out of line “drunksters” on the streets of the port that gave cause for us all to take a closer look and pay better attention to one of the worlds most famous, international marinas and realise that it was indeed beginning to feel and look a little neglected.

As I understand it El Corte Inglés sells more in it’s relatively small Puerto Banus store than any other in the country; a simple indication of the economic importance for our city that we maintain Puerto Banus’ image and status.  

It can’t be easy however to combine the needs and likes of the residents with the economic interests of the stores, restaurants bars and clubs.  One of the first initiatives by our recently returned Mayor Angeles Muñoz has been to address this very matter, meeting with the resident and business associations and implementing measures to ensure that Puerto Banus will continue to be a beacon and hub of international prosperity for many years to come; thanks to the collaboration of all concerned.

However Marbella has more than one port and Miguel Cardeña has been appointed as Councillor for beaches and ports with a clear plan to put all our ports on the tourists’ and local’s maps, to ensure they all optimise their economic and social potential.

The port in Cabopino is already adorable and the fishing port in our city centre has its own certain charm, but our main central port, the Puerto Deportivo, has almost become forgotten below the terraces that host all our traditional and multicultural events and the boardwalk that has opened up our coastline, taking everyone straight past the steps that lead down to so much!

Firstly, being in the very heart of our city you get the most spectacular views of Marbella’s coastline and of Gibraltar and African shores that you really can’t get anywhere else. 

The port also offers 377 berths and that is certainly a pretty sight to see.  The Marbella Marina also houses the Royal Yacht Club, established in 1956 with a members’ lounge and a great restaurant open to the public. 

There are also other lovely cafés, restaurants and bars and a variety of nautical and subacuatical activities to chose from, including big game fishing! 

Another plus for this marina is that it’s nestled between two of Marbella’s best beaches, the Playa del Faro (the Lighthouse beach, just by the lighthouse) and the Playa de la Venus.  On Sundays there is also a cute little market, with Spanish vendors selling artisan and hand-made items.

For those who live in the city centre this is a wonderful place to go, you don’t need a car, or to worry about parking or drinking and driving.  However as with Puerto Banus, the Town Hall has already held talks with the neighbours and local businesses to work out how best to coordinate the port activities with the needs of the neighbours who live in the prime front-line properties, so as to avoid conflict.  Again, not an easy task but if we all share the common goal, it can be done.