The taste of spain, Fabulous Marina town of Puerto Banus

Puerto Banus in Marbella, Spain has, for almost 40 years, prided itself as one of the (ital) destinations for the jet-set and super rich. And on first view it does indeed seem that a bulging bank balance is a pre-requisite for enjoying a stay at, or near, one of Europe’s most famous harbours. Lined with cool bars, high-end restaurants and buzzing cafes, Puerto Banus exudes wealth – with million dollar yachts, look-at-me cars, premier shopping outlets and even a Salvador Dali public statue making it feel like an exclusive and almost inevitably pricey place to spend a family holiday. However, from personal experience, I can confirm that this is only half the story. Expensive, yes, but not prohibitively so, Puerto Banus has been an annual pilgrimage for generations of my clan. Starting with my parents, then my wife and I and now a holiday unit which includes grandparents and children, the port provides a fun, relaxed and above-all quality holiday experience. While the younger crowd head to the “second row” of clubs and bars that throb a minute or so back from the marina’s edge, families tend to stick to the front, where taking in the luxurious surroundings, perhaps over a cold drink or two, is the order of the day. The infamous Sinatra’s bar is always crowded with ex-pats, some rather “roguish”, all incredible characters. But more affordable and less embarrassingly British is Salduba next door. With plenty of seats right on one of the busiest corners of the port, this is the perfect spot to people-watch over a coffee or beer. And obviously key to any family holiday is the variety, quality and, yes, value for money of the restaurants on offer. This is where Puerto Banus really comes into its own. Feeling extravagant? Treat yourself to a meal at Pravda, a contemporary restaurant situated on the “front line” amongst some of the world’s luxurious clothing retailers. It serves wonderful international cuisine and in the summer months opens its terracto offer great views of the boats in the port. However, for an affordable, genuinely continental experience overlooking the marina try the superb Los Bandidos. Always crowded and with a casual atmosphere, this restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating and has a chic 50s feel to it. The food is international (including Swedish and French cuisine) with meat and seafood particular specialities. The service is efficient and largely friendly and children are welcome – if they have room. However if Indian dining is your thing, I can recommend two restaurants Mumtaz and Khan’s at either end of the port. The former offers more traditional surroundings – a happy buzz and super-fast service while the latter is a much more fashionable affair with crisp lines, trendy waiting staff and more considered portions. However both are excellent places to take a family, the food is great and it won’t break the bank. Prefer a pizzeria? (who doesn’t like pizza?). Undoubtedly one of the more popular family restaurants in Puerto Banus is Picasso. Hardly ever without a queue outside, this large venue has a fantastically friendly ambience, funny waiters and excellent food. It does sometimes feel that the meal is hurried but with small children, sometimes that can be no bad thing. The grill house Jacks is a similar set-up but with an American diner/Tex-Mex theme. Quality steaks, burgers, fries and milkshakes are the menu’s staple and again children are very much welcome. One family tradition in Puerto Banus is an annual visit to Red Pepper and something I would recommend you try at least once. This family run Greek Tavern, though not cheap, provides great food and even better service. It really is like sitting in the home of a traditional Greek family. Possibly our most favourite restaurant in the whole of Puerto Banus is the little heralded Japanese eateries Sakura. Situated a two minute walk away from the port on one of the main thoroughfares of the town (Avenida de los Jardines del Puerto), it has a sublime menu. Beautiful sushi and sashimi, super-tasty but light tempura, a wonderful variety of teriyaki are all must-haves. The surroundings are unfussy but attractive with a large dining room and outdoor terrace. It is more than reasonably priced. If you are happy to take a trip slightly further afield there are two restaurants you just must try. First take a trip out towards Estepona to find El Carnicero. It’s hard to locate (four minutes from the Cancelada turnoff) and you’ll need pretty specific directions but immediately upon arrival you won’t be disappointed. They specialise in steaks but our favourite part of the menu is undoubtedly the hot stones. Slivers of prime, tender meat are provided which you then season and cook yourself at the table. A variety of sauces are provided and the end result is a fabulously tasty and fun night out. Again the staff are friendly and actively encourage children to participate in the meal. Last but not least, no trip to Puerto Banus is complete without reserving a table at Toni Dalli’s on Marbella’s Golden Mile. Named after the owner who is a former world famous opera singer and “friend to the stars”, his beautiful restaurant is a treat for the ear as well as the taste buds, as Toni often serenades the diners, normally at weekends. All in all, Puerto Banus is a no-stress, entertaining family destination, especially for those looking for a wide range of cuisine at affordable prices. Over four million people visit the town and surrounding areas each year, and despite the recession, that number is growing. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, a year-round temperature of 19 degrees, and food to die for, why not try Puerto Banus for yourself?

FIRST-CLASS DESTINATION

Impressed with Puerto Banus? Then travel further up the coast for another ultimate boating holiday! Sant Carles Marina is located in a prime location in Catalonia for boating and holidaying in the Mediterranean. Ideally situated in Sant Carles de la Ràpita, on the edge of the Ebro Delta National Park and within a sheltered lagoon, it combines a traditional Spanish resort with the modern facilities expected of a first-class marina. Sant Carles Marina boasts full service pontoon berths with 24-hour, seven days a week staffing and security from experienced and trained staff. The exceptional leisure facilities and wide range of services include an infinity swimming pool, restaurant and bar, as well as an air-conditioned member’s lounge with lending library and WiFi service. For boat maintenance, a boatyard with 75 ton travel lift is available. Boat owners can relax in the marina with its stunning views, visit the nearby sandy beaches, or enjoy watersports and fishing in the sheltered lagoon nearby. Just outside the marina entrance is the Bay of Alfacs, protected by a sandbar which forms part of the Ebro Delta. The ten kilometre stretch of sheltered water makes the bay the ideal location for sailing, cruising, watersports, fishing or anchoring. Within the bay is the Chiringuito la Costa, a fabulously rustic bar/restaurant on stilts that is only accessible by boat and serves paellas, seafood, drinks and snacks. There are also a number of places to visit further afield, with various marinas and towns to visit up and down the coast. Sant Carles Marina is also perfectly situated for cruising to the Balearics, which are only 110 nautical miles away. For marina visitors wishing to see more of the attractions on land, Barcelona and Valencia are approximately two hours away by car.

To find out about special berthing packages currently available, please visit www.santcarlesmarina.com