When a youthful Julio Iglesias sang to the 1700 invited guests – including Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco – a new era began on the Costa del Sol with the official opening of Puerto Banús. The brainchild of José Banús, the new sporting harbour quickly became the focal point of all that was glamorous and chic. From those extravagant beginnings in 1970, Puerto Banús is today a cosmopolitan centre of shopping, gastronomy and nightlife.

The original port was a relatively small affair with essentially a front line on the harbour and a second line with bars and boutiques. In recent years the areas to either side and behind the port have been developed and now house some of the most luxurious apartments to be found on the Coast.

A stroll through the port takes one past a dazzling array of the top designer brands, a greater concentration of top names than can be found anywhere in the world. Tommy Hilfiger, Dolce Gabbana, Loewe, Dior, Hermes, Versace, La Perla, Gianfranco Ferre, Emporio Armani, Hermés, Lacoste, Valentino – the list reads like a who’s who of the fashion world.

In fact, for those who like to shop till they drop Puerto Banús is the ultimate challenge. Because in addition to the designer shops in the port itself, the back line now boasts the Cristamar and the Marina Banús shopping centres and one of the largest El Corte Inglés department stores in Spain.

To keep you going there are restaurants, cafeterias and bars throughout the port with a truly international flavour. Whatever type of food you might fancy – you’ll find it in Puerto Banús. Enjoy one of the most fabulous seafood platters, or simply snack on Caviar. Try Thai or sample sushi. Catch a kebab or grab a burger – the choice is endless.

Just across the main road, to the north of the port is Nueva Andalucia, commonly known as the Golf Valley, not surprisingly, given the five golf courses within minutes of one another. A favourite with golfers and non-golfers alike there are more restaurants and bars to discover as well as the street market which gathers around the Puerto Banús bull ring every Saturday morning and has become something of an institution with both residents and visitors.

The relaxed atmosphere of Puerto Banus is one which is hard to find elsewhere in the world. As the playground of Europe it has a charm and sophistication which is intoxicating. As a place to make your home it is a delight.