Puerto Banús, Marbella

The luxury marina just west of Marbella, built in 1970, where superyachts line the quays and supercars cruise past the designer boutiques. Even if you're not buying, people-watching from a waterside café is the attraction here, and the bars and clubs make it the centre of Costa del Sol nightlife until the early hours, especially in summer.

There's a beach next to the port, a big El Corte Inglés department store and plenty of restaurants. Buses run along the coast from Marbella town.