Marbella Marina - La Badajilla Marbella’s Quietest port, But Not For Much longer
The port of La Badajilla otherwise known as Marbella Marina has long been in the shadows of its more glitzy cousin Puerto Banus which lies 7 kms west. Anyone who has paid a visit to Puerto Banus previously will know that it is the chosen location for celebrities, well-to-do folk, and anyone who wants to gaze in admiration at some pretty impressive yachts and indeed fast cars.
However very soon Marbella’s second port could also be playing host to its very own list of the rich and famous thanks to a massive cash injection.
Thanks to the present owner of Malaga Football Club, Quatari Sheikh Abdullah Ben Nasser El Thani, the second Marbella Marina will see a cash injection of some 400 million Euros. The money will be spent on the construction of a new cruise ship terminal, an extension to the port and a 200 metre length quay to attract cruise ships.
Once the work is complete (around 2015) it will bring a new form of tourism to the shores of Marbella in the shape of the cruise ship passenger. In addition there are also plans for the newly revamped Marina to have shops, bars and restaurants plus a five star hotel.
This is undoubtedly a major undertaking and will totally change the look of the eastern end of the city. Furthermore it is set to bring La Badajilla in line with its glitzy sister.
The idea to give the smaller Marbella Marina a facelift is to bring more tourists to the city. Even though it already has a thriving tourist trade the investment is said to hopefully attract a larger number of high end clientèle as a result development bosses have been instructed to ‘put the new marina on the map’.
In addition an old industrial estate which once dominated the eastern side of Marbella and has done for decades will be demolished in order to create space for a new high end urban development including lots of parkland and shady walkways.
City bosses are also in talks with central government to see about Marbella having a direct service with the AVE (high speed fast train) which will eventually connect the city with places such as Madrid and Barcelona.
Whilst this is something that will truly stamp Marbella’s position on the tourist map, if you happen to pay a visit before 2015, then Puerto Banus is still worth a visit.
Here you can take a walk down the quay and you can get up close and personal with some pretty impressive super-yachts. Or gaze in amazement as you will see Ferrari after Lamborghini after Aston Martin. It’s a kind of ‘who’s who’ of super-cars.
Or if window shopping is your thing, then why not take a passing glimpse at shops such as Prada, Louis Vuitton and Dolce and Gabana. Surprisingly lesser mere mortals can still afford to eat and drink here, although be prepared to pay a little more than other Spanish resorts and what’s better than to sit at a quayside bar or restaurant on the (for now) glitziest Marbella Marina and watch the world go by.
