Marbella Shopping Route

Marbella is the play ground of the rich and famous, with its swanky hotels, world class restaurants and breathtaking yachts, people flock from all over the globe to get a glimpse of this lavish vacation spot and stroll along the glamourous harbour that is Puerto Banus.

People don’t just come to Marbella for the sun, sea and sights however, Marbella is home to some of the worlds best designer shops. So when visiting Marbella you need only three things: a designer bikini to flaunt at the renowned beach clubs by day, a pair of killer heels to strut along the port in come night fall, and least we forget, your credit card, which you will need at all times!

Shop till your hearts content, and your purse is considerably lighter, in some on Marbella’s best retail hotspots and come home with not only an enviable tan, but also a wardrobe to die for.

Here are my must sees for some serious summer shopping…

El Corte Inglés

Marbella’s answer to Selfridges, El Corte Inglés is a must see in the shopping scene of Marbella. This vast department store is home to designers such as Michael Kors, Burberry and Emilio Pucci, but also offers up classic brands such as Ralph Lauren and Swarovski.

Here you will find everything you need; from the latest trends in fashion, to the most luxurious home wear and the children’s section cannot be missed, here you will find the most beautiful infant and children fashions, along with classic leather shoes that exude spanish style.

The champagne bar and food court, which is adjacent to the world foods department, offers shoppers a touch of luxury while they shop and the comfortable air-conditioned facilities ensure your visit will most definitely be a pleasurable one.

A large supermarket, travel agency, opticians and an impressively large electronic department, are also all under one roof. El Corte Inglés really is a one stop shop.

Marbella Old Town

For a truly spanish experience head to the old town in Marbella, here you will find the best in bespoke leather goods and interesting jewelled finds.

Stroll the cobbled streets in the evening when the suns heat has finally given way to a majestic warm starry night, enjoy dinner in a quaint restaurant and slip red wine while enjoying a slower, much more relaxed shopping experience.

This is also the perfect place to put your language skills to the test and really get to know the locals. If your are looking for unique traditional gifts, Old Town will not disappoint.

Puerto Banus

Puerto Banus truly is the Pièce de résistance. A shoppers paradise, the harbour at Puerto Banus is lined with the worlds best designer stores. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford and Cartier are among the elite and the window displays are stunning.

In the port the cars are fast, the yachts are huge, the wallets are bulging and everyone is glamorous.

If it’s big bucks your looking to spend Puerto Banus is the place for you. But, if like me, your budget doesn’t quite stretch to a Chanel Chain bag and Tom ford shoes, simply window shop and enjoy the show. That is what Puerto Banus is all about after all, it’s a spectacle. Take a seat in Sinatra’s bar, treat yourself to a glass of the bubbly stuff and look on at the people who pass you by, admire the fashion and riches that surround you and vow to save for that Chanel bag next year.

Sophie Maguire