Puerto Banus time

After the port city feel of Cadiz, we went to the other end of the spectrum. Some folks who have a house in Hythe Marina near ours also own an apartment in Puerto Banus. They foolishly said that we could use it. Clearly they don't know us very well.

The drive from Cadiz was a shortish one and we arrived on a glorious day, found the reserved underground parking spot and went into the apartment to find this view from the terrace:

We kind of knew that it was going to be an excellent week....  After a quick wander around the marina (you just have to go and see the boats) we ate then returned for a very cosy evening in the impressive apartment, Breakfast the next day, and on subsequent days, was out on one of the terraces:

The marina is hardly shy and retiring about itself:

and there are some surprisingly open areas of water inside the big breakwater - it isn't totally crammed with berths:

The signpost directing you to the shops in the marina area give you a hint of the conspicuous wealth that you will encounter in the place:

as does the name of this shop -kind of an "if you've got it, flaunt it" thing we guess:

Ironically, that shop was closed and empty!  In the town you can indulge your passion for rather fast and exclusive cars should you so wish:

Mind you, some of the potholes in today's roads might prove painful in one of those and possibly very very expensive too. More for posing and track days than to drive around in. Talking of flashing the cash, some folks are clearly born with money and some taste as this is one of the nicest Rolls Royce colour and trim combinations in the humble opinion of the captain (remember that he used to be involved with the factory at Goodwood). Sadly the owner had to spoil it with a tacky registration plate:

This owner was more restrained:

Wall to wall AMG Mercedes G Wagens. Porsche - common. Range Rovers too. We did admire one guy who drove through the marina, past all the up-market shops and monster yachts in his Dacia. We think he was a cleaner.

The town has a great beach area too and we made the most of the promenade walk in both directions:

We loved the apartment and the people watching opportunities. The weather was great and the weekend market was thriving. Somehow this eatery didn't quite fit with the "playground of the wealthy" vibe:

and for the common folks, there were even some fast food places. A fascinating mix. On our last day we really did not want to leave this:

but Granada beckoned. Well, to be more precise we had booked a hotel there and pre-paid so we felt we should go.