Marbella - Puerto Banus

[7kingsguy]

Hi All,
I am off to Spain tomorrow staying in a hotel in Puerto banus, which is a few miles south along the coast from Marbella.

I am keen to buy some sticks when Im over there, just wondering if anyone knows anywhere nearby. Im hoping to get across to Gibraltar one day too, but without a car, how easy is it?

Thanks for any advice!

[Simon Bolivar]

Morning 7K, I have actually been to Puerto Banus, my Uncle's Spanish wife comes from there & we visted her family whilst we staying with them in Fengurola. Didn't have anytime for cigar shoping in PB but every town in Spain has it's tabac & Habanos will only supply shops with proper humidification, these day that's usually a walk in humi. Certianly plently of choice in Marbella. I believe there is a bus that goes into Gib dailY? Can C.A. or other travellers enlighten us?

[El Catador]

As already mentioned, most good Tabacs (of which there are many) carry a reasonable stock of both Cuban and N.C cigars.
Due to pricing regulations they tend to be fairly standardised in price wherever you go (in Spain).

This is one of the better known B&M's in 'Marbs'.. http://www.habanocubancigars.com/eng/home.asp ..although there are a few smaller outlets (kiosks) in P.B. itself.. if you don't fancy a trek out.

It's also worth noting that most the frontline bars and restaurants in P.B. still allow smoking.
Good times!

All that being said, it's still well worth a visit to Gib.. prices there are significantly cheaper (plus you can also pick up H&F stock, UK regionals, etc.). The border can be a bit tricky at times if you're travelling in/out by car.. the best option is to cross over on foot and make a morning/afternoon of it. Plenty of other good shopping, restaurants etc.

Have fun.. stay safe..
.. and kill anyone you meet from Essex!

[tippexx]

Have fun.. stay safe..
.. and kill anyone you meet from Essex!

SevenK was in Essex when I was a kid!

Some hotels will also sell Cubans, but they'll be more pricy than from a Tabac.

[whisky77]

Some great little shops to be found along the small towns in that area. Keen prices as well. Fill your suitcase.

[bfg84]

i havent been to Puerto banus since i was a kid so cant coment on the cigar front, i do however remember being impressed at the amount of super cars parked by the harbour!

hope you have a good time

[7kingsguy]

Thanks chaps. Gib might be an option, but I wont be driving so it will have to be a bus ride. I have found a bus going from marbella, but not sure if it stops near me on the way! The spanish public transport websites are awful compared to tfl etc...

[7kingsguy]

SevenK was in Essex when I was a kid!

Some hotels will also sell Cubans, but they'll be more pricy than from a Tabac.

Unfortunately it is, but I was born in Surrey so I use that in my defence!

[Pipe Dude]

I can't add to the above, but have fun and don't forget to buy some Iberico Bellota ham (it's just awesome).

[Stevieboy]

This info is handy as I'm off to Marbella in 4 weeks. I've hired a car so Gib is a definite.

[Pipe Dude]

(Just in case you don't already know)

Don't bother driving across the border into Gib. Stay in La Linea, drive past the customs checkpoints and turn left for cheap, all-day underground car parking. It's then a 5 min walk to Casemates. On the other hand, the petrol is also dirt cheap in Gib (as well as the cigars). If you enjoy driving, and I mean actually physically driving, not just sight-seeing, the road from San Pedro de Alcantara to Ronda is absolutely stunning (and the scenery ain't bad either).

[Dherm]

Pipe Dude, ever thought of becoming a travel writer? Reading that made me want to jump on a plane and get down there and hire a car! Move over Judith Charmers!

[7kingsguy]

Hi there, just to report back, holiday almost over but Ive had some great smokes and cocktails in the sun. Highlights include the Ramon Allones Extra, CAO Brazilia Anaconda, a local vega fina, and some really decent Jose l Piedra petit cazadores I picked up locally.

Also picked up some Partagas connie 1s in marbella, some regional Sancho Panza big boys, a sanchos, a LGC No. 3 and quite a few more.

Off to gib tomorrow! Went on monday but it was a bloody local bank holiday! So going back for a quick cigar trip.

[Ryan]

If you are driving to Gib, park on the Spanish side in La Linea and walk across. Get there early, don't go on a Saturday.
Driving in and out of Gib is a real pain. You'll see queues of cars as you're leaving.
If you have Google Earth type of thing, park here.

Latitude 36? 9'26.92"N
Longitude 5?21'10.75"W

Parking is ?1 per hour (there are machines) for up to six hours.
It's a ten minute walk from that spot to the boarder.
When you walk through customs, get the tourist bus to Casemates Square (5 mins), walk diagonally through the square and you're 50 yards from the shop you want to go to..
Get a ?2 day pass for the bus when you get on. Bring ?2 with you.
50 cigars per person and 1 litre of spirits allowed out. Spanish customs are pretty vigilant though I've never been checked for cigars and always kick myself, still I know the first time I go over my limit I'd be checked.
Don't forget your passport.

[Stevieboy]

Brilliant advice amigo. As i'm a 1st timer, that'll come in handy for sure

If you are driving to Gib, park on the Spanish side in La Linea and walk across. Get there early, don't go on a Saturday.
Driving in and out of Gib is a real pain. You'll see queues of cars as you're leaving.
If you have Google Earth type of thing, park here.

Latitude 36? 9'26.92"N
Longitude 5?21'10.75"W

Parking is ?1 per hour (there are machines) for up to six hours.
It's a ten minute walk from that spot to the boarder.
When you walk through customs, get the tourist bus to Casemates Square (5 mins), walk diagonally through the square and you're 50 yards from the shop you want to go to..
Get a ?2 day pass for the bus when you get on. Bring ?2 with you.
50 cigars per person and 1 litre of spirits allowed out. Spanish customs are pretty vigilant though I've never been checked for cigars and always kick myself, still I know the first time I go over my limit I'd be checked.
Don't forget your passport.