Visiting La Herradura in Granada – More than 10 things to do and see

La Herradura, a paradise on the Granada coast, awaits you with pristine beaches, family-friendly activities and a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. Discover what to see in La Herradura and what to do in La Herradura, from diving in its crystal-clear waters to exploring its natural trails. Situated in Almunecar, just 50 minutes from Malaga, it’s a region rich in culture and perfect for lovers of diving, hiking and tranquillity.

Discovering La Herradura

La Herradura, whose name of Castilian origin comes from the shape of its bay, is a town in Almunecar in Granada, quite popular during the summer season. It is located next to the town of Maro in Nerja, and is also near the Sierra de Almijara; the area stands out for its vegetation and unspoilt coastal areas. It is a destination especially recommended for diving enthusiasts, due to the corals and endangered species that can be found under its coastal waters.

Urbanisations in La Herradura

The urbanisations are usually located in sparsely populated areas, surrounded by a natural and peaceful environment very close to the coast and many tourist attractions, as we will see below. Here are the most notable ones:

• Cantarrijan: Next to the nudist beach, ideal for nature lovers.
• Los Carmenes del Mar: Modern and close to the coast, with spectacular views.
• Cerro Gordo: In the heart of the Natural Park, perfect for hiking.
• La Marina del Este: Near the marina, ideal for water activities.
• Punta de la Mona: Exclusive, with access to the lighthouse and the hermitage.
• Las Palomas: Quiet, ideal for families.
• Others: Los Corrales, La Cuesta del Marchante, El Enclave, Mezquita, El Nogal, Pena Parda, San Antonio, San Nicolas, Las Terrazas.

If you don’t have a residence in one of La Herradura’s urbanisations, you might be interested in camping. There are two main campsites in the area with beach access:

• https://goo.gl/maps/UAbTuX25nhxSHLF87
• https://goo.gl/maps/MRpdw4STQNMiGaJB8

The Best Beaches in La Herradura

La Herradura, in Granada, is famous for its pristine beaches, ideal for families, divers and nature lovers. Here are the best beaches in La Herradura that you can’t miss:

Cantarrijan Beach

Surrounded by cliffs in the Cerro Gordo Natural Park, this nudist beach is famous for its tranquillity and crystal-clear waters. Ideal for families and divers. Access: On foot from the car park. Tip: Bring comfortable shoes for the descent.

Calaiza Beach

A hidden gem in the Cerro Gordo Natural Reserve, this beach is ideal for those seeking peace and nature. Access: Short trail from the road. Tip: Perfect for a relaxing day without crowds.

La Herradura Beach

Considered one of the best beaches in Granada, La Herradura Beach combines dark sand and gravel with a promenade full of restaurants and bars. It is perfect for families and offers diving and kayak equipment rental. Access: Easy by car or on foot. Tip: Visit it early in summer to avoid crowds.

It is 4 metres wide and its sand is a mix of gravel and dark sand. It has a promenade and its occupancy is high during the summer. It can be accessed on foot, by car or by boat.

La Playilla

Visitors define it as a paradisiacal beach with a wide variety of fauna. It is easily accessible and its crystal-clear waters are located just after La Herradura Beach.

Marina del Este Beach

One of the favourite beaches for divers who come and go from the car park. It is a popular beach in summer and is located very close to the Marina, where there is a diving equipment rental service and instructors.

What to See and Do in La Herradura: 10+ Activities

The La Herradura area, being located in a natural environment of great value, offers a multitude of places that we can visit. Let’s get to know a few of these places so that when you visit La Herradura, you know exactly where you want to go.

Cueva de las Palomas

Do you like the beach and water sports? Then you should visit the Cueva de las Palomas, accessible by kayak, as you have to reach its interior by water. Located to the south of the cliffs of the Cerro Gordo Natural Park, we find this opening about 15 metres high and 4 metres wide, which you can enter up to 8 metres deep from the sea’s surface.

It is undoubtedly a spectacle in turquoise waters that you should not miss. If you need to rent a kayak or want to participate in adventure activities, you can check out Nimo Aventura.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Pa5ph2r4vC8GAovLA

Cerro Gordo Watchtower and Viewpoint

The Cerro Gordo Watchtower is located in a natural setting with beautiful views of the surrounding pristine beaches. Built during the 16th century to defend the local population from possible attacks, it is part of a complex that can be found all along the coast. They communicated with each other by means of smoke produced by bonfires that were lit when they detected invaders.

They recommend visiting it at sunset for the impressive views from the place.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/RK4rcUkGKtvTn5iD7, https://goo.gl/maps/tMc74pAydQmr85C67, https://goo.gl/maps/JooMp41URqV4SEwv7

Castillo de la Herradura

This fortification is in a good state of preservation and is also a museum. In the past it was used as barracks and a defensive fortress against invasions by sea. Its cannons are still preserved, pointing towards the coast, awaiting a pirate incursion that will never come.

It was built during the 18th century because of constant pirate raids and housed around 27 people, including a chaplain. It was in use from its construction around the year 1765 until 2003. Finally, it was decided to restore it, maintaining its original spirit.

Opening hours: From 9:30 to 13:30 and from 17:30 to 20:30. It is closed on Tuesdays.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JpyVyUvpmqLf3bgj7

La Herradura Lighthouse

Just 2 kilometres from the La Herradura castle is this lighthouse, also known as the Faro de Punta de Mona, due to its location. Although if we visit it we will notice that the construction is not too old, it is based on a historical foundation of great value. In this same place there was a Muslim defensive tower on which the current one would be built, dating from the 18th century.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/T5w8bqZeDuK7Xt6U6

The Hermitage in Punta de la Mona

Very close to the lighthouse, you can find the Hermitage, from which you can see the La Herradura Lighthouse. From this place we will have wonderful panoramic views of Almunecar and we will be able to see as far as Nerja to the west and Motril or Salobrena to the east.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/xdzshoKjjmrZDYTE8

Marina del Este Marina

The Marina is a quiet place during the low season and is one of the starting points for many who seek to live adventures under the sea. From here you can rent diving equipment or a boat to sail along the coast of Granada.

It is a charming place with restaurants open until late at night, in case you fancy a dinner by the sea in Almunecar. During the weekends it is usually difficult to park in the area, so if you want we can take you.

Location: https://g.page/marinadleste?share

Flor de Hierro

This historic monument, more than 35 years old, is a symbol of the town and gives access to Punta de la Mona.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/3K3xhhwd2xw9Um9s7

Mirador del Penon del Lobo

From this viewpoint you can enjoy spectacular views of the La Herradura Port, both day and night. If you want to take a spectacular photograph, visit this place during the full moon. It is part of a hiking trail, which are so abundant in this area of Almunecar.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/8AoN9s1eCEUNQfVd7

Diving in La Herradura

As we have already mentioned, La Herradura is a paradise for diving in La Herradura. There are numerous places that offer all the necessary equipment to spend a day under its turquoise waters and discover its marine depths.

Among the most outstanding places to dive are:

• Piedra del Hombre: https://goo.gl/maps/kw8UNNxgZ6RtwqPa7
• El Salto: https://goo.gl/maps/fTs5vmFD5hNoKQaP6
• La Calita: https://goo.gl/maps/2CWAB6w5qS5y8s8j9
• Cueva de los Gigantes: https://goo.gl/maps/GRr8b2bio2CsWAiX9

If you need diving equipment or want to go with instructors to the main diving spots in La Herradura, you can take a look at the following resources:

• www.buceonatura.com – Buceonatura in La Herradura Granada
• https://goo.gl/maps/HTpfWLe4XtDKPTkk6 – In the Marina.
• openwater.es – Near the La Herradura Campsite

Go hiking in La Herradura

Without a doubt, this natural environment has a lot to offer hiking lovers. You will find numerous trails that offer spectacular views of the entire area, both on the west and east sides.

Promenade: With a length of 6.42 km, it is an easy walk with no elevation gain for all ages. Along this route we will get to know the coast of La Herradura. We can eat at any of the restaurants and beach bars that we will find along the way. The estimated duration is a little over 1 hour at a good pace, with children it can be extended to 2 hours.

Cerro Gordo Watchtower Trail: In the places to visit we have recommended the Cerro Gordo Tower. We can start the route where the Cerro Gordo Viewpoint Restaurant is located and continue on foot until we reach the tower 1 kilometre away. https://goo.gl/maps/SLvYgFN2qKN6mzJh8

Hermitage, Faro de la Mona and Punta de la Mona: We can start this route from the hermitage, pass by the lighthouse and reach Punta de la Mona. An easy route of just under an hour. https://goo.gl/maps/xdzshoKjjmrZDYTE8

There are many more hiking routes that we encourage you to discover, from the Mirador del Penon del Lobo to the Cerro Gordo cliffs.

Fancy a film at a summer cinema?

In La Herradura there is also a place where films are projected outdoors at night, in case you fancy doing something different.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/kcWX8bo8VFbUrFo36

What to Do in La Herradura with Children

La Herradura is an ideal destination for families. Here are some ideas for what to do in La Herradura with children:

• La Herradura Beach: With calm waters and services, perfect for children to play and swim.
• Kayaking in the Cueva de las Palomas: A safe water adventure with instructors from Nimo Aventura.
• Promenade: An easy 6.42 km trail with restaurants and sea views, ideal for families.
• Summer cinema: Open-air films on summer nights (See map).

What to See Near La Herradura

Expand your experience by exploring destinations near La Herradura:

• Nerja: Discover the Nerja Caves and the Balcon de Europa (More info).
• Almunecar: Visit its old town and the Roman aqueduct.
• Salobrena: Explore its Arab castle with sea views.

1-Day Itinerary in La Herradura

If you have a day, here is a perfect plan to enjoy what to see in La Herradura:

• Morning: Relax on La Herradura Beach, go snorkelling and have lunch at a beach bar.
• Afternoon: Visit the Castillo de La Herradura and the Mirador de Cerro Gordo at sunset.
• Night: Dinner at the Puerto Deportivo Marina del Este and enjoy a night walk.

Taxi transfer to La Herradura in Almunecar

We can take you to La Herradura with our transfer service, where you can spend the day and we can bring you back if you wish.

We also offer a transfer service from Malaga airport to Las Palomas, or any other urbanisation in La Herradura where you are staying. Do you dare to discover a wonderful destination like La Herradura? You can book in advance without obligation or advance payments, this way you ensure that we will be available on the day you need us.

Frequently Asked Questions about La Herradura

Discover more about this paradise in Granada with our answers to common questions.