La Herradura – the Costa Tropical's hidden gem

Surrounded by green mountain slopes and the Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo nature reserve, La Herradura is an ideal destination for those looking for a quieter experience than the bigger resort towns on the Costa del Sol.

What can you experience?
Playa de La Herradura
The town's nearly two-kilometre-long beach consists of dark sand and pebbles. The calm, clear water makes the beach perfect for a relaxing day of swimming or dinner at one of the restaurants along the promenade.

Diving and snorkelling
La Herradura is considered one of Spain's best diving spots. The clear water and rich marine life attract both beginners and experienced divers. Several dive centres offer introductory courses, guided dives and snorkelling trips.

Kayaking and paddleboarding
From the beach you can rent kayaks or paddleboards and explore the beautiful coastline, with its hidden coves, sea caves and steep cliffs.

Marina del Este
Just a few minutes' drive from the centre lies the charming marina of Marina del Este. Here you'll find cafés, restaurants and a small beach with calm water – a great spot to enjoy lunch while looking out over the boats.

Nature and views

Cerro Gordo Nature Reserve
West of La Herradura lies the Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo nature reserve, where dramatic cliffs rise straight up out of the Mediterranean. From the Mirador de Cerro Gordo viewpoint you get one of the Costa Tropical's most beautiful panoramic views, looking along the coast towards both Nerja and Almuñécar.

History
La Herradura also has an exciting history. In 1562, the bay was hit by a violent storm in which most of the Spanish fleet, which had sought shelter in the bay, was wrecked. Over 5,000 sailors lost their lives in one of the largest maritime disasters in Spanish history. A monument on the promenade tells the story of this tragic event.