La Herradura is one of the few remaining unspoilt villages on the southern cost of Spain and offers a truly Spanish experience. The pueblo of La Herradura (The Horseshoe) takes its name from the shape of the bay it overlooks and enjoys over 2 kilometres of beach. On the eastern arm of the bay is the beautiful headland of Punta De La Mona and, to the west, the dramatic outcrop of the Cerro Gordo.

The village rises from the beachfront and has all the essential shops, banks and services one could need. Visitors delight in exploring the local indoor market and indulging in the delicious treats at the village bakery. There are two excellent pharmacies and a local health practice which will assist visitors in need. Larger supermarkets can be found in Almunecar and Nerja. There are numerous friendly bars with sunny terraces, where one can enjoy cooling drinks and tasty tapas. There is a great choice of restaurants, ranging from beachfront chiringitos, specializing in locally caught fish, to those offering international cuisine of a high standard.

Leisure activities. There are numerous possibilities for exciting leisure pursuits in the village. On the beach sailboards, canoes, dinghies, jet skis and pedalos can be hired ...one can even charter a crewed catamaran to explore the coast. La Herradura is a well known centre for scuba diving, and there are several schools offering expert tuition.

Tennis courts can be pre-booked in the village with courts at The Marine del Este, La Terrazas and Las Palomas. Horse riding is also available nearby. Hang gliding is another activity for
which the area is noted, with tuition courses available for beginners through to experts. There are also three golf courses within easy reach, Anorretta, Baviera and Los Mariscos.

Language schools are available for those seeking a more educational holiday, several schools offer intensive short Spanish language courses in the village. There are also classes in painting and creative arts available in the locality.

Winter holidays. La Herradura’s subtropical climate makes for an ideal holiday destination in winter. Sheltered by the local mountain range the average temperatures are usually several degrees warmer than the Costa Del Sol. Special rates can be negotiated for longer stays in winter.

Skiing on the Sierra Nevada is available in the winter months. This is close to Granada, an 80 minute drive. It is said in La Herradura that one can ski in the morning and sunbathe on the playa in the afternoon!

Sight Seeing

The headland of Cerro Gordo Natural Park, topped by a Moorish watch tower provides several fascinating local walks with fabulous panoramic views west to Malaga and east to Salobreña. There is a wide variety of wild life to be seen, which includes mountain goats, deer and even wild boar.

Cantarrijan Beach, just to the other side of the Cerro Gordo, is one of several naturist beaches in the area and has two excellent restaurants.

West of La Herradura, the coastline towards Nerja is stunningly beautiful, offering unique mountain vistas; a wealth of fascinating flora and fauna; and numerous secluded coves and beaches to explore.

Nerja itself is famous for its underground cave system, the largest in Europe, which hosts an exciting programme of concert performances in its subterranean auditorium during the summer months. The Balcon de Europa forms the focal point in Nerja and is a favourite place for everyone to gather in the long summer evenings, with its many street artists, performers and musicians. Tours of the town can be taken by horse drawn carriage or by the local road train, much loved by the children.

Frigiliana, a charming traditional ‘white’ Andalucian village, lies in the hills above Nerja. With its steep patterned cobbled streets, craft shops and stunning views to the coast it attracts many visitors. There are several traditional restaurants with balconies giving stunning views towards the coast.

Marina Del Este, a short drive to the east of the village of La Herradura, provides stylish mooring for the yachts of the rich and famous. On the quayside there are several art galleries to peruse and many excellent restaurants for that romantic night out.

Pena Escrita Natural Park is a short, but steep, drive into the mountains above the village. There is a wide variety of animals to be seen here in the zoological park, including hippos, bears, monkeys and kangaroos. Indigenous animals, such as the local deer, can also be seen roaming freely on the hillside. Log cabins are available for overnight or weekend stays. There is a large outdoor pool/lido open during the summer and a restaurant offering many local delicacies. Mountain bike hire and horse riding are also available.
The Alhambra Palace, Granada. It is said that a man who dies without seeing the Alhambra has seen nothing. The Alhambra is the most visited cultural site in Europe and is a rewarding excursion. Due to its popularity it is recommended that tickets are pre-booked through any branch of the BBVA Bank.

The city of Granada is well worth visiting, its beautiful cathedral, the Albayzin and ethnic quarters are all of interest. The best exterior views of the Alhambra are from the Plaza San Nicolas.

The Alpujarras. The mountain area made famous in Chris Stewart’s ’Driving Over Lemons’ lies to the south of Granada and is easily reached from the coast. The three most renowned villages, Bubion, Pampaneira and Capileira are a magnet for tourists and walkers alike, with their abundance of tiny shops selling local crafts and delicacies.

The local Tourist Information office can advise on all activities available in the area.