Herradura Information

La Herradura is situated 60 kilometres to the east of Malaga. It lies at the eastern end of the Costa del Sol and has a two kilometre stretch of beach within a beautiful bay from which the town takes its name (herradura meaning horseshoe).

Golf courses within easy reach along the coast are 30 kilometres to the west at Torre del Mar or 25 kilometres to the east at Motril.

In the old town is entwined with narrow streets that climb a gentle hill from the beach, bordered by whitewashed houses and leading to flower filled plazas. Strict regulations in La Herradura prevent high rise construction in the newer developments to the east of the old town.

Rugged hills thrust up steeply from valley floors or plunge into the sea. Seasonal torrents, often swollen by melting snows, cut jagged ravines deep into the landscape. Once forested hillsides, now provide a scanty foothold for almond, olive and the hardy carob. Small villages and farming communities have developed in sheltered valleys or simply cling like limpets to the hillsides.

Above everything towers the grand Sierra Nevada. These mountains, which boast among them the highest peak in mainland Spain, form a natural weather break protecting the Granada coastline from the worst influences of the European winters, while Africa, to the south, helps buffer the harsh effects of both the Mediterranean and Atlantic weather. As a result, the area has an extraordinarily benign subtropical climate, which can be seen in the variety of exotic products to be found in the local markets, especially the different fruits.

Along the 19 km of local coastline, visitors can choose from a large variety of beaches and small coves, ranging from fine sand to shingle. Water sports are very popular and there are numerous businesses offering different types of courses and equipment hire. Underwater scenery is widely considered to be more beautiful here than anywhere else along the southern coast.