La Herradura steals your heart at first sight: a horseshoe-shaped bay embraced by cliffs, crystal-clear water and a seafront promenade that hums from morning till night in summer. If you’re spending a day in La Herradura, here’s an easygoing plan made to savour without rushing: sunrise scuba, a restorative swim on the main beach, a laid-back lunch at a beach bar, an afternoon discovering hidden coves, and a finale with a memorable sunset and an evening stroll. Below you’ll find the full itinerary plus practical tips to keep everything smooth.
Scuba diving in La Herradura: sunrise beneath the surface
At the Marina del Este Marina several dive schools run discover scuba sessions and beginner trips every morning in season. A typical programme includes a short safety briefing, gear fitting and a guided dive at protected spots with rocky bottoms and seagrass meadows. From arrival to getting out of the water, expect 2–3 hours. Arriving early makes parking and kitting up easier; in peak months it pays to be among the first down to the harbour.
- What you should know: breathe continuously through the regulator—don’t hold your breath. Equalise your ears often; if you feel discomfort, tell your instructor and ascend slowly. Review the basic hand signals (OK, up, down, low on air, problem). Don’t dive if you’re congested; have a light breakfast and stay hydrated.
- Respect the environment: keep neutral buoyancy to avoid brushing rocks or seagrass; don’t touch or collect marine life. The best photos come with patience and distance.
- After the dive: plan a relaxed surface interval; avoid flights and strenuous exercise that same day.
- Recommended kit in the car: extra towel, flip-flops, dry bag, plenty of water and a change of clothes so you can carry on comfortably.
Typical beginner sites: areas close to the marina and around Punta de la Mona offer shelter, varied bottoms and visibility good enough to spot white seabream, salema, saddled seabream, octopus and tiny nudibranchs. Places like Los Berengueles and the sheltered coves are ideal when you’re starting out. For the best conditions, aim for the first hours of daylight when the sea is usually calmer.
Crystal-clear dip: swimming on the main beach
After diving, nothing beats a swim at broad La Herradura Beach. Its pebbles help keep the water very clean and make it easy to see the bottom—perfect for practising with mask and snorkel or simply cooling off. The central stretch concentrates useful services (showers, lifeguards in season, sunbed and parasol hire), while the ends offer quieter corners.
- Practical tip: bring water shoes for comfort over the pebbles and a thin mat to lie on.
- If you’re with kids: check the flag and keep to the buoyed swimming zone; watch little ones near the headlands.
- Parking: it’s easier early morning or around lunchtime; use designated areas only and never block access points.
Flavours on the sand: beach bars with soul
For lunch, pick a seafront chiringuito and try Costa Tropical staples: sardine skewers, mixed fried fish (anchovies, calamari, small fish), salads with local produce and rice dishes with a taste of the sea. Sharing plates is the best way to sample several specialities and keep a relaxed rhythm to your day.
- How to order: share a few raciones, add a crisp salad and save room for a light dessert—or an iced coffee—as you gaze over the bay.
- Quick option: if you prefer to keep it swift, a sandwich and fruit in the shade will set you up for the afternoon.
Nearby coves: little gems between cliffs
Afternoons are perfect for exploring nearby coves. With a car you can reach several, parking up high and walking down signed paths. Before you set off, check wind and swell to pick the most sheltered cove, and allow time for the climb back up before dark.
- Cantarriján: crystal-clear water below cliffs, a naturist section and bottoms made for mask and fins. In summer road access is regulated: leave the car up top and take the shuttle bus down.
- Cala del Muerto: small and wild at the foot of Punta de la Mona; stony path (wear closed shoes). Best on calm days; there’s little natural shade, so bring a light parasol if you plan to linger.
- Cala Bermeja: dark pebbles and very transparent water with mixed rock-and-sand bottoms where you’ll often see salema and seabream. Access via a footpath from a nearby lay-by on the N-340; pairs nicely with a stop at the Cerro Gordo viewpoints.
What to take: water shoes, snorkel mask, short fins if you’ll follow the cliff line, cold water, fruit, cap and sunscreen to reapply often; a dry bag for phone and keys. Respect regulated stretches, don’t leave valuables on show and head up in good time before nightfall.
Gold and blues: sunset and evening in La Herradura
The viewpoints at Punta de la Mona and the Cerro Gordo Watchtower are ideal for watching the bay turn to gold. Park only in signed lay-bys along the N-340, walk a few minutes to the natural balcony and enjoy the light sculpting the arc of the beach; on clear days you can even glimpse Nerja. 
Seafront promenade at dusk: when the sun sets, the paseo has a relaxed feel—perfect for long walks and a last vermouth or drink on a terrace. The blue hour, just after dusk, gifts superb tones for photography.
Night by the sea: As evening falls, pick a place for dinner—ideally with sea views to enjoy the bay lit up; finally, an artisan ice-cream is a sweet full stop. Let the lights over the water and the sea breeze close the day for you.
Practical tips to make the day run smoothly
- Arrive early in high season to make parking easier, especially at Marina del Este and the cove access points.
- Pack sunscreen, cap, sunglasses, water shoes, water and a dry bag to protect your phone and keys.
- Respect regulated access in summer (for example, Cantarriján) and use shuttle buses when required.
- On the N-340 and at viewpoints: indicate early, use only signed lay-bys and avoid risky manoeuvres.
- Leave no trace: skip single-use plastics and don’t touch underwater fauna or flora.
- If you want to extend the plan, here are more ideas on things to do in La Herradura.