Calahonda brings together protected coastal habitats, karst and local maritime history. Farillo de Calahonda stands out on the beach, alongside dive sites and festivals. When planning your trip, you can focus on nature, the water or local history.

Protected Coast and Karst

The Acantilados y Fondos Marinos de Calahonda-Castell de Ferro protected area lies along the coast of the municipalities of Gualchos and Motril, between the towns of Calahonda and Castell de Ferro. Habitat types 1110, 1160 and 1170 are highlighted. The protected coastal landscape therefore extends between two towns and two municipalities.

Calahonda Karst is also designated as a Special Area of Conservation within the Natura 2000 network. It contains more than 100 sinkholes and caves. Some are over a kilometre long and reach depths of up to 113 metres. Adapted species live in this underground environment. These include the pseudoscorpion of Cueva de las Campanas, which is considered unique in the world. These features also make the karst interesting from a natural history perspective.

Traces of Maritime History

Farillo de Calahonda is also known as Torre inclinada de Carchuna or Torre de la Punta del Llano. The mason Juan Alonso built the tower in 1575 to protect and defend the harbour of Calahonda on its western side. Today, Farillo lies submerged and tilted in the sand, forming a distinctive visual feature of Calahonda beach. If you plan to approach it, check the conditions on site beforehand.

Calahonda developed around its harbour or landing place. Rincón de Calahonda is a natural harbour. The Iglesia de la Purísima, completed in 1872, provides another historical point of reference. Together, the harbour, tower and church offer different insights into the town’s development.

Beach, Diving and Cycling

Playa de Calahonda beach is accessible by car from several points along the N-340, as well as on foot. Along most of the promenade, walkways lead to the beach; there are also direct access points from the residential areas. Access conditions may change as a result of future coastal works, so check the situation before your visit.

The cliffs between Carchuna-Calahonda and Castell de Ferro are considered one of the most beautiful diving areas in the Mediterranean. With Buceo Calahonda, most dives take place at various dive sites along the twelve-kilometre stretch of cliffs between Calahonda and Castell de Ferro. If you are planning a course, check the current offering in advance, as availability may change.

As a land-based alternative, the La Ruta de los Anejos circular route passes through Carchuna, Calahonda, the municipality of Torrenueva Costa and Puntalón in the eastern part of the municipality of Motril. It can be ridden in either direction. If you are planning a cycling trip, check the current route and surface, as route conditions and surface quality may change.

Festivals and Processions

Calahonda’s summer patron saint festivals take place in July and August in honour of the Virgen del Carmen and San Joaquín. If you are planning to visit specifically for a festival, check the dates for that year. The Hermandad del Silencio de Calahonda also takes two religious images through the town’s streets in processions every year. For these processions too, it is advisable to confirm the date before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Carchuna.

See the main travel overview: Motril.