La Herradura, with about 3,000 inhabitants, is the second population centre of Almuñécar. It stands out by its impressive bay turned recently into an important centre of sub-aquatic activities. Fitted between la Punta de la Mona to the east and the Peñon de Cerro Gordo to the west, the beach is located in a privileged area protected of the eastern and western winds. And in both rocks, the tower-watch, arranged long ago to defend from the enemy.
It was in these coasts where a strong weather "attacked" unexpectedly the ships of the Invincible Navy, when they were going to the Naples kingdom and Algiers. In its attempt to take shelter they approached the Bay of la Herradura, but the wind change causing that some ships hit against others with the sad result of 5,000 dead. A monument remembers the fatal event of the 19 of October of 1569.
In La Herradura the Marina of Marina del Este is located, with capacity for 230 boats.
© Patronato Provincial de Turismo de Granada I Diputación de Granada
