Calahonda – Coast, Karst and History
Accommodation in Calahonda
Calahonda brings together coastal scenery, karst and maritime history. For planning your trip, the highlights can be clearly distinguished: Playa de Calahonda has several access points, the cliffs are a destination for divers, and La Ruta de los Anejos is a circular route through several places. Historic buildings and summer festivals complete the picture.
Coast, Beach 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. Playa de Calahonda beach can be reached by car from several points along the N-340, as well as on foot. In addition, walkways lead to the beach along most of the seafront promenade; there is also direct access from the residential areas.
The Calahonda Karst is designated as a Special Area of Conservation within the Natura 2000 network. It has more than 100 sinkholes and caves; some are over a kilometre long and reach depths of up to 113 metres. Species adapted to the underground environment include the pseudoscorpion of Cueva de las Campanas, considered unique in the world.
Maritime History and Traditions
Farillo de Calahonda is also known as Torre inclinada de Carchuna or Torre de la Punta del Llano. The stonemason Juan Alonso built the tower in 1575 to protect and defend the port 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 wish to approach the structure, check local conditions in advance.
RincĂłn de Calahonda is a natural harbour; the town of Calahonda developed around its harbour or landing place. The Iglesia de la PurĂsima in Calahonda was completed in 1872. Just under three centuries separate the construction of Farillo from the completion of the church.
The patron saint festivals take place in summer, in July and August, in honour of the Virgen del Carmen and San JoaquĂn. Check the specific event dates for your travel dates in advance. In addition, the Hermandad del Silencio de Calahonda carries two religious floats through the town’s streets each year.
Diving and a Circular Route
The cliffs between Carchuna-Calahonda and Castell de Ferro are among the most beautiful diving areas in the Mediterranean. At Buceo Calahonda, most dives take place at various dive sites; twelve of these lie along the twelve-kilometre stretch of cliffs between Calahonda and Castell de Ferro. If you are planning a diving course, check current dates and availability with Buceo Calahonda.
La Ruta de los Anejos is a circular route that can be driven in either direction. It passes through Carchuna, Calahonda, the municipality of Torrenueva Costa and PuntalĂłn in the eastern part of the municipality of Motril. While the dive sites are located along a specific stretch of coast, the route passes through several places. Before setting out, check current route conditions and the state of the road surface.
Discover more destinations: Carchuna.
Return to the main travel overview: Motril.
