La Herradura
Andalusia, Spain: Excellent water quality
La Herradura is a beach on Spain's Andalusian coast that holds the Blue Flag award for water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety. The award is renewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to La Herradura
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is La Herradura?
La Herradura is a beach on Spain's Andalusian coast that holds the Blue Flag award for water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety. The award is renewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
May, June, and September offer the best conditions for visiting, warm water and fewer crowds than July and August, which see peak tourism. January, February, March, December, and the summer months are the busiest times overall.
Check local water safety conditions before swimming. The beach attracts families and swimmers year-round, with reliable facilities and clean water standards that make it a solid choice for a coastal visit.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Andalusia, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Spain certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
La Herradura faces west toward Mediterranean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in May, June, September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13°C | 13°C | Low |
| Feb | 13°C | 14°C | Low |
| Mar | 15°C | 16°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 18°C | Med |
| May | 21°C | 19°C | Med |
| Jun | 25°C | 23°C | Med |
| Jul | 28°C | 26°C | High |
| Aug | 28°C | 27°C | High |
| Sep | 25°C | 23°C | Med |
| Oct | 21°C | 22°C | Low |
| Nov | 16°C | 17°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 15°C | Low |
The best time to visit La Herradura is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 27.9°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 26.4°C in July.
How crowded does La Herradura get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Spain, La Herradura sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is La Herradura open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at La Herradura
Is La Herradura safe to swim?La Herradura is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at La Herradura?Peak water temperature at La Herradura reaches around 26.4°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.9°C.
What is the beach like at La Herradura?La Herradura on the Andalusia coast of Spain. May, June, and September offer the best conditions for visiting, warm water and fewer crowds than July and August, which see peak tourism. January, February, March, December, and the summer months are the busiest times overall.
Does La Herradura have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, La Herradura meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Showers are available. Parking is available nearby.
La Herradura sits on the Mediterranean Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Mediterranean.
Planning a trip to Spain? Blue Flag Beaches Spain 2026 , our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to La Herradura
How do I get to La Herradura by car?La Herradura is approximately 4.61 km from Almuñécar. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to La Herradura?The nearest airport is Federico Garcia Lorca Airport (GRX) (HER), approximately 50.7 km away.
Can I get to La Herradura by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Almuñécar. The nearest recorded bus stop is 26 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near La Herradura
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of La Herradura. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Bus near La Herradura
- Mercado La Herradura Bus stop 26 m
- Mercado La Herradura Bus stop 100 m
- Paseo Andrés Segovia, Bar Bambú Bus stop 157 m
- Acera del Pilar Bus stop 240 m
- La Herradura Bus stop 256 m
Cafés near La Herradura
- Cerveceria La Bola Marina Restaurant 61 m
- Cafetería Lisboa Café 78 m
- Cafetería - Heladería "Isla de Capri" Café 119 m
- Pizzería - Cafetería Xaverio Café 129 m
- Chiringuito Bambú Restaurant 140 m
Parking near La Herradura
- Parking Parking 300 m
Supermarket near La Herradura
- Supermarket Supermarket 148 m
- Supermercado Jiménez-Guillén Supermarket 327 m
- Dia Supermarket 333 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✓ Available during season |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | May – October |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 150 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 26 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 36.7335°N, 3.7414°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Spain |
Frequently Asked Questions
La Herradura FAQ
Is La Herradura suitable for children?
La Herradura has a child-friendly score of 2/10. Facilities include showers and parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Spain.
Is La Herradura free to access?
Access to La Herradura is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Andalusia, Spain, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit La Herradura?
The best time to visit La Herradura is May, June, September. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 26.4°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at La Herradura?
La Herradura is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to La Herradura?
La Herradura is located in Andalusia, Spain. It is approximately 4.61 km from Almuñécar. The nearest airport is Federico Garcia Lorca Airport (GRX) (HER), 50.7 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Is there a bus near La Herradura?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 26 m from La Herradura (Mercado La Herradura), plus 4 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near La Herradura?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near La Herradura, including Cerveceria La Bola Marina (61 m), Cafetería Lisboa (78 m), Cafetería - Heladería "Isla de Capri" (119 m), and Pizzería - Cafetería Xaverio (129 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near La Herradura?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 300 m from La Herradura. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a supermarket near La Herradura?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 148 m from La Herradura. Walking-line distance; confirm opening hours locally. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Spain, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore SpainWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for La Herradura
- ADEAC (Asociación de Educación Ambiental y del Consumidor)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.