Calahonda: Beach, Karst and Culture

Coast

On Calahonda Beach lies the Farillo de Calahonda, also known as Torre inclinada de Carchuna or Torre de la Punta del Llano, now submerged and overturned in the sand. In this form, it constitutes a distinctive visual feature of Calahonda Beach.

The Farillo de Calahonda was built in 1575 by the mason Juan Alonso to protect and defend the port of Calahonda on the western side. The Rincón de Calahonda is a natural port. The settlement of Calahonda developed around its port or landing place.

Anyone wishing to visit Playa de Calahonda can reach the beach from several points along the N-340, both by car and on foot. Along most of the beachfront promenade, there are also walkways leading to the beach, and access is available directly from the settlements as well.

Nature

The Acantilados y Fondos Marinos de Calahonda-Castell de Ferro protected area lies on the coast of the municipalities of Gualchos and Motril, between the towns of Calahonda and Castell de Ferro. The habitat types 1110, 1160 and 1170 are among those worthy of mention there.

The Calahonda Karst is designated as a special area of conservation within the Natura 2000 network. The Calahonda Karst contains more than 100 sinkholes and caves; some are over one kilometre long and reach depths of up to 113 metres. The landscape ranges from numerous depressions on the surface to cave areas located significantly deeper underground. In addition to the sinkholes on the surface, the aforementioned karst formations therefore also include the extensive caves reaching far below ground.

The Calahonda Karst is home to species adapted to the underground environment, including the pseudoscorpion of the Cueva de las Campanas, which is said to be unique in the world.

Culture

The Iglesia de la Purísima in Calahonda was completed in 1872. The patron-saint festivals in Calahonda take place in summer, in July and August, in honour of the Virgen del Carmen and San Joaquín.

The Hermandad del Silencio de Calahonda carries two religious statues in procession through the town’s streets every year.

Active pursuits

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 diving sites; twelve of these sites lie along the twelve-kilometre-long cliffs between Calahonda and Castell de Ferro.

La Ruta de los Anejos is a circular route that can be travelled in both directions. The route passes through Carchuna, Calahonda, the municipality of Torrenueva Costa and Puntalón in the eastern part of the municipality of Motril.

For the overarching travel overview: Motril.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Carchuna.