Situated on the hillside above La Herradura, Villa Cantiles is located on the edge of the Cerro Gordo Nature Reserve whilst being just a short drive down to the coast and vibrant seafront town, making it a wonderful base to explore the surrounding region.
A short walk down the hill from the Villa, the charming Playa Calaiza tucked at the base of the cliffs is a wonderful spot to enjoy an afternoon beside the sea. Surrounded by pine trees and rocky outcrops, the lesser-known beach has a natural appeal, with clear blue waters that are great for snorkelling. It is also possible to hire a kayak from the town centre and paddle around the cliffs to the bay, stopping to discover the hidden coves along the way. Alternatively, La Herradura’s main beach is just 10 minutes by car. Taken from the Spanish word for horseshoe, the gently curving bay is perfectly enclosed between two headlands, with a long stretch of dark sand and lovely blue water for swimming. The Paseo Andres Segovia hugs the back of the beach, where you can find a number of options for water sports activities, or stroll along in the evening and stop off at one of the chiringuitos (beach bars) for a drink whilst looking out to sea. To the eastern end of the beach, Chambao de Joaquin sits within a traditional Andalusian 'chambao' where you can enjoy a delicious dinner of traditional barbecued sardines and soak up the lively atmosphere.
To the other side of the headland, the attractive Marina de la Este sits in an enclave between the sea and the mountain, built around a rocky island outcrop. A popular spot amongst scuba divers, the marina offers a number of boat excursions, and there are also a handful of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy some fresh fish whilst watching the harbour’s buzzing activity.
Plenty more beaches and picturesque bays line the coast, or headline inland to discover the region’s rich landscape. The Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park covers 1,815 hectares, with breathtaking cliffs and woodlands filled with Aleppo pines, locust trees and wild olives. A number of trails invite you to spend a day in nature and explore the area to discover the wide variety of plants and wildlife. Leading out from the headland above the villa, a trail winds along to the cliff’s further point, which is crowned by the Torre de Cerro Gordo, where you can see the remains of the ancient tower and enjoy breathtaking views along the coastline. On your way back, stop off at the lovely El Mirador restaurant, which is perched upon the cliff top and serves up a wonderful variety of Mediterranean and traditional tapas plates which you can enjoy from its privileged setting.
The park is also home to the well-known Nerja Caves, a series of caverns boasting impressive rock formations, ancient cave paintings and a number of archaeological findings. Just 20 minutes drive from the villa, you can take a guided tour to discover the unique history or, during the summer months, enjoy an evening concert set before the dramatic backdrop of colourfully lit stalagmites.