Atalaya By Boutique

A Seafront Sanctuary in La Herradura

Hidden within the protected Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Area, this seafront villa is a study in Mediterranean minimalism, designed to defer to the wild, protected landscape that surrounds it. Owned by an art advisor, it's far from the Costa del Sol’s crowds, sitting on 11 kilometers of untouched coastline, sharing the cliffs with wild ibex and seabirds, with private access to the waters of Cantarriján Beach below.

The villa is anchored by its terraces, which offer front-row seats to the nature reserve’s drama. While there is no swimming pool, the property boasts a far superior amenity—a private path winding down to Cantarriján beach. The surrounding gardens are wild and native, merging with the protected parkland.

Layout

There are four bedrooms, configured to accommodate up to seven guests. Two have king beds and their own private bathrooms with WC. There are two additional rooms, one with a king bed and the other with a single. There are five WCs in the whole house.

Experiences

For exploration, electric bike rentals are available nearby, or you can rent a boat from Marina del Este to view your cliffside hideaway from the water.

Scuba diving is very famous here, as the zone is protected area with loads of species, even whales and dolphins. The property is 45 minutes from the Sierra Nevada, and from November to March it is possible to ski in the mountains and swim in the sea on the same day. The water is fresh but not freezing cold, and it starts becoming warm in March.

Good to know

A car is essential for access, and the roads in the natural park can be unpaved and steep. The villa is pet-friendly, so your dog can enjoy the trails too. However, it is not suitable for children aged 2-12 years.

Amenities & services

Wifi, kitchen, pet-friendly, private beach access, terrace, parking, hiking trails access, exterior security cameras

Around

La Herradura is one of the last authentic holdouts on the Andalusian coast, famous for its horseshoe bay and subtropical microclimate. It is a town of divers, hikers, and nature lovers. The beach is home to two excellent restaurants, La Barraca and Bola Marina, offering fresh seafood with your feet in the sand. A 15-minute drive brings you to local markets and cafes, while the historic allure of Granada and the Alhambra is just an hour away. The Nerja Caves are close by for a geological excursion, but you may find it hard to leave your private perch on the cliffs. The beach below has a regular section (with two restaurants, including the excellent Bola Marina 2), as well as a naturist section, separated by a small hill.