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5 kilometres of sandy beaches make this a popular native Spanish holiday destination
Pilar de la Horadada is the southernmost municipality in the Comunitat Valenciana, the Valencia region, and is next to the border with the Murcia region. Pilar de la Horadada is less than an hour from Alicante-Elche airport, and about 20 minutes from the Murcia-San Javier airport.
The municipality has five kilometers of beautiful sandy beaches as its main attraction, and is a popular summer destination for the residents of Murcia, which is around 40 minutes away by car, as well as other Spanish cities.
Pilar de la Horadada and the coastal area of Torre de la Horadada grew mainly as a Spanish summer destination, but over the years have attracted an increasing number of international tourists, the urbanisation of Pinar de Campoverde a pleasant green oasis just a few kilometres from the main town.
For such a young municipality – independence from Orihuela wasn’t achieved until 1986 – it has a long and interesting history, having been settled by the Iberians, the Romans and the Moors, and the coastal road was also an important route for the Carthaginians, the Greeks and the Phoenicians. The most visible historical monument, though, dates from after the Reconquista: the sixteenth-century watchtower stands on a promontory overlooking the Mediterranean, and gives its name to the coastal town of La Torre de la Horadada.
The bustling town centre and the beach urbanizations have a variety of shops and restaurants, and the weekly market on Friday morning is busy and colourful. Those tired of the shops can sit in the town square, in front of the church, and enjoy one of the local pastry products, such as “milhojas”with a coffee, enjoy a stroll along the palm lined promenades or even use the superb facilities at the municipal sports centre, including heated indoor swimming pool. There are plenty of other sporting options, with sailing, diving, cycling, golf and tennis all well catered for.
In terms of culture the church is an attractive visit, and thetown’s museum is small but has an interesting variety of exhibits. The remains of a Roman quarry can be found on the coast, and there are frequent exhibitions in the Casa de la Cultura and at other venues in the municipality, with a steady programme of fiestas and cultural 
events throughout the year. Informtion is always available at the municipal tourist office.
Pilar de la Horadada is also an important residential base for many foreigners who have chosen to relocate to Spain, having a warm climate, good range of properties on offer, and established social and support expat network.
Where is Pilar de la Horadada?
Click for map, Pilar de la Horadada, Alicante province, Region of Valencia
