Penthouse Pilar Availability & price
The Explanada de España in Alicante with its wavy mosaic and palm trees

The area

Day trips from Pilar de la Horadada

Six cities and nature areas within about an hour’s drive. Each day is fully written out: route, parking, stops in a logical order, opening hours, lunch and what you need to know.

Everything within about an hour

Pilar de la Horadada sits on the border of two regions. That puts the cities of the province of Alicante (Alicante, Elche, Orihuela) and of the Murcia region (Murcia, Cartagena) all within about an hour’s drive.

Every day trip below starts and ends at the penthouse. The buttons open the route directly in Google Maps, on your phone or computer.

Map of the area around Penthouse PilarSchematic map of the southern Costa Blanca showing Penthouse Pilar in Pilar de la Horadada, the Mar Menor, the towns of Torrevieja, Orihuela, Murcia, Cartagena, Elche and Alicante and the airports of Murcia (RMU) and Alicante (ALC), with driving times.Mediterranean SeaMar MenorPROVINCE OF ALICANTEREGION OF MURCIATorre de la HoradadaSan Pedro del PinatarTorrevieja± 25 minOrihuela± 40 minMurcia± 50 minCartagena± 35 minCabo de Palos± 45 minElche± 50 minAlicante± 65 minSanta PolaRMUairport · ± 40 minALCairport · ± 60 minPenthouse PilarPilar de la Horadada10 kmN
Approximate driving times. Map data: Natural Earth.

Six days out

Choose your day trip

The Roman Theatre of Cartagena with its seating and stage
  • ± 35 min
  • Not on Mondays

Cartagena

Roman theatre, a castle with a panoramic lift and modernist façades. All on foot from the harbour.

See the day
The baroque façade and bell tower of Murcia Cathedral on Plaza del Cardenal Belluga
  • ± 50 min
  • Tapas

Murcia

Market hall, cathedral, the Real Casino and tapas on Plaza de las Flores.

See the day
Santa Bárbara castle on Mount Benacantil above Alicante
  • ± 65 min
  • AP-7 toll

Alicante and Tabarca

A free castle above the city, the Explanada and, if you like, the boat to Tabarca.

See the day
The Huerto del Cura palm and cactus garden in Elche
  • ± 50 min
  • UNESCO

Elche

Thousands of palms, the Huerto del Cura and the basilica of the Misteri d’Elx.

See the day
The cloister of Orihuela Cathedral
  • ± 40 min
  • No tolls

Orihuela

Cathedral, an old university and the house of the poet Miguel Hernández.

See the day
The Cabo de Palos lighthouse on the rocky cape
  • ± 45 min
  • Nature and sea

Cabo de Palos and Calblanque

Lighthouse, marine reserve and the unspoilt beaches of Calblanque.

See the day

Compare

Which day trip suits you?

Day tripDriveIdeal forNote
Cartagena± 35 minHistory, Romans, viewsClosed on Mondays
Murcia± 50 minCathedral, market, tapasHot in summer; Salzillo mornings only
Alicante and Tabarca± 65 minCity, beach or islandToll on the fastest route
Elche± 50 minPalm gardens, a relaxed dayToll on the fastest route
Orihuela± 40 minArt, churches, poetryClosed Mondays; cathedral also on Sundays
Cabo de Palos and Calblanque± 45 minNature, beach, divingCalblanque by shuttle bus in summer

Tips for the road

  • Do not visit Cartagena or Orihuela on a Monday: the main museums are closed.
  • Towards Alicante and Elche, the fastest route uses a toll section of the AP-7 (Los Montesinos – La Zenia). The N-332 is toll-free.
  • Inland it is much hotter in summer than on the coast: Murcia averages 34 °C in July and August.
  • Spaniards have lunch between 13:00 and 16:00, and many museums close around 14:00 for an afternoon break.
  • Travel times are measured without traffic. In summer and in town, allow extra time for parking.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best day trips from Pilar de la Horadada?
Cartagena (Roman theatre), Murcia (cathedral and tapas), Alicante with Tabarca island, the palm groves of Elche, Orihuela, and Cabo de Palos with Calblanque. All are within about an hour’s drive.
Which day trip is closest?
Cartagena, about 35 minutes via the AP-7, and Orihuela, 40 minutes on the toll-free inland road.
Do I have to pay tolls?
Towards Alicante and Elche, the fastest route uses the tolled AP-7 section between Los Montesinos and La Zenia. The N-332 coast road is toll-free, and Orihuela is reached on the inland road without any motorway.
What is a good day trip with children?
Cartagena, with the glass panoramic lift up to the castle, or Elche, with the Parque Municipal and its traffic park. More ideas on with children.

Your base on the Costa Blanca

After a day out, the roof terrace is waiting. See when the penthouse is available.

Availability & price
Availability & price