The area
Pilar de la Horadada, a town with a life of its own
Squares with café terraces, a weekly market, a coastal village with a 16th-century watchtower and nature inland. All a short distance from the penthouse.
The southern tip of the Valencia region
Pilar de la Horadada is the southernmost municipality of the Comunitat Valenciana and part of the province of Alicante. The border with the Murcia region is right next to the town. It became an independent municipality on 30 July 1986; before that it belonged to Orihuela. Around 24,000 people live here.
The name has two sources: the old watchtower by the sea, the Torre Horadada, and the patron saint, the Virgen del Pilar. The town is surrounded by fertile farmland with greenhouses and orchards: Pilar is one of Spain’s largest producers of cut flowers.
The town
What you will find in the centre
The heart of Pilar is around the church and the town hall, a ten-minute walk from the penthouse.
Nuestra Señora del Pilar church
The parish church stands on Plaza de la Iglesia. The current building is modern (early 1980s), but the brick bell tower in neo-Mudéjar style is older. A carillon plays melodies every day.
Squares and terraces
Around the church and Plaza Campoamor you will find bakeries, cafés and tapas bars. The tourist office is here too, with maps and tips.
Archaeological museum
The Gratiniano Baches archaeological and ethnological museum shows fossils, Roman finds from the Via Augusta and coins. The official website lists it as temporarily closed, so check before you go.
Markets
Which day is market day?
The weekly markets are a great way to see local life. Go early: most markets are held in the morning.
| Place | Day | What |
|---|---|---|
| Pilar de la Horadada | Friday morning, all year | Large weekly market with fruit, vegetables, clothes and household goods |
| Pilar de la Horadada | Sunday morning | Mercadillo del Toro |
| Torre de la Horadada | Wednesday afternoon and evening, in summer | Summer market in the streets around Avenida de la Costa Blanca |
| Mil Palmeras | Summer evenings | Evening craft market along the promenade |
| Torrevieja | Friday morning | Large market on Avenida Delfina Viudes |
| San Pedro del Pinatar | Monday morning | Weekly market behind the town hall |
Times and locations can change with the seasons. The tourist office on Plaza Campoamor is happy to help.
By the sea
Torre de la Horadada
On the coast, about four kilometres from the penthouse, lies Torre de la Horadada. Above El Conde beach stands the round watchtower that gave the village its name. It was built in 1591, under Philip II, to guard the coast against pirates, and is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural. You can admire it from the outside.
Next to the tower is the marina, with a sailing school and a restaurant. From Las Villas beach, the Paseo del Sardinero promenade follows the rocks to Los Jesuitas: a lovely walk at sunset.
Nature
The green hinterland
If you fancy a break from sun and sand, head inland for peace and shade.
Pinar de Campoverde
A pine forest with holm oaks and strawberry trees, birds of prey and a short circular walk along the Río Seco. There is a market on Plaza Florida on Sunday mornings.
Río Seco
This dry riverbed runs from the Sierra Escalona to the sea. With a bit of luck you will spot a kingfisher or bee-eater along the banks. Part of the walking route is currently closed, so ask about the latest situation.
Senda del Pilar al Mar
A 3-kilometre walking and cycling path along the rambla, from the town to Las Higuericas beach.
Fiestas
Festivals through the year
Fiestas del Pilar (October)
The patron saint festivities run from 1 to 21 October, with the flower offering on 11 October and a procession on 12 October. On the Saturday after 12 October comes the float parade, the Desfile de Carrozas.
30 July
The town celebrates becoming independent from Orihuela in 1986.
Summer fiestas on the coast
In August, Mil Palmeras, El Mojón and Torre de la Horadada hold their own fiestas; in Torre this includes a sea procession around 15 August.
Food
Eat like the locals
The cooking of the Vega Baja is simple and full of flavour. Typical dishes include guiso de pelotas (stew with meatballs), conejo al ajo cabañil (rabbit with garlic), gachas migas and, of course, rice, fish and fresh vegetables from the surrounding fields.
Spaniards have lunch between 13:00 and 16:00 and dinner from around nine. In summer, dinner until half past eleven is perfectly normal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pilar de la Horadada in Murcia or in Alicante?
When is the market in Pilar de la Horadada?
Can you visit the Torre de la Horadada watchtower?
How far is the town centre from the penthouse?
More in the area
Also nearby
Your base on the Costa Blanca
After a day out, the roof terrace is waiting. See when the penthouse is available.