The Town Pilar de la Horadada
Pilar de la Horadada is a pleasant town with a lovely Spanish character, located in the south of the province of Alicante, right on the border with the Region of Murcia. Pilar de la Horadada is still seen as a young town, but it has all the traditions and charm of a typically Spanish town.It is located about 3 km from stunning sandy beaches and it is surrounded by nature and farmland.
Inland we find the scenic area of Pinar de Campoverde . This is an urban area belonging to Pilar de la Horadada that counts with protected natural environments like Rio Seco. It is a nice area to escape to, to enjoy the wonderful scents of the pine forest and sweet smells of flowering citrus trees from surrounding plantations. The natural area is perfect for long walks and hikes, or for the more adventurous among us, mountain biking. Turning towards the sea we find many fine beaches, including Torre de La Horadada, Mil Palmeras and Higuericas. For golf enthusiasts, there are many golf courses in the area.
Pilar de la Horadada has a beautiful and modern town square where you will find many charming local shops, bars, cafés and restaurants. Along the main street „Calle Mayor” you will find several grocery stores, banks, coffee shops, bars and restaurants. The town also counts with several gyms, sports facilities, tennis and paddle courts. The public sports centre is modern and counts with a heated indoor Olympic size pool, gym, paddle, tennis and many other sports/activities.
Every Friday there is a street market in Pilar de la Horadada where you can find locally grown fruit and vegetables at good prices. Meat delicacies, cheese and olives are also available at the market. This is a very Spanish custom and an opportunity to blend in with the locals, interact with the vendors and maybe even practice your Spanish skills.
Pilar de la Horadada is a fully functional town all year round. It is also very lively, as many Spaniards live and work here. At the same time, it is also popular among Spanish and foreign tourists, but without feeling overcrowded. The environment is beautiful thanks to the surrounding cultivated landscape. All businesses and restaurants are open and below you can find recommendations for good restaurants and bars you should try.
To get to the beach, there is a pedestrian and bicycle path called the „La Rambla”. It is a convenient and safe way to get to the coast without crossing any roads or running into heavy traffic. From Pilar centre it takes just under 10 minutes by bike down to the beach and about 15min to the old square in Torre de la Horadada.
Restaurants and Gastronomy
There is a wide variety of restaurants in the area, ranging from cozy tapas bars to refined dining establishments. The following restaurants have been personally tried, and we can confidently recommend them to you as well.
Casa Araez
It is located in Pilar de la Horadada and is one of the best restaurants here. Fantastic food, very high-quality ingredients and a pleasant environment that is perfect for special occasions. Be sure to book a table a day in advance as it is very popular.
El Gallego
This restaurant is located on the main street of Pilar (Calle Mayor) and specializes in meats from farms in northern Spain. For meat lovers, this is a total experience. If meat isn’t your thing, don’t feel bad. They also have an absolutely amazing seafood counter that will not disappoint you.
Nostrissima
Nostrissima is also located on Calle Mayor and has a nice courtyard with outdoor seating and a view into the kitchen. One of the highlights here is that you have the option to have your fish or meat cooked over an open fire and get the distinctive BBQ flavour that makes your choice even more delicious. They have very high standards for food and the environment is pleasant. The terrace is especially appealing in the evening, tastefully decorated to make you enjoy summer nights.
Vinicore
This gastronomic bar is found on Calle Mayor. It is a modern foodie bar with a lovely atmosphere where you can have fantastic tapas, but also delicious daily menus. Here we recommend you to try the house salad „ensalada Vinicore” with parmesan ice cream and young dried Parma ham with pine nuts and balsamic vinegar. They also sell gourmet products such as cheeses, hams and wines. Worth a stop!
Torremar
For those looking for seafood, this restaurant is a must! Absolutely wonderful seafood prepared according to local traditions. The restaurant is located in the old part of Torre de la Horadada near Pueblo Latino.
Beaches
When it comes to beaches, Pilar de la Horadada offers plenty of choice! The town has its own coastal area, Torre de la Horadada – often affectionately called “La Torre” by the Spaniards. This charming seaside town boasts a wide variety of fantastic sandy beaches.
If you follow the pedestrian and cycling path La Rambla from Pilar de la Horadada, you will first arrive at Higuericas Beach. This beautiful sandy beach stretches for no less than 1.4 km and features a cozy beach bar, El Pirata, where you can enjoy food and tapas. Directly on the beach you will also find a traditional chiringuito, perfect for a snack and a refreshing drink. A few kilometers further south you reach El Mojón, a beach that borders the Murcia region. Here too, you’ll find several bars and restaurants.
Heading slightly north, you will come across Playas de las Villas and then Playa del Puerto, located right next to the marina in Torre de la Horadada. This area is well known for its great selection of bars, restaurants, and ice cream parlors. The entire coastline of Torre de la Horadada is characterized by fine sandy beaches, lively squares, charming restaurants, and pleasant promenades.
Continuing further north, you will reach Playa de Mil Palmeras, located in the residential area of Mil Palmeras. Here you will find even more sandy beaches with plenty of restaurants and bars to explore.
Torre de la Horadada
Torre de la Horadada is the coastal town of Pilar de la Horadada and is located on the southern side of the province of Alicante. The name refers to the historic 16th-century watchtower, which still stands as an important landmark in the area.
The town is well known for its many beautiful sandy beaches, several of which have been awarded the Blue Flag. This quality label guarantees clean and safe bathing water, excellent facilities, and beaches that are especially suitable for bathers and families.
The promenade of Torre de la Horadada is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll. You can enjoy the sea breeze and the views before sitting down at one of the many restaurants and bars to taste the typical Spanish cuisine. For a sweet ending, there are several ice cream parlors where you can treat yourself to a delicious ice cream.
In La Torre, there are three squares, each with its own unique charm. The old square by the marina is a lively meeting place with a wide selection of restaurants, bars, and ice cream shops. In the marina, you will also find various water sports facilities. A real highlight here is the restaurant Pirata Club Náutico, where you can try tasty tapas while enjoying the views over the harbor.
Another popular square is Plaza Nueva, a relatively new development known for its wide range of restaurants, bars, cafés, and wine bars. It has a modern and vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to gather and enjoy the Spanish lifestyle.
The third square, Pueblo Latino, is located in the old part of La Torre and was built in a South American style. This unique square radiates a special atmosphere and is a wonderful place to wander around or enjoy a long dinner. Right next to Pueblo Latino, you’ll find the well-regarded restaurant Torremar, one of the most famous dining spots in Torre de la Horadada, especially loved by seafood enthusiasts.
Torre de la Horadada is particularly lively during the summer months, when both Spaniards and foreign tourists spend their holidays here. In winter, the town becomes calmer, allowing its authentic charm to shine even more.
Mil Palmeras
Mil Palmeras is the district located just north of Torre de la Horadada, both of which belong to the municipality of Pilar de la Horadada. It is a charming little village with all the necessary amenities, such as a supermarket, restaurants, cafés, bars, a pharmacy, a hospital, and hairdressers. Every Tuesday there is a small market where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables. Thanks to the cycle paths that run along the entire coastline, it is easy to get around by bike or on foot. In addition, taxi and bus services are available.
The promenade of Mil Palmeras makes it easy to connect the different coastal towns, such as Torre de la Horadada, San Pedro del Pinatar, and northwards towards Dehesa de Campoamor. From the promenade, you can enjoy fantastic views of the Mediterranean Sea, with plenty of opportunities to stop at one of the many restaurants or beach bars.
The name Mil Palmeras, which literally means “1000 palm trees”, perfectly describes the area. You will find many parks and green zones preserved between the buildings. This makes it an attractive place for sports or simply for a pleasant evening walk during the cooler hours. For sports enthusiasts, there are also two different padel courts, one of which has a swimming pool and a restaurant with sea views.
During the summer months, Mil Palmeras really comes to life, offering plenty of activities and leisure options. In the winter, the pace slows down, but thanks to a loyal group of restaurants and beach bars that remain open, the atmosphere stays warm and lively. The proximity to both Torre de la Horadada and Pilar de la Horadada ensures that you never miss out on anything.
Golf
For those who love golf, there is good news: in this region, between the Costa Blanca and the Costa Cálida, you will find a wide variety of beautiful golf courses suitable for every level and preference.
One of the most popular courses nearby is Lo Romero Golf, located just 9 km away. This course is well known for its stunning setting and challenging holes. In addition, there are several other renowned golf courses in the area, such as Las Colinas Golf, about 17 km from San Pedro, which is considered one of the best courses in southern Spain. Villamartín Golf and Las Ramblas Golf, both around 15 km away, are also highly popular among golfers.
Beyond these famous names, there are many more golf courses to be found between San Pedro and the city of Murcia, meaning golf enthusiasts will always have a suitable option close by. Whether you are an experienced player or just starting out, the surroundings of Pilar de la Horadada offer plenty of opportunities to perfect your swing while enjoying the Mediterranean climate out on the green.
