A brief history
The word [El] Horadada in Spanish means to bore through. Pilar’s sister town Torre (tower) on the coast, is built on rocks beneath which are small caves created by the Mediterranean waves boring the rock.
As the most southerly town of the Valencian community, the town was the site of numerous battles given its historical frontier between two kingdoms: the Kingdom of Murcia (Castilla) and the Kingdom of Valencia.
More recently, in 1986 after another battle, this time political, Pilar succeeded in becoming independent from its neighbouring municipal district Orihuela, paving the way for the growth of a tourism economy, alongside an agricultural one, bringing greater prosperity for all.
Market Day
Activities
Useful information
Properties for sale in Pilar de la Horadada
Pilar Town Hall
Visit Pilar de la Horadada
Geography
Pilar de la Horadada is located 66km south of Alicante and 1km from the border of Communidad Valencia and Region de Murcia. With the municipal district of Pilar are also the communes of Torre de la Horadada, Mil Palmeres and Pinar de Campoverde.
Along the coast Pilar has numerous blue flag beaches and in the summer are established beach bars (Chiringuitos) serving both food and drink.
When to visit
Easter is another good time to visit as Pilar. During Holy Week, numerous processions take place and large crowds gather to watch the floats and bands move through the town.
Finally, October is festival time in Pilar, celebrating the Blessed Virgin of Pilar. Notable dates are 11 October where an offering of flowers in made by the towns people and these adorn the outside of the church. The following day is a procession of the patron saint through the town.
Fiestas Patronales
Cycle network
Supermarkets
Where to eat
Like most Spanish towns, there is no shortage of choice. Enjoy finding out for yourself, but here are some ideas from our team to get you started:
- Authentic – Casa Araez
- Tapas – Vinecorre
- Bar – La Casa del Melero
- Menu del Dia – Torango
- Chinese – Asia Yami
- No frills value – Cerveceria Juanito
- Take Away – McDonald’s and Burger King
Activities
The public sports and activities are superb in Pilar. There is a network of cycle ways allowing for easy access to the coast from the town and between the areas of population within the municipality.
Sports Centre – Outdoor pitches and courts with organised games, leisure and fitness plus a an indoor heated swimming pool.
Golf and Padel
An 18 hole golf course at Lo Romero including a driving range. Plus three Padel complexes, one in Pilar town itself (Padel Place) and two in Mil Palmeras.
Property and future development
Pilar de la Horadada considered to be on the up. You will see cranes, where new developments are being built. But they are on small parcels of land in the town, filling-in as it were. Building controls means no more than two stories high. The character and essence of the town remains to the fore. As farm land surrounds Pilar on 3 sides and the main road on the fourth side, building beyond the existing town limits appears unlikely.