Pilar de la Horadada

Pilar de la Horadada is the southernmost municipality of the Alicante province, marking the border with Murcia. Its 4 km of Blue Flag beaches — Mil Palmeras, Jesuitas, Las Higuericas and Torre de la Horadada — are among the best preserved and least developed on the southern coast. The inland town centre keeps an authentically Spanish feel rarely found elsewhere on Orihuela Costa, while the coastal Torre de la Horadada offers a small marina and a calmer alternative to the bigger Orihuela Costa resorts.

Independent municipality only since 1986 (previously part of Orihuela). The 16th-century watchtower (Torre de la Horadada) gives the coastal district its name. Modern beach development followed Spain's southern coastal boom from the 1980s.

Two-speed living: a genuine Spanish town inland (with weekly market, Spanish bars and traditional fiestas) and a relaxed, family-oriented coastal resort with long sandy beaches and a small marina.

• 1.Walk or cycle the 4 km coastal path between the beaches
• 2.Visit the Torre de la Horadada watchtower
• 3.Sail from the small marina at Torre de la Horadada
• 4.Shop at the Wednesday market in the town centre
• 5.Day-trip to Cartagena (35 min) or the Mar Menor (15 min)

Bridges Alicantino and Murcian traditions: rice with rabbit, *caldero del Mar Menor*, fresh fish, and Murcian-style salads.

A handful of mid-range hotels and aparthotels at Torre de la Horadada and Mil Palmeras; large stock of villa and apartment rentals.

Continue exploring the South Costa Blanca.