Torre de la Horadada, Spain: Everything You Need to Know for Buying Property and Holidays
1. Location, Climate and Key Features
Torre de la Horadada is a district of the Pilar de la Horadada municipality with a population of 2,676, located in the south of Alicante province on the Mediterranean coast.
The name Torre de la Horadada derives from both the 16th-century watchtower and the location where it stands: “horadada” in Spanish means “perforated, lace-like” - precisely how the local rocks appear with small caves and holes carved by seawater.
As a resort, Torre de la Horadada began developing successfully thanks to its tourist appeal and, above all, excellent Blue Flag beaches. The most popular are Los Jesuitas, El Conde and El Puerto. These are fine sand beaches with crystal-clear water. It is precisely the magnificent coastline that causes the area’s population to quadruple during summer months. Not only foreign tourists come here, but also residents from other regions of Spain, mainly from Madrid and Murcia, enjoying holidays in their summer residences.
In recent years, Torre de la Horadada has become home to many foreign residents from Northern Europe, especially from the United Kingdom and Ireland. As a result, new services quickly opened: supermarkets, bars and restaurants. Several years ago, the modern “Lo Monte” tourist complex was built here with three swimming pools, a gym and spa, as well as a restaurant offering both local delicacies and international cuisine.
A small marina with 525 berths sits on the Torre de la Horadada coast, built on the site of a small fishing pier over 30 years ago.
The coastline, rich in marine life, is ideal for diving and snorkelling. Scenic rock formations and sandy shallows combined with rich biodiversity create unforgettable experiences for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts.
2. Attractions
In ancient times, the coastline suffered numerous pirate raids, so King Philip II ordered the construction of a series of watchtowers. Thanks to this measure, residents could learn in advance of approaching enemy ships.
The Torre de la Horadada (Torre vigia de la Punta de la Horadada) was built in 1591. In the 19th century, the tower was used for transmitting signals via optical telegraph. It is a tower with a cone-shaped plastered base and crenellated walls with several windows. Access is through a private house attached to the tower. The building’s name comes from its unique interior floor layout, connected by a central opening running through the tower from top to bottom.
Since 1905, the tower has been owned by the Counts of Roche - at that time it was their summer residence. In 1995, the Torre vigia de la Punta de la Horadada was officially listed as a Spanish heritage site of cultural significance.
The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion) is located in the centre of Torre de la Horadada and is the town’s only Catholic church. The idea for the church belonged to priest Antonio Roda, and it was built in the 1950s by Antonio Albaladejo. Throughout the interior, the sculptural religious images by local artist Jose Maria Sanchez Losano stand out.
3. Restaurants
All tourists and residents of Torre de la Horadada know that relaxing beach holidays are perfectly complemented by delicious food at local restaurants. This small town has quite a few, offering gastronomic delights from both local and international cuisines. Spanish cuisine sits harmoniously alongside Asian, Italian, British, American and many others.
Near the Church of the Assumption, the famous Willy Bar opens its doors daily, serving Mediterranean and Cuban dishes, diverse tapas, unusual desserts and delicious refreshing cocktails. The restaurant’s atmosphere deserves special mention.
Cerveceria Torremar restaurant specialises in all manner of fish and seafood dishes and is popular with locals.
On Calle Virgen de la Asuncion is another excellent venue - Food Castle Restaurant, famous for superb Indian, Italian, Mexican and Spanish cuisine. Consistently great food and very attentive staff are this restaurant’s calling card.
Closer to the coast, on Plaza Generalisimo, is the popular Indian restaurant King Tandoori Indian Grill Restaurant, known for impeccable service, high-quality cuisine and generous portions.
British pub lovers should visit The Greenwich Bar & Grill, offering several varieties of draught English and Irish beer plus traditional British dishes.
Near the yacht club is Galan ice cream parlour (Heladeria Galan). Beyond varied and delicious ice cream with impressive portions, visitors can enjoy breakfast or lunch with harbour views.
4. Property Prices
Torre de la Horadada is located on the Mediterranean coast. The town belongs to the larger Pilar de la Horadada conurbation, but prices here are higher due to proximity to the sea and beaches. According to Idealista, in April 2020 the price per square metre in Torre de la Horadada was 1,929 euros.
An apartment in good condition of 60-70 square metres within walking distance of the sea costs 120,000 - 140,000 euros. Townhouse prices (90-100 m2) start from 180,000 euros. Detached villas and houses start from 220,000 euros.