Pilar de la Horadada Church
The attractive little town of Pilar de la Horadada is named after an ancient watchtower which was originally used to warn local inhabitants of pirate attacks many centuries ago. It was probably originally inhabited by the Iberians and was later settled by Romans, Moors and eventually reconquered by Christians. Pilar de la Horadada is the southernmost town in Alicante and the Costa Blanca, to the south is the Murcia region and the area known as the Costa Calida. After the Christian reconquest it marked the border between the Kingdoms of Aragon and Castile and it eventually ained its independence from the town of Orihuela in 1986. Pilar is well known as an agricultural area and grows much produce including lettuces, broccoli and celery, other products include melons, oranges and lemons, for this is citrus growing territory, it also grows numerous flower species. The nearby Rio Seco is an important protected area with some rare species of flora and fauna, in particular orchids and a species of dwarf palm tree. In recent years Pilar de la Horadada has become more developed with an increase in demand for holiday homes and properties for relocation, and the town now has a large expat community, with many Brits and North Europeans choosing to settle here permanently. Pilar has a popular beach area where many visitors enjoy the fine local weather especially during the hot summer months, it attracts both Spanish and International visitors.