Torre de la Horadada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Torre de la Horadada
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Town
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| Country | Spain | ||
| Province | Alicante | ||
| Mayor | José Fidel Ros Samper (PP) | ||
| Population | 2.676 | ||
| Postcode | 03191 | ||
Torre de la Horadada is a lovely Spanish town right by the Mediterranean Sea. It has about 2,676 people living there. This town is part of a bigger area called Pilar de la Horadada. Both towns are in the very south of the Alicante province in southeastern Spain. They even share a border with the province of Murcia.
The town's name comes from two things. First, there's a watchtower built in the 1500s. Second, the tower sits on a special spot called "Horadada Point." This word means "bore through" in Spanish. It describes how water has carved small caves into the rocks there.
Contents
Exploring Torre de la Horadada's History
Protecting the Coast from Pirates
Long ago, the Mediterranean coast, especially around Horadada, faced many pirate attacks. To keep people safe, King Philip II ordered watchtowers to be built. These towers helped warn villagers when pirate ships were coming.
The Famous Watchtower
The Horadada tower was built in 1591. However, there were similar buildings in this area even before that, going back to ancient and medieval times. Since 1905, the tower has belonged to the Counts of Roche. They turned it into their summer home.
During the 1800s, the tower was used for sending signals. It had an optical telegraph system. This system used lights or flags to send messages far away. In 1995, the tower became a protected monument. It is now part of Spain’s important historical heritage.
Discovering Nature in Torre de la Horadada
Underwater Adventures
If you love the ocean, Torre de la Horadada is a great place to visit. You can go diving or snorkeling along its shores. The waters are full of amazing sea life.
Marine Life and Sea Grass
The coast has beautiful sandy areas mixed with small rock formations. These rocks are home to many different marine animals. You can also find posidonia sea grass beds. This sea grass makes the diving experience even more interesting. It provides a home for lots of sea creatures.
Life in Torre de la Horadada Today
A Popular Tourist Spot
Torre de la Horadada is a coastal town, so tourism is very important. It has several amazing beaches that have earned "blue flag" awards. This means they are clean and safe. Some of the most popular beaches are Los Jesuitas, El Conde, and El Puerto. They are known for their soft sand and clear water.
Summer Fun and New Residents
During the busy summer months, the town's population can grow four times larger! Many visitors come from other parts of Spain, especially Madrid and Murcia. They enjoy their summer homes here. In recent years, many people from northern Europe, like the UK and Ireland, have moved to Torre de la Horadada. This has helped the town stay busy all year. It has also led to new shops, restaurants, and other services opening up.
Smart Growth and Housing
In the early 2000s, Spain saw a big increase in building homes. Torre de la Horadada also grew, but in a careful and controlled way. This helped keep the town's nice appearance and made sure residents were happy. Because of this, the town still has new building projects happening. Even though house prices have changed, they are still good compared to other places in Spain.
Amenities and Services
Local Services for Everyone
Even though it's a small coastal town, Torre de la Horadada has many useful services. There's a medical center for health needs and several supermarkets. The town also has two main plazas, "Pueblo Latino" and "The Square." These plazas are full of bars, restaurants, and ice cream shops. There's something for every taste and budget!
The Marina and Its Future
The town has a small marina with 525 places for boats. It was built over 30 years ago on an old fishing dock. Recently, there have been discussions about expanding the port. Some residents are concerned this might affect the environment and the town's appearance.
Lo Monte Tourism Complex
Since 2011, Torre de la Horadada has been home to Lo Monte. This is a modern tourism complex. It has three swimming pools, a gym, a spa, and a bar/restaurant. The restaurant serves local dishes and international food. All the facilities are designed to be environmentally friendly. They are also suitable for children and people with disabilities. Lo Monte offers cozy wooden bungalows and plots for rent, adding to the town's appeal for tourists.
Guardia Civil Barracks
You can also find a Guardia Civil barracks in the town. It is located right next to the famous watchtower that gives the town its name. The Guardia Civil is a national police force in Spain.
See also
In Spanish: Torre de la Horadada para niños
