The area
The southern Costa Blanca is known for beautiful beaches, a warm climate and rich cuisine with dishes such as paella and arroz a banda. From Pinar de Campoverde it is a short trip both to the coast and to the towns of the Alicante and Murcia regions.
Towns
Pilar de la Horadada
The nearest town, known for its beaches, nature parks and historic landmarks. Close to the Mar Menor.
Torrevieja
A coastal town with beaches, lively nightlife and the pink salt lakes. Many restaurants along the promenade.
San Pedro del Pinatar
On the Mar Menor, with Lo Pagán beach and its well-known therapeutic mud.
Cartagena
A historic port city with a wealth of restaurants. For authentic paella, visit Club Nautico Santa Lucia.
Murcia
A city just under an hour away, full of history and culture, with excellent tapas restaurants in the old town.
Alicante
Santa Barbara castle, the MARQ archaeological museum and Playa del Postiguet beach.
Elche
Home to the Palmeral of Elche, Europe's largest palm grove and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beaches
There are many fine beaches nearby. Just try a few until you find your favourite.
Mil Palmeras
About 2 km of fine golden sand, clear water and a calm atmosphere. Blue Flag.
Torre de la Horadada
About 1.5 km of golden sand and crystal-clear water. Blue Flag, with access for people with reduced mobility.
Lo Pagán – Mar Menor
A shallow beach in the Mar Menor saltwater lagoon. Good for small children, and the water is normally warmer than outside the lagoon.
La Manga
A narrow strip of land with white beaches and clear water, from lively Playa de Levante to calm Playa de Poniente.
La Zenia
Blue Flag beach in Orihuela Costa, with white sand, restaurants and water sports.
Other fine beaches include Cabo Roig, Playa Flamenca, Punta Prima, Campoamor and Guardamar with its sand dunes.
Restaurants
You will find everything from local, traditional places to tapas and pizza. Another great option is to buy good ingredients and fire up the barbecue on the terrace as the sun goes down.
Pinar de Campoverde
- Pizzeria Juanita – pizza and more
- Bombay Tandoori – Indian
- DeVito's Tapas & Bar
- Portobello – a bar that also shows football matches
- Meson Rio Seco – Spanish
Pilar de la Horadada
- Salt and Pepper – Spanish
- Casa Araez – Spanish
- Vinicore – Spanish, with an impressive wine cellar
Elsewhere
- Rebate – Spanish
- Rancho Blanco – Spanish
- Mesón El Prado – San Miguel de Salinas
- Harry's Lounge & Kitchen – a Finnish restaurant near the centre of Torrevieja
Sights and nature
- The Torrevieja salt lakes – pink and green lakes with rich birdlife
- The Palmeral of Elche – more than 200,000 palm trees
- Castillo de Santa Barbara – a fortress dating from the 9th century, overlooking Alicante
- Guardamar del Segura – sand dunes, pine forest and a historic castle
- Sierra Espuña and El Hondo – nature parks with walking trails and birdlife