Benidorm is famous for its bright lights, all-inclusive hotels, and bargain pints.
But just minutes from the strip lies something you might not anticipate – a Roman landscape dating back more than 2,000 years.
Ancient roads still cut through the coastline, a military outpost overlooks the bay, and the remains of a full Roman city sit just a short journey away.
It’s a side to the Costa Blanca hotspot that many visitors never see.
And it’s an option that offers far more cultural experience than you’d expect from Benidorm.
First Choice has listed some of the top historical hotspots for travellers looking to uncover this cultural side of a classic Brits-abroad destination.
Tossal de La Cala offers a free-to-visit introduction to Benidorm’s Roman past, with open access to the remains of a military outpost dating back to around 77 BC.
Set on a hill overlooking the coastline near the strip, the site features signposted walking routes and information panels, making it an easy and accessible option for visitors.
Benidorm, a favourite among Brits, also has a fascinating historical side
Tossal de La Cala offers a free-to-visit introduction to Benidorm’s Roman past, with open access to the remains of a military outpost dating back to around 77 BC
Ancient roads still cut through the coastline, a military outpost overlooks the bay, and the remains of a full Roman city sit just a short journey away
For a more in-depth day trip, Lucentum (Tossal de Manises) is an ancient Roman archaeological site easily accessible from Benidorm, where visitors can explore preserved streets, baths, and defensive walls from a once-thriving city.
Entry costs just €3 (£2.60), with discounted tickets available.
Travellers can also seek out sections of the Via Augusta near Altea and Villajoyosa, one of the longest roads in Roman Spain, still visible along parts of the coastline.
These sites, along with coastal discoveries including shipwrecks and amphorae, form a lesser-known network of Roman ruins along the Costa Blanca.
Today, guided heritage walks and coastal archaeology tours make it easier than ever to explore this hidden side of Benidorm.
Just two and a half hours from the UK, Benidorm enjoys early summer temperatures averaging around 20°C in May, making it a reliable choice for sun and sea.
With more than just sun and sand hidden beneath the resorts, its historical side may even rival some of Europe’s most notorious cultural destinations.
Rome may be famous for its landmarks, but it also comes with crowded streets, long queues, and higher day-to-day costs, especially in peak season.
Lucentum (Tossal de Manises) is an ancient Roman archaeological site where visitors can explore preserved streets, baths, and defensive walls from a once-thriving city
Today, guided heritage walks and coastal archaeology tours make it easier than ever to explore this hidden side of Benidorm
These sites, along with coastal discoveries including shipwrecks and amphorae, form a lesser-known network of Roman ruins along the Costa Blanca
Benidorm, by comparison, is far more affordable.
Pints cost between €2.50 (£2.20) and €3 (£2.60), compared with €6 (£5.25) or more in Rome, while a three-course meal for two can be 25 per cent cheaper.
For a more authentic taste of the region, holidaymakers can ditch the British-style pubs and head for the Old Town’s buzzing tapas spots.
Locals favourite La Fava serves a special ‘Fava style’ potato salad as well as Oxtail croissant with bull sauce and arugula.
Meanwhile Bar Mal Pas has a variety of authentic tapas dishes and specialises in seafood paellas.
But it’s not just the local delicacies that are cheaper.
A three-night break comes in at almost £160 cheaper per couple than Rome.
For those planning a stay, Cuco hotel is a convenient base within easy reach of both the beaches and nearby Roman sites.
Its central location also makes it simple to explore the Old Town’s authentic tapas bars or take a tram along the coast to uncover hidden Roman roads, and it’s available with half-board for just £201pp.
Kevin Nelson, managing director of First Choice, said: ‘Most people think of Benidorm as a party destination.
‘But just minutes from the beach, travellers can explore Roman roads, ancient forts, and villas that few ever see.
‘You can experience history during the day and still enjoy the sunshine and coastline; it offers a completely different perspective on the destination.’
While Benidorm may still be best known for its nightlife, its ancient past tells a different story – combining history, sunshine, and value, all just minutes from the strip.
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
READ MORE: Travel News
