IT’S NO secret that Brits love Benidorm, but there is a hidden spot just minutes from the strip not many know about.
While most Brits might head to the famous Spanish resort, for its vibrant nightlife scene and cheap booze, just 20 minutes from the strip you will find an ancient Roman town.
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Dating back more than 2,000 years, Tossal de La Cala used to be a Roman military fortress – and now has some of the best views of the popular Poniente Beach.
One recent visitor said in a TripAdvisor review: “Tossal de la Cala is easily one of the highlights of our trip to Benidorm.
“The whole area feels peaceful and well-maintained, with plenty of spots to sit and just soak it all in.”
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Below the ancient site, you can visit the beach which stretches for just under two miles as well as Platja de Llevant.
If you aren’t done exploring ancient Roman sites, less than 40 minutes away is another ancient Roman site.
Lucentum – the predecessor to modern day Alicante – is another well-preserved Roman site with streets, baths and defensive walls.
When the ruins were discovered, a lot of pottery was found as well as some columns and former settlements that remain.
Visitors do need to pay to access this site though and it costs €3 (£2.61) each.
Lucentum is also located on one of the longest Roman roads in Spain – Via Augusta.
Between Alicante and Benidorm, you will also find La Illeta dels Banyets, which is thought to be one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.
At the site, visitors can see a Roman villa with thermal baths and fish-farm pools carved into the rock.
When in Benidorm, you won’t need to spend much on food or drink either with pints costing as little as €2.50 (£2.17).
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If you are wanting food, the experts at First Choice recommend La Fava, where you can pick up ‘Fava style’ potato salad as well as Oxtail croissant with bull sauce.
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.”
It takes about two-and-a-half hours to fly to Benidorm, with flights costing as little as £13 per way in April, May or June.
And a three-night break with First Choice on a half-board basis, costs from £201 per person, travelling from London Luton Airport on May 18.
For more Spanish destinations, here is the secret Spanish seaside resort where you can camp right on the beach – and you’ll see more locals than tourists.
Plus, the beautiful Spanish island that feels like Costa Rica without the long flight – with 31C summers and volcanic beaches.