History of Benidorm

Benidorm: 700 Years of Living History

Today, Benidorm stands as a globally recognised tourist city, but behind its modern skyline lies a captivating history that spans nearly seven centuries. From its humble beginnings as a small fishing village to its current status as a global benchmark for smart and sustainable tourism, every corner of Benidorm tells a story worth discovering.

🏺 Who Were the First Inhabitants of Benidorm?

The origins of Benidorm date back more than 5,000 years, as evidenced by Neolithic fishing hooks and sinkers discovered at Tossal de la Cala. Over the centuries, the area saw the presence of Iberians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, and Romans. Among the most remarkable Iberian artefacts are the statuette of Tanit Bacchica and the Iberian Lion, found in necropolises such as El Albir, which contained more than 500 burials with personal belongings.

👣 What Legacy Did the Romans Leave?

From the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD, Benidorm experienced economic prosperity under Roman rule. One key structure from this era is the castellum built on Tossal de la Cala, linked to the Sertorian Wars. It was a time of agricultural development, which later declined following the Visigothic invasion.

A rock relief carved over 2,000 years ago by one of the inhabitants of the Roman castellum in Benidorm’s Tossal de la Cala still endures today.

🕌 What Was the Impact of the Muslim Period?

With the arrival of the Moors in 711 AD, Benidorm entered a period of cultural transformation that lasted nearly 800 years. Archaeological remains found in the Lliriets area reflect their presence. Although King James I of Aragon reclaimed the territory in 1245, the following centuries were marked by political instability and pirate attacks.

🏴‍☠️ How Did Benidorm Defend Itself from Pirate Raids?

Between the 15th and 17th centuries, Berber pirate incursions led to the construction of a coastal defence system, including several watchtowers—some of which still stand today:

• Torre de Seguró (Punta del Cavall)

• Torre Bombarda (El Albir)

• Benidorm Island, once used as a pirate base

These defences were promoted under King Philip II as part of a wider national coastal protection strategy.

📜 When Was Benidorm Officially Founded?

On 8 May 1325, Admiral Bernat de Sarrià, acting on behalf of King James II of Aragon, granted the Carta Puebla, officially establishing Benidorm as a self-governing town. The charter granted fishing and trading rights, laying the foundation for a strong maritime economy.

🎣 How Important Was Fishing to Benidorm’s Growth?

For centuries, Benidorm specialised in tuna fishing using the traditional almadraba technique, which gave rise to generations of skilled seafarers and captains. The town also served as a cabotage port and even as a privateering base in service to the Crown. The sea remained central to Benidorm’s identity well into the 20th century.

🚢 Did Benidorm Have International Captains?

Absolutely. By the 19th century, Benidorm had over 230 boats and 70 ocean-going captains. Local sailors navigated routes to the Americas, the Philippines and China. In 1925, Antonio María Vives Orts set an Atlantic speed record aboard the Cristóbal Colón, earning recognition from King Alfonso XIII.

🧳 When Did Tourism Begin in Benidorm?

Modern tourism began in 1865 with the opening of the Hostal La Mayora. The arrival of the railway to Alicante in 1858 and the popular trenes botijo brought thousands of summer holidaymakers from Madrid. In 1926, the Hotel Bilbaíno opened its doors, and key areas like Plaça del Castell and Elche Park began to be developed.

🏗️ What Was the Turning Point in Urban Development?

The 1956 General Urban Development Plan, spearheaded by Mayor Pedro Zaragoza Orts, transformed Benidorm by introducing a vertical, sustainable, and strategic city model. The plan included green spaces, optimised land use, and safeguarded the town’s natural surroundings.

🏙️ Why Is Benidorm Known as the City of Skyscrapers?

In 1963, new planning regulations gave rise to the “Vertical City” model: high-rise buildings surrounded by open green spaces. This layout allows more sunlight, better airflow, and promotes environmental sustainability. Inspired by the Modernist Movement, Benidorm became a trailblazer in European tourism urban planning.

🏆 What Has Benidorm Achieved in the 21st Century?

In 2018, Benidorm was named the world’s first Smart Tourist Destination, embracing technology, sustainability and accessibility. During the pandemic, its Benidorm DTI + Safe model was presented to the OECD as a global best practice. In 2024, it received awards including:

• Most Sustainable Destination (Smart Travel News Awards)

• Inclusive and Environmentally Responsible Destination

• EnerTIC Awards for Innovation

In 2025, as it celebrates its 700th anniversary, Benidorm was named European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism by the European Commission.

🧭 Benidorm Timeline

1. c. 3000 BC – Neolithic remains at Tossal de la Cala
2. 2nd century BC – Iberian presence and Tanit worship
3. 1st century BC – Roman castellum and agricultural growth
4. 711 AD – Moorish conquest
5. 1245 – Reconquest by James I of Aragon
6. 1325 – Official foundation with the Carta Puebla
7. 1865 – Start of tourism with Hostal La Mayora
8. 1956 – General Urban Development Plan approved
9. 1963 – Birth of the Vertical City model
10. 2018 – World’s first Smart Tourist Destination
11. 2025 – 700th anniversary & European Green Pioneer Award

❓Frequently Asked Questions About Benidorm’s History

• When was Benidorm founded?

On 8 May 1325, with the Carta Puebla granted by Bernat de Sarrià.

• What was Benidorm’s first economic activity?

Fishing—especially tuna using the almadraba method—and coastal navigation.

• When did tourism begin in Benidorm?

In 1865 with the opening of the first guesthouse. Tourism flourished in the 20th century.

• What made Benidorm’s urban planning unique?

Its planned, vertical and sustainable city model, adopted in 1956.

• Is Benidorm still innovative today?

Yes, it remains a European leader in smart, sustainable, and accessible tourism.

👇🏼 Explore more about Benidorm’s rich history in the following sections 👇🏼