See the remains of a village, thermal baths and fish ponds established 2,000 years ago by Calpe’s former Roman inhabitants.
Journey back to the Roman era at Baños de la Reina Archaeological Site (Conjunto Arqueologico Baños De La Reina). This collection of ruins, which date back to the 1st and 2nd centuries, shows evidence of a once-flourishing coastal enclave. Popular belief is that it was built as a spa for a Moorish queen, hence the name Baños de la Reina (Queen’s Baths).
There are three distinct sections to discover and at each is an information board in English. Behind the Paseo Maritimo Playa del Sol seafront promenade is the fenced off main Roman Vicus. This was the site of a church, necropolis, residential buildings and a waterwheel. Today you can see the foundations of the stone walls and fragments of mosaics.
On the sea side of the promenade is a series of six pools carved into the rocks. Their use was to both catch fish for consumption and to act as an aquarium for observing colorful Mediterranean ocean life. Water flowed into the pools from four canals and was prevented from escaping by bronze gates. Access the pools via a staircase, sit on the rocks and spot fish while swimming in the water.
The thermal baths complex was unearthed during restoration works of the nearby breakwater. It featured a fridgidarium (cold room), tepidarium (warm room) and caldarium (hot room). Also noteworthy, although from a different era, is the 19th-century Moli del Morello flour windmill.
The ruins are located adjacent to Cala Morello, which is the continuation of Arenal-Bol Beach. The Natural Park of Penyal d’Ifach is a 20-minute walk west from the landmark. Major town hotels are within comfortable walking distance and you’ll find varied dining options along the promenade.
Baños de la Reina Archaeological Site is open daily and is free to visit. There’s no public access to the main complex, but it can be seen through the fences.
