A Journey to the Past Among Narrow Streets and White Facades

Benidorm’s old town, popularly known as Old Town, is one of the areas with the most character and charm in the city. Situated between the two main beaches, Levante and Poniente, this neighborhood preserves the essence of the old fishing village that Benidorm once was before the tourism boom.

Exploring Old Town means immersing yourself in a network of cobbled pedestrian streets, with white-fronted houses, traditional shops, typical bars, and historical corners. Streets like Sant Vicent, Santa Faç, Alacant, or Paseo de la Carretera (known as “la calle del coño” due to visitors’ frequent expressions upon meeting acquaintances) form part of the vibrant tapestry that blends local culture and international ambiance.

Heritage, Gastronomy, and Living Culture

Old Town is not just a picturesque area; it’s also Benidorm’s cultural heart. Here you’ll find:

• The 18th-century Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana, with its distinctive blue dome.
• Plaza de la Señoría, with its sea viewpoint and historical value.
• Plaza del Castillo, now transformed into the famous Balcón del Mediterráneo.

Old Town is also a gastronomic epicenter, where tapas bars, family restaurants, traditional ice cream parlors, and international venues coexist. It’s common to see tourists and locals enjoying a vermouth, some tapas, or a cold beer in the sun, creating a relaxed and lively atmosphere.

El Rumbo: Steps from the Heart of the Old Town

Within the Old Town’s limits and just a few meters from Plaza de la Señoría, you’ll find El Rumbo, an emblematic bar founded in 1971. This legendary British Pub was one of the first enclaves for the British community in Benidorm, and to this day, it remains a benchmark of hospitality, history, and flavor.

At El Rumbo, you can:

• Take a break after exploring the old town.
• Try a smoothie, toast, or a “pincho” if the heat is on.
• Enjoy their cocktails or an ice-cold beer.
• Charge your phone and connect to Wi-Fi to plan your next stop.
• Grab something with their takeaway meal deal option.

Old Town and El Rumbo: An Unmissable Combination

Discovering Benidorm’s Old Town is understanding the city’s deep roots: its people, its architecture, its history, and its evolution. And doing so with a stop at El Rumbo completes the experience with a drink, a bite, and good conversation in a place with over five decades of history.

Walking through Old Town is walking through Benidorm’s living memory. And just a few steps away, El Rumbo awaits you to celebrate it as it deserves.