An archaeological dig in the Sierra Helada (Spain) has unearthed evidence of what local heritage councillor, Jaime Llinares, has described as Benidorm's first ever hotel. It's in the area known as 'L'Abric de la Pedrera', and archaeologists working at the site have so far discovered remains of ancient stone tools and evidence of flora and fauna which are believed to date back as much 10,000 years. Should carbon dating confirm their age, the site could prove to be the earliest known stable human settlement of the Marina Baixa. The oldest known to date in the Benidorm area is El Tossal de la Cala, from the Iberian period, which dates from less than 3,000 years ago.

Source: Typically Spanish (21 December 2009)