Banys de la Reina
A Roman seaside site on the Punta de la Fontana whose highlight is a large fish pond carved into the rock, with basins and channels that let seawater flow in. It belonged to a salting and garum factory and a mosaic-floored villa, one of the most important on the Mediterranean coast.
On the Punta de la Fontana, at the water's edge, the Banys de la Reina survive — a Roman site whose star feature is a large fish pond carved straight into the rock. In Xàbia it is one of the oldest traces of settlement along the coast.
What to see
The pond still holds the basins and channels that let seawater flow in to keep fish alive. It belonged to a factory for salting fish and making garum — the famous Roman fish sauce — and to a mosaic-floored villa reckoned among the most important on the Mediterranean coast.
For the visit
The rock-cut structures can be made out from the seafront walk, especially at low tide, when more of them come into view. The seaward front takes only a few minutes to walk.
- Wear firm-soled shoes: the rock can be slippery near the water.
- Take nothing away: it is a protected heritage site.
To carry on with the town's Roman and prehistoric story, the Museu Soler Blasco holds much of the material recovered in the area.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Banys de la Reina in Xàbia?
A Roman site by the sea at the Punta de la Fontana, whose star feature is a large fish tank carved straight into the rock, with pools and channels that let in seawater.
What was this site used for?
It was part of a salting and garum-making factory and of a villa with mosaic floors, considered one of the most important on the Mediterranean coast.
When is the best time to see the Banys de la Reina?
The rock-cut structures can be seen from the seafront promenade, especially at low tide when they are more exposed. The visit is free.
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