Tossal de la Cala

Tossal de la Cala is a hill at the south-western edge of Benidorm, rising between Poniente beach and the neighbouring Finestrat cove. At its summit, 80 to 103 metres above sea level, sits one of the most important archaeological sites in the province of Alicante — a Roman castellum protected as a Cultural Heritage Asset.

What will you actually see up there?

The ruins are the remains of a Roman fortress, most likely built around 77 BC during the Sertorian Wars, when General Quintus Sertorius established a chain of coastal fortifications along northern Alicante to control land and sea routes. Excavated walls, room foundations and pottery fragments confirm a military presence and date the site to the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. Visitors can walk among the defensive wall remains and the outlines of rooms that once stood alongside them.

How was the site uncovered?

The first excavation took place in 1943, led by Father Belda, who uncovered 27 rooms attached to the fortress wall. Professor M. Tarradell resumed the work in 1965. In 1956, part of the site was damaged during construction of the access road to the hilltop, and it wasn't until the University of Alicante ran a systematic dig between 2013 and 2019 that the full layout and timeline of the castellum were properly established.

Why climb up here besides the history?

Beyond its archaeological value, Tossal de la Cala is one of the best viewpoints in Benidorm. In 1960 the town council built a mirador at the summit, and from there the panorama stretches over Poniente beach, Benidorm Island, and — on a clear day — as far as the Peñón de Ifach rock formation in Calpe. It's a spot that combines a short walk, a history lesson, and a view many visitors rate as the finest in the city.

How do you get there?

The hill is within walking distance from the western part of Benidorm, close to Poniente beach. The path up is relatively short but climbs steadily, so allow a relaxed 30 to 40 minutes for the ascent. There's no built-up tourist infrastructure at the top — this is an open-air archaeological site without ticket booths or shops.

When is the best time to visit?

Entry to the site is free, and the light and temperature are most pleasant early in the morning or shortly before sunset, especially during the hot summer months. If you want to go beyond the visual experience, guided archaeological tours run on set days of the week in small groups — it's worth checking the current schedule in advance, since spots are limited.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for Tossal de la Cala? No, both the archaeological remains and the viewpoint are free and open to all visitors.

What exactly will I find on site? The remains of a Roman fortress (castellum) from the 2nd–1st century BC — sections of defensive wall and room foundations — plus a viewpoint overlooking Benidorm and the surrounding coastline.

Do I need a guide to visit? Not necessarily — the site can be explored independently, but a guided archaeological tour helps make sense of the fortress layout and the history of the Sertorian Wars.

How long does a visit take? Walking the site and viewpoint typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, plus the time needed to reach the hill from Poniente beach.