Boasting beautiful year-round weather and long stretches of sandy coastline, Benidorm is famous for being a beach-lover’s heaven. Although it’s a summer holiday destination famous for its “fly and flop” getaways and vibrant party scene, there is a lesser-known, much more charming side to this popular tourist spot.
Benidorm’s Hidden History
Benidorm has several hidden gems waiting to be discovered by the more curious traveller who enjoys the lure of visiting a few cultural sites between tanning sessions, while in Spain. One of my favourites is the Roman Castellum: an ancient fort overlooking the shoreline, which is packed with history and delightful surprises.
Location
You’ll find this magnificent site atop a 100-metre high hill at the Tossal de la Cala, which was first excavated in the 1940s and then again in 1956. These excavations helped experts date the remains between the second and first centuries BC. These original excavations identified a complex arrangement of rooms and differing sizes and materials, which strongly suggests that the castellum was a fort built by General Sertorio around 77 BCC. The site is free to visit and is open at varying times on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Roman History
As you can imagine for a site this old there is plenty of history etched into the parts of the building that remains. El Tossal de la Cala was part of an important chain of coastal defences built by the Roman military. As you’ll see during your visit, the strategic placement of the fort on a high, relatively inaccessible hill provided soldiers with an advantage over invaders coming from the sea.
Recent Discoveries
Although the site is open to the public, there are still new and exciting discoveries being made all the time. For example, the sixth excavation unearthed more rooms and a number of new materials, which came together to reveal the only known example of this kind of military construction in Spain. Another fascinating discovery was made by archaeologists from the University of Alicante, who found a 2000-year-old rock carving of a human face, a cornucopia, and a phallus.
Current Importance
The site is of huge importance to the academic community, but over the years it has garnered huge cultural importance for local tourism and the wider Valencian community. The castellum has been declared an “Asset of Cultural Interest”, and the Ministry of Culture has worked to give it a place in the General Inventory of Valencian Cultural Heritage. This, along with turning the site into what is, in effect, a museum, has helped to create a valuable tourist attraction.
There’s no question that Benidorm is still one of the most popular destinations for a sun, sea, and sip kind of escape. But if you take a little more time to scratch below the surface of this well-known resort town, there are plenty of new discoveries to be made.
Where to Stay
Benidorm Luxury Residential – A beachfront accommodation complex that offers guests spacious two-bedroom apartments just a stone’s throw from all the local amenities and attractions. With an onsite spa, hot tub, tennis court and more, this is luxury living in the heart of the vibrant city.
Gastrohotel Boutique RH Canfali – A boutique hotel a short stroll from Benidorm town centre, that offers an intimate luxury experience with breathtaking views of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. The rooftop terrace offers respite from the hubbub below and is a perfect spot for sundowners.
Portofino Flying Whale – A large, private apartment with its own pool and panoramic view of the magnificent mountaintops. This accommodation is a levelled-up home-away-from-home, equipped with all your desired comforts. In addition, a bicycle rental service is available, which is perfect for those looking to explore another side of Benidorm!
How to Get There
The UK to Alicante route is popular (which is the easiest way to get to Benidorm), but the short trip doesn’t really get beyond a cost of £90 – even at the busiest time of year. However, if you’re looking to beat the crowds and explore Benidorm at a slower pace, the best time to travel is off-season. You’ll find excellent deals any time between September and May. Over 300 flights to Alicante depart every week, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, with British Airways and easyJet very popular.
Finding a flight will be easy but to make your trip go even smoother, I would recommend pre-booking an Alicante airport transfer. This means you can switch into holiday mode the moment you land. The journey from Alicante airport to Benidorm is only about 40 minutes, which means relaxation can begin as soon as possible!
Overview
UK to ALC Flight Time: 2 hours 42 minutes
ALC to Benidorm: 61 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 40 minutes
Types of Transfer
Shuttle Direct is a superb pre-booked airport shuttle provider, not just because they are reliable and experienced, but they have an excellent variety of transport options to choose from. Your Benidorm transfer can be a private taxi, or if you’d prefer to save your money for day trips to see the fabulous cultural sites, a shared shuttle bus is more budget-friendly. Whichever Alicante airport transfer you select is sure to be a great experience.
Taxi: A pre-booked airport taxi, Alicante airport to Benidorm, means you don’t have to waste any time standing in queues or figuring out how to get the best price. Your car will be waiting when you land and you’ll be taken straight to your accommodation without delay.
Shuttle Bus: For a budget-friendly Benidorm transfer, the shuttle bus is great for those that don’t mind sharing with fellow travellers. You’ll meet at a designated place at the airport, then be taken to a central drop off. You never know, you might even meet some new friends on the short journey!
Private Transfer: If you’d like more privacy and a touch of luxury to start your trip, we recommend a private transfer. Alicante airport to Benidorm is not too far, but just long enough that benefits from having this extra comfort, and you’ll be taken right to the door of your accommodation.
Minibus Transfer: If you’re travelling with a larger group or family, a pre-booked minibus is an excellent option. You will all be able to travel together, there’s plenty of room for luggage, and it’s a convenient, door-to-door option.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Even if you’re a seasoned traveller, it’s important to consider everything before booking your airport transfer. You should be comfortable and confident when travelling, so these are the two things to think about before selecting your Shuttle Direct trip.
Cost: Having a budget in mind before booking your Benidorm transfer will help you decide which option suits your needs best. So, the first thing to consider before pre-booking is whether you would be more comfortable in a budget friendly shuttle bus, or you don’t mind splurging on a private ride.
Convenience: The second most important thing to consider is convenience. You need to consider your specific needs when travelling; for example, if you prefer having more space, travelling in a larger vehicle for your airport transfer might be best for you, and if door-to-door is non-negotiable, you’ll need to book the service accordingly.
About Shuttle Direct
As an experienced airport transfer provider, Shuttle Direct are the experts in offering customers a friendly and knowledgeable shuttle service in destinations all over the world. Their drivers take pride in their work and will ensure you get from A to B safely, smoothly, and in a comfortable vehicle. Whether you’re looking for a wallet-friendly shuttle or a high-end luxury ride, we’ve got you covered.
