A Mediterranean port city with an 11th-century castle on a hilltop. Fresh seafood restaurants line the marina, while sandy beaches stretch along 20km of coastline.
Dénia sits between Valencia and Alicante on Spain's Mediterranean coast. An 11th-century castle rises above the town center, while the shoreline stretches for 20 kilometers. Swim in the shallow waters of Les Marines beach, snorkel in the rocky coves of Les Rotes, or dine on arroz a banda at restaurants around the marina. As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Dénia's culinary scene ranges from traditional taverns to waterfront dining spots.
Getting to Dénia
Drive to Dénia from Alicante Airport (110 kilometers) or Valencia Airport (95 kilometers) in about 1 hour 20 minutes. Take the narrow-gauge railway, known locally as the Limón Express, from Alicante through mountain landscapes. Baleària ferries depart daily from the port to Ibiza, Formentera, and Mallorca.
Beaches and Swimming Spots
The northern coastline runs for 14 kilometers with sandy beaches at Les Marines, L'Almadrava, and Les Deveses. Wade into shallow waters that extend several meters from shore. The 4-kilometer southern shore at Les Rotes contains small coves with clear water. Swim or snorkel at Punta Negra, part of a Marine Reserve where protected Posidonia sea grass beds attract abundant marine life.
Exploring the Castle District
An 11th and 12th-century castle complex sits atop a central hill. Visit the Archaeological Museum inside the Governor's Palace to see Roman artifacts and Islamic ceramics dating from 200 BC through the 18th century. Walk along the castle walls for views of the Mediterranean Sea, Montgó mountain, and old town's red-tiled roofs below.
The Old Town and Baix la Mar
Walk through the Baix la Mar quarter from the castle to the waterfront, past blue, yellow, and white houses that recall its fishing village origins. Stop at Plaza San Antonio, where palm trees shade a square surrounded by stone buildings. Browse cafes with outdoor tables and small shops in 19th-century buildings along Marqués de Campo, the main commercial street.
Food and Local Cuisine
Try traditional rice dishes in Dénia's restaurants, like arroz a banda made with fish stock and seafood, or arroz negro colored with squid ink. Fresh fish arrives daily at the local port. The surrounding Marina Alta region grows vegetables, citrus fruits, and produces wines from Moscatel and other local grape varieties.
Mountain and Coastal Activities
Hike the Colonial trail on the lower slopes of the 753-meter Montgó mountain for coastal views. Cycle the Via Verde through orange and lemon orchards on a former railway line. Join kayak tours to Cova Tallada, where you can swim in the chambers of this historic sea cave.
Local Festivals
Watch artists install large satirical sculptures during Las Fallas in March, ending with La Cremà when the figures burn amid fireworks. In July, see the Bous a la Mar festival where bulls run down Marqués de Campo toward a temporary arena at the port, with participants trying to lure them into the water.
