On the beautiful Costa Blanca, you will find the charming and picturesque Denia. Although this seaside resort is still fairly unknown, it offers everything for a wonderful holiday. From beautiful sun-drenched sandy beaches to gastronomical delights in the many restaurants in town. From relaxing by the pool of your private villa to climbing the highest mountain in the area. With its Mediterranean climate, Denia is not only the place for a great summer holiday, but also the place to escape from the cold English winters. The perfect place to spend your next well-deserved holiday. So read on and we will tell you everything you want to know about Denia in this blog. 

Overview of Denia

Denia is a municipality in the province of Alicante and lies between Valencia and the city of Alicante. Both cities can be reached within less than an hour’s drive. Because of the warm summers and mild winter climate, Denia is a destination you can visit all year round. The sun almost always shines and there is hardly any rain. This is thanks to its location, with the Mediterranean Sea in the east and the mountain slopes to the west. In the winter months, the average temperature is a pleasant 17 degrees or even warmer, while in the summer, the mercury rises to 32 degrees.

Although Denia is growing in popularity and offers all the facilities you are looking for as a holidaymaker, the town is not yet overrun by hordes of tourists. It has managed to retain its charm, and this is reflected in the old town with its castle, narrow streets and lively harbour. The kilometres of beaches are a good place to be and there are plenty of activities focused on walking, cycling and water sports. If you like adventure in the mountains, include a visit to the nearby Montgó Nature Park in your holiday planning.

The most beautiful beaches and coves of Denia in Spain

One of the main reasons for visiting the Costa Blanca is of course the beautiful beaches and in Denia you will certainly not be disappointed. Around the city, there are as much as 20 kilometres of beaches and coves, ranging from fine sand to rocky coves. There is a beach for every taste.

The most popular sandy beach is Playa les Bovetes, which is almost 2 kilometres long. It has been awarded the Blue Flag, a guarantee of safe and clean beaches, making it ideal for families with children. El Punto de Raset is the main beach in town with many amenities. If you prefer a quieter spot, head to Playa les Deveses. Due to its location, the wind can be strong here, which makes it an excellent place for water sports. 

South of Denia is Playa la Marineta Casiana, where the sand has a somewhat darker colour. There is a diving school here, but also other water sports can be practised. A beautiful spot is Playa las Rotas, a rocky protected marine reserve, where a day at the beach can be perfectly combined with a snorkelling trip. However, if you want to dive here, you will need permission as the area is part of a protected marine reserve.

Natural beauty in Parque Natural del Montgó

If you are a nature lover, Denia is waiting for you. The Montgó mountain range dominates the city’s surroundings, with its highest peak at 753 metres above sea level. The area stretches from the area inland of Denia to the coast of Javea in the south. It is a paradise where hundreds of plant species grow, some of which are only found in this part of the world. Among the animals you will encounter on a walk or bike ride are lizards and geckos. With a bit of luck, you may spot owls and see falcons skimming the air in search of prey.

The nature park dominates not only the interior of Denia but also the coast. One of the most beautiful spots of the park is Cabo de San Antonio, a distinctive cape with cliffs up to 150 metres high. It is an Eldorado for fish and even striped dolphins can be found there. If you want to see the beautiful underwater world, this is the perfect place to pull out your snorkel. Diving is also possible, but to protect this unique area, you will need a permit.

The charming old town in Denia

Denia has a very rich history. Originally a Greek colony, it was also occupied by the Romans and Moors, who left their mark on the area. In the old town, you can find many remnants from ancient times up to 19th century architecture. The most striking is the castle, built in the 11th and 12th centuries. It was built in an Islamic style, but because of the many modifications over the years, it also has features from the Renaissance.

The place not to be missed in Denia is the Baix la Mar district, the old traditional fishermen’s quarter by the harbour. This picturesque part of town is a tangle of narrow streets with coloured warehouses and a meeting place for young and old. The fishing boats go out every day and the best fish dishes can be found in this part of the city. Stroll through the lively streets and settle down at a terrace at the somewhat hidden Plaça del Convent. The finest square in the whole city is the Plaza de Constitucion, where the beautiful town hall and the Iglesia de la Asunción stand, and where an array of bars and terraces complete the Spanish atmosphere.

Exceptional food in Denia

Do you like delicious food? Then Denia is the place to be on the Costa Blanca. The city has been declared “Creative City of Gastronomy” by UNESCO, in part due to Denia’s innovative vision and development of local, eco-friendly food. 

In Denia’s many restaurants, you can enjoy the most delicious dishes, from international to typically Spanish. A typical dish is red prawn, which is very difficult to catch, but there are also other dishes that will make your mouth water. Calle Loreto in the centre is a string of Spanish bars and restaurants. Remember to take a good look around you, because with all those delicacies you might almost forget that you are walking through a beautiful street with historical buildings with wrought-iron balconies.

Want to know more about dining out in Spain? Then make sure you read: Get value for money when dining out in Spain!

The best shops and markets in Denia

For those who love shopping, Denia will certainly not disappoint. There are countless shops and markets, and you will need to restrain yourself not to return home overloaded. The best way to get to know a Spanish city while shopping is to visit the local fresh food market. The one in Denia is in the old centre. Fresh vegetables and colourful fruit are displayed in the stalls, the typical Spanish hams hang to dry and in the fish market the catch of the day are beautifully displayed on a bed of ice to keep the fish and shellfish cool. There is also a weekly market every Monday with more than 400 stalls. During the summer months, the Explanada Cervantes takes place every evening, selling crafts such as jewellery, bags and belts.

Besides Denia’s markets, you can also shop to your heart’s content in the many shops the city has. The main shopping street is Calle Marques de Campo, located in the centre. This street is lined with colourful houses and shady trees, and once you’re tired of shopping, you can sit down at one of the many terraces to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat.

Sports activities in Denia

Do you want a bit more action and want to show off your sporty side? There are numerous options in Denia and its surroundings. Given its location on the coast, you can opt for one of the many water sports. Step on a jet ski and race over the azure-blue waters of the Mediterranean, go kite surfing or literally dive into the marine life of the Costa Blanca during a snorkelling or diving trip.

If you are more of a land lover, then a hike or bike ride is recommended. The Parque Natural Montgó is the perfect destination. Be sure to take plenty of water for the journey when trying to reach La Creueta, the cross that marks the top of the mountain.

Want to know more about what to do during your holiday on the Spanish Costa Blanca? Then also read: What to do on the Costa Blanca – For the whole family!

The best accommodation for a well-deserved holiday in Denia

The decision has been made, you are going on holiday to Denia. But where are you going to stay, where are you going to find that amazing accommodation where you and your travelling companions will feel completely at home? Look no further and book your luxury holiday home or villa at Club Villamar, where you can be sure of a lovely place under the Spanish sun and enjoy your well-deserved holiday to the full!

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If you want to know more about travelling to Spain in general, please visit Holidays in Spain – Find out all you need to know about the sunny destination Spain and everything you need to know about your holiday to Spain.