Dénia

Dénia (Spanish: Denia; "Dénia" is Valencian) is a small tourist city on the southeastern coast of Spain, to the north of Alicante province. It has a population of around 40,000, although this can be more than doubled by tourism during the summer months.

Understand
Dénia is right on the coastline of the Costa Blanca - the White Coast. On one side is the Mediterranean sea and to the other distant mountains. The town has had a very long history predating the Romans (when it was called Hemeroscopeion) and continuing through the Moorish period until the present. Almost everywhere in the town you can find ruins dating back to its historic past.



By plane
Dénia is equidistant to Alicante and Valencia and both airports are very well serviced by numerous major and low-cost international airlines, so arriving and departing is really easy and because of the competition is not expensive. Both airports are approximately 60 minutes travelling time straight down the A7/E15 autopista.

By bus
DeniBus operates five routes in Dénia, four of which depart from  on the Esplanade Cervantes. A single journey costs €1.50, payable directly to the bus driver on entry. Route maps and timetables can be viewed here.

Historic town
This is the original town settlement of Dénia and spreads from the harbour and old marina to the other side of the castle – the castle being the center which offered protection to the inhabitants. Today you can walk on cobblestone pedestrian streets, pausing for tapas and a drink at one of the many typical bars. It is very interesting to walk around the old fisherman neighborhood, the old marina and harbour or the main street (Carrer Marqués de Campos) which now has wonderful and elegant shops. The new marina is sited to the south side of town and you can walk, dine and drink whilst looking out over some wonderful yachts, both sail and motor.



Beaches and water sport
One of the main attractions of Dénia are the beaches, which stretch for around 26 kilometres of coast and are divided into three sections: sandy beaches, the marinas and the rocky coastline. Many of the beaches are 'blue flag' and from June until mid-October most are equipped with foot showers, first aid stations, lifeguards, and toilets. Along some stretches there are chiringuitos or beach bars which are open from May through September.

The sandy beaches of Las Marinas towards the northern side of Dénia are good for relaxing and sunbathing, and are suitable for children. has disabled access, and dogs are permitted on (near the port area).

The southeastern rocky end of Dénia is known as Les Rotes. If you like diving or just snorkeling this stretch is more interesting, where you can see all kinds of Mediterranean fishes, squids, octopuses, sea urchins, etc., , and  (near the cliffs), are very popular with divers; a prior permit, available from the tourist office, is required. has disabled access and a boardwalk, is and easy stroll from the centre of Dénia.

Eat
Dénia is famous for its restaurants which serve fresh fish and wonderful meat dishes. There are so many and so varied including a 3-starred Michelin-rated gastronomic wonder. In 2015 the city was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. It is most well known for the Dénia gamba roja (red prawn), a deep-sea prawn which lives in a trench between Cap de Sant Antoni (Cabo de San Antonio) and Ibiza, and fetches upwards of €100/kg at the market. Other well-known and popular dishes include arrós a banda, which is the focus of an annual national cooking competition, suquet de peix, a type of seafood stew, and numerous other rice-based dishes.

Sleep
There are many apartments and penthouses which can be rented as well as small hotels.

Go next

 * Xàbia – 10 minutes south by road.
 * Ibiza – by boat or plane.