Dénia is a seaside destination that shimmers in the sunshine. Its 20km of coastline is defined by diverse landscapes, ranging from fine sandy beaches to rocky little coves. When you look up, you will see El Montgó, an imposing mountain that oversees the entire coast. But Dénia is not all about the beach: it also has a great deal of history, culture and gastronomy to explore. Come for a visit and awaken all your senses.
What to see in Dénia
Exploring Dénia is nothing short of an adventure. As you wander the streets, you will be whisked back in time. Baix la Mar, for example, is the town’s fishing district whose picturesque houses paint a picture of what life used to be like for the fishmen and their families.
Another district you won’t want to miss is Les Roques. This part of the town was formerly located in El Raval, a walled part of the Arab town which was populated with baths, mills and ovens. It is also the gate to Castillo de Dénia.
This fortress, which is one of the most iconic sights in the town, dates back to the Islamic period. Perched on a small hill in the heart of the destination, the castle affords incredible vistas over the Mediterranean and is an absolute must-visit. Nowadays, the fortress is part of a heritage site that includes Museo de Arqueología, the town archaeology museum.
Back down in the historic centre, we recommend visiting Convento de las Agustinas and La Asunción church, a place of worship that is exceedingly beautiful inside and out.
And that’s not all. Dénia is home to Museo del Juguete, the toy museum, which promises a great visit whatever your age. Children will love gazing at the toys of the past while you will enjoy taking a trip down memory lane, seeing some of the toys that defined your childhood such as wooden kitchens, bowling pins and ring games. A great museum that showcases the importance of the toy industry in the area.
If you love your food, you’re in luck: Dénia is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Wherever you go, you will find the highest quality dishes that combine the freshest catch of the day with produce grown in the Valencian land. Some highlights are arròs a banda (rice and fish dish), l’espencat (red pepper, aubergine and cod salad), pulpo seco (dried octopus), gamba roja (prawns) and suquet de peix (fish stew). Can you think of a better way to spend your time than exploring the great wealth and variety of the local cuisine?
And then there are the coves and beaches. Take your time to explore them all, jumping into the crystalline waters, lazing on the fine sand or pebbles and putting your head underwater to see the wonders that live beneath the surface. Els Molins beach, La Cala, Les Deveses and Les Marines are some of the best spots on the coastline. Cabo de San Antonio marine reserve is also an extraordinary underwater landscape that is calling out to be explored. Book an excursion for an incredible experience.
Dénia is also a great destination for walkers. Two great routes are Vía Verde de Dénia and the trail up to the top of El Montgó natural park.
No matter how you spend your time on this stretch of the Costa Blanca, Dénia will win your heart and have you coming back time and again.
