Things to do in Dénia: beaches, sights and tips

Dénia lies on the northern Costa Blanca, halfway between Valencia and Alicante. Long sandy beaches, rocky coves for snorkelling, the Montgó mountain on its doorstep and a cuisine recognised by UNESCO. In this guide we list what you shouldn't miss, with tips from us as owners of Villa La Paloma, a holiday villa with a private pool at the foot of the Montgó.

The beaches of Dénia

Les Marines (north) – miles of fine sand sloping gently into the sea. Ideal with children. Punta del Raset is close to the centre; further north the beaches get quieter, all the way to Les Deveses.

Les Rotes (south) – a rocky coastline with small coves and clear water. The area around Cap de Sant Antoni is a protected marine reserve and the best place to snorkel. Bring water shoes.

Both are 10 to 15 minutes' drive from our villa. Tip: in July and August parking at Les Rotes is tight, so go before ten.

Things to do in Dénia

• Dénia Castle – on the rock in the middle of town, with views over the harbour and sea and an archaeological museum.
• Baix la Mar – the old fishermen's quarter with colourful houses and terraces. Lovely around sunset.
• Carrer del Marqués de Campo – the main street under the plane trees, for shopping and lunch.
• The Montgó – a nature park right next to the villa. Hike to the 753 m summit; on clear days you can see Ibiza. In summer, start early and take plenty of water.
• Cap de Sant Antoni – lighthouse and viewpoint between Dénia and Xàbia.
• Cova Tallada – a sea cave in the cliffs, reached by kayak or over the rocks. In high season you must book in advance.
• To Ibiza or Formentera – ferries sail daily from Dénia harbour to the Balearic Islands.

Food and drink

Dénia is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Be sure to order the famous red prawns (gamba roja de Dénia) and a rice dish such as arroz a banda. For fresh fish, vegetables and fruit, visit the covered market (Mercat Municipal). Rice is eaten at lunchtime here; book ahead at weekends.

Day trips from Dénia

• Xàbia (Jávea) – about 20 minutes. Old town, harbour and the cove of La Granadella.
• Calp – about 35 minutes. The Penyal d'Ifac rock and a salt lake with flamingos.
• Altea – about 45 minutes. White hilltop village with a blue-domed church.
• Guadalest and Fonts de l'Algar – about an hour. Mountain village with a castle, and waterfalls you can swim in.
• Valencia – about 1 hour 15 minutes. Historic centre and the City of Arts and Sciences.

Practical information

The nearest airports are Alicante and Valencia, both about 1 hour 15 minutes' drive. A hire car is recommended. Dénia has mild winters and warm summers: sea swimming is possible from roughly June to October, and winter is perfect walking weather. Staying longer in winter? Read more about wintering in Dénia.