Visit Denia
Denia is in the province of Alicante in the Valencia and Murcia region of Spain on the Costa Blanca coast.
Denia is a thriving port as well as a holiday town. Ferries travel from here to Ibiza, Majorca and Minorca and Denia also has a large fishing fleet. Denia is also just 110 kilometers from Alicante airport.
Explore Denia
Denia has ancient origins. It was originally a Greek colony named after the goddess Diana. Later it became a Muslim stronghold and there still remains a large castle which was originally an Arab fortress. Its ferry links to the Balearic Islands and its fishing fleet continued its expansion and it is now a sizeable town.
Denia is a very cosmopolitan town with an interesting mix of buildings reflecting its colourful history. Its main sight is its 16th century castle sat above the town on a small hill. The castle has been extensively restored and inside is a small archaeological museum. It also has pleasant gardens. From the castle you get excellent views over the sea and the town.
Below in the town there are some excellent shops and its main street, the Calle Marques de Compo, is lined with trees and bars and restaurants and is an excellent place to stop for a meal, or a drink and watch the world go by.
The Carrer Marques de Campos, the main shopping street still retains much of its original charm and the Les Roques quarter, next to the castle is one of the nicest quarters of Denia. It has become something of an arts and crafts centre. The Plaza de los Caidos is surrounded by some attractive 18th century buildings, including the town hall.
Denia's fishing port has lovely narrow cobbled streets lined with simple whitewashed houses. Not far away is a modern marina with shops, bars and nightclubs.
To the north and south of Denia are miles of excellent beaches. The view of the colourful houses of Denia with the hill and castle rising above that you can get from the beach is very picturesque. The main beaches are Les Marines, L'Almadrava, Les Deveses, Les Bovotes and Els Palmars.
Together the charming town, pretty harbour and great beaches have made Denia very popular and its very mild climate with sunshine most of the year also adds to its popularity. On average Denia receives an incredible 325 days of sunshine a year and its summers are not too hot and winters not too cold!
Behind the town are the mountains of Montgo which not only add to the beauty of the setting but also mean visitors can add walking, mountain biking and windsurfing to the seaside pursuits which include windsurfing, sailing and diving.
Denia has been used as the location for filming various movies including 'The Three Musketeers' with Oliver Reed and Michael York and Bruce Willis and Sigourney Weaver have starred in 'The Cold Light of Day' shot partly in Denia.
The Palacio del Gobernador, the Governor's House, which is within the castle contains an Archeology museum with exhibits ranging from 200 BC to the 18th century.
Places to visit near to Denia
Denia is at the foot of Mount Montgo and its natural park. From here you can get excellent views of Denia and the coast.
Calpe further along the coast is a lively resort.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Alicante guide and the Valencia and Murcia guide.
Map of Denia and places to visit
Denia places to visit
Calpe
Calpe is a popular resort on the Costa Blanca coast. It is recognisable for the huge rock just off the beach.
Calpe guide
Altea
A small resort set below the historic village which has views over the sea and coastline. The beach is a pebble beach
Altea guide
Guadalest
Guadaleste is a very pretty mountain village with a belfry perched on top of a rocky outcrop. It also has a moorish castle.
Guadalest guide
Benidorm
Benidorm is the largest resort in Europe and has a lively night-life. It is popular with young tourists and with families.
Benidorm guide
Cullera
Cullera is a popular resort town with eleven beaches. It is about 40 kilometers south of Valencia.
Cullera guide
Xativa Castle
Xativa Castle is a stunning castle whose Major and Minor castles spread out with their fortifications along the hilltop.
Xativa Castle guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Valencia and Murcia