If you’re spending time on the Costa Blanca you really will be spoilt for choice with amazing places to visit. We still have lots of places to explore in the region, but the ones we have visited so far haven’t disappointed.
We recently spent a few days on the North of the Costa Blanca, with stops in Moraira, Javea and Denia. This is a beautiful part of the coastline and if you are in the area, Denia is a place you should definitely add to your list of places to visit in Spain.
Where is Denia?
Denia is a coastal city located in the province of Alicante, Spain. It can be found on the Costa Blanca halfway between the cities of Alicante and Valencia. Alicante to Denia is approximately 91km, and Valencia to Denia is approximately 105km.
Where is the nearest airport to Denia?
The nearest airport to Denia is Alicante Airport which is 84km away. You can also fly into Valencia airport which is 88.2km from Denia.
The best and quickest option to get from Alicante airport to Denia is to hire a car, however you can also hop on a bus which takes 3hrs15 minutes and costs from €17 – €26. There isn’t a direct train from Alicante airport to Denia, but you could catch a bus or taxi to Alicante train station and from there get a train from Alicante to Denia.
If you land at Valencia airport you could get the metro into the city centre and from there catch a train from Valencia to Denia. A bus from Valencia airport to Denia takes 2hrs45 minutes and costs from €17 – €25. If you prefer, you can also rent a car at Valencia airport.
Is Denia worth visiting?
Denia is definitely worth a visit, with attractions including an ancient Moorish castle, beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants, and a lively marina, all set against a mountain backdrop. If you are looking for an historic location with plenty of things to do, as well as good links to nearby towns and cities, you should consider a holiday in Denia.
Ready to book your holiday to Denia?
If you’re ready to book your Denia trip, these links may help…
- Find great value flights and accommodation at Expedia
- Rent a car with RentalCars.com
- Check hotel reviews at TripAdvisor
- Book your tickets, tours and excursions at GetYourGuide
If you have plans to visit this area, here some great things to do in Denia to add to your itinerary along with some suggestions of places to stay at the bottom of the post…
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Visit El Castillo de Denia
The top place on your list of things to do in Denia has to be a visit to the castle, one of the main Denia attractions. The castle can be seen from most places in the city and is the top tourist attraction in Denia.
This scenic castle is set up on a hill and overlooks the port, town centre, and surrounding hills with some amazing views that are worth the visit! The castle was built in the 11th and 12th centuries and as well as exploring the fortress and admiring the views, there are plenty of historical artefacts and remains on display in the Archaeological museum from the Iberian, Roman, Muslim and Christian civilizations.
You can walk up to the castle from the town, passing through a tunnel that was built as a bomb shelter during the Spanish Civil War.
Entry to the castle is just €3 for adults, €1 for ages 8-14, and free for under 8s.
Wander the old town
If you’re a fan of Spanish old towns then Denia won’t disappoint. In the centre of Denia, surrounding the castle, you will find the old town with lots of shops, bars, restaurants, churches, and squares to explore.
This area used to fall within the castle walls, so expect to find many old buildings, cobbled streets, and the central marketplace.
Of an evening you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a restaurant as some of the best restaurants in Denia can be found in the old town. We found some amazing food stalls at El Magazinos gastronomic market, and there are so many ice cream parlours and cake shops to choose from throughout the town.
Our recommendation would be to take a walk through the narrow streets and little squares to see what is on offer before you pick a place to eat.
Shop ’til you drop
Denia has some great shopping areas full of small boutiques as well as more well known high street brands. You can also visit the weekly market on a Monday and the flea market on a Friday in the Plaza Jaume I area.
If you want to stop for a coffee while you shop, there are plenty of cafes and bars along the way.
Explore L’Albarda Gardens
Just short trip from Denia is the L´Albarda Garden, an area of 50,000 square meters with more than 700 native species of flora. These beautiful gardens have been influenced by Arab culture and the Renaissance. Wander through a collection of roses and palm trees, be impressed by the mountain views, and explore the main house and formal garden. The garden also features fountains, pools, and tiled walls with so many symbols of European and Arab culture.
Entry tickets are from €7 and the gardens are open daily from 10am to 2pm.
Spend a day at the beach
Fancy a day at the beach? You’ll be spoilt for choice as there are lots of beautiful, long, sandy beaches in Denia, as well as rocky coves. You’ll find restaurants, shops, beach bars and watersports along the beaches and plenty of free parking.
We spent a few hours on the lovely sandy beach at Playa Punta del Raset where there was a great inflatable park in the sea and a lovely beach bar. Other popular beaches include Playa Escollera Norte and Playa de les Marines.
Experience the fish market
Another of many great things to see in Denia is the town’s fish market. At 16:00h every day the fishing boats arrive back in Denia’s port after a day out at sea. From here the fisherman will take their catch to the fish market which includes a hectic fish auction. This is definitely something that is worth seeing in person if you find yourself nearby at this time of day!
Go on a boat trip
A boat trip is a great way to see the amazing coastline along this part of the Costa Blanca. As this is a port town there are lots of boat trips in Denia to choose from. With plenty of places you can hire your own boat along the marina, or you have the option to join an organised trip and let someone else do the sailing while you relax and enjoy the views.
You could book yourself onto a romantic Sunset Catamaran Cruise, a Catamaran Cruise around Denia and Javea with lunch, or even a boat trip to Cabo San Antonio with Snorkeling.
Party al Marina El Portet
Marina El Portet is just a short walk from the centre of Denia and is home to shops, restaurants, nightclubs, watersports, and a large number of moorings for all kinds of boats.
If you’re more in the mood for partying than wandering the old town, then this is the place to be in Denia.
Visit a museum
Hopefully you won’t experience any bad weather on your visit, but if you end up needing to find things to do in Denia when it’s raining there are plenty of interesting museums to choose from.
As well as the Archaeological Museum of Dénia located in the castle that we mentioned above, there is also the Ethnological museum on Calle Cavallers, the Toy Museum in the building of the old train station, and the Museu de la Mar (the Denia maritime museum) located in the restored Fish Market at the port.
Join a walking tour of Denia
Explore Denia with an expert local guide on the Denia: Mysteries and Legends tour. Learn about the mysteries and legends of Denia and hear tales of miracles, murders, and shipwrecks while you stroll through the port and the city center.
The tour takes 2 hours and costs from €10 per person.
Try some watersports
At Marina El Portet as well as on some of the beaches, you can sign yourself up for a wide variety of watersports. You can kitesurf, canoe, windsurf, dive, rent a jetski, rent a paddleboard or surfboard and more.
The watersports here are aimed at all ages and levels, and includes lessons if you’re a complete beginner – some of the most fun things to do in Denia for the whole family!
Hopefully this list has given you some inspiration of what to do in Denia on your trip. You can find the Denia Tourist Information office at Plaça del Consell right next to the entrance to the castle tunnel, and also at 9 Plaza Oculista, to get more details on tourist attractions in Denia or for a map of Denia.
Things to see near Denia
If you want to explore the local area when visiting Denia, then there are so many great places to visit on the Costa Blanca.
We recommend these places to visit near Denia:
Where to stay in Denia
If you like the look of Denia and are looking for somewhere to stay, here are our recommendations for accommodation in Denia:
These self-catering apartments are located 200m from Denia’s Marineta Beach and a 5-minute walk from Denia Harbour. The complex includes 2 swimming pools, a gym and sauna, and an on-site restaurant.
A great hotel located just 50m from La Marineta Beach and opposite Denia Port and Yacht Club. The hotel has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gym & sauna, tennis, entertainment program, an buffet style restaurant.
One of the best hotels in Denia, La Posada del Mar is located at the foot of Denia Castle and next to the sea. La Posada del Mar is a beautiful hotel set in a 13th century building, with a gym and sauna plus all rooms have a sea view.
If you want to be close to Denia but set back from the hustle and bustle, Villa la Marquesa is a 3 bedroom villa located 5.2km from the city centre, with a garden, swimming pool and free Wifi.
If you are planning a trip to Denia we hope you have a lovely time and enjoy the city as much as we did. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.
