Set midway between the coastal cities of Valencia and Alicante, Denia has long been a favourite spot for holidaymakers and locals, who snap up second homes by the beach and spend their summers and weekends here.
Surrounded by natural parks, including Mount Montgó, a 2117-hectare nature reserve, you'll find some of the best beaches in Valencian Community, from picture-perfect rocky calas to sweeping sandy bays.
Denia may have mountains and beaches on its doorstep, but it's also a vibrant, living town with inhabitants and visitors year-round.
Here you'll find a pretty old town centre crowned by castle ruins, traditional squares and churches, and a buzzing culinary scene, from family-run paella spots to beach-front bars and high-end gastronomy.
Where holidays meet history
With a rich historical heritage dating back over 2,000 years, the Iberian, Roman, Islamic, and Christian civilisations have all left their mark on Denia. In its earliest history, Denia's port and strategic position were its primary appeal, becoming a thriving trading spot for raisins in the 17th Century.
That maritime trade and fishing heritage continued for centuries, and even today, the bustling port is at the heart of Denia, with Marina el Portet offering a wide range of water sports and rows of elegant yachts.
In the enchanting streets of Denia's old town, a historical tale unfolds at every turn. Roman heritage is brought to life through the remnants of ancient walls and archaeological treasures throughout the town.
The ruins of the Castle of Denia, located in the heart of the town on a 60-metre-high hill, are more than a thousand years old, showcasing a unique blend of Moorish and Christian architectural styles and offering lovely sea views.
This former fishing town also embraces the spirit of contemporary visitors, offering a perfect blend of sun, sea, and history.
The old town is fringed by the vast marina, its waterfront dotted with bars and eateries, the golden-sand beach is just a short stroll away, while nearby coves create the perfect backdrop for adventure on the water.
Where to stay
While many visitors to Denia rent a villa or apartment, there is a smattering of local boutique hotels for a more luxurious getaway.
To help you find your ideal stay, we’ve compiled a list of some places to stay in Alicante province in and around Denia.
A luxury boutique hotel overlooking Denia’s beautiful beachfront. The Hotel Los Angeles Denia stands as a regal yet welcoming resort, equipped with a sparking pool, luxury spa and wellness centre, and tennis courts. Choose from spacious rooms with scenic sea views or an attic suite to enjoy endless Mediterranean vistas. Click here to reserve.
A quaint 20-room hotel on the seafront close to the centre of Denia, you’ll find the Hotel El Raset looking out over the tranquil marina next to the old fishing district. Offering a range of rooms, including doubles with majestic views of the marina, à la carte dining, and breakfast included in the price of your stay. Click here to reserve.
Hotel Denia Marriott La Sella Golf Resort & Spa is ideal for golf enthusiasts; located in Montgó National Park, around a 15-minute drive from Denia. A true luxury hotel in Alicante province, featuring a crystalline pool surrounded by palm trees, equipped with a poolside bar, along with a luxury spa with Turkish baths and an outdoor hot tub.
Located right next to Denia’s castle, this hotel is in the heart of Denia’s old town.
Set in a 13th-century building La Posada del Mar mixes contemporary luxury with a historical journey through time. All nine junior suites and 16 double rooms offer a sea-facing balcony or terrace.
Tucked away in the Montgó Natural Reserve, offers a tranquil stay surrounded by nature and just a few metres from the seafront. The town centre is approximately four kilometres away. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, fitness room, and an on-site Mediterranean cuisine restaurant. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, and some with sea views. Click here to reserve.
Denia dining
Beyond its historical heritage and serene shorelines, Denia is a secret culinary hotspot. Home to the three Michelin-star restaurant, Quique Dacosta, named for its innovative chef, you’ll also find the cosmopolitan foodie streets of Els Magazinos, in the town centre, lined with trendy eateries in a food market style.
To help you navigate the many delicious options in Denia, we’ve collated our top picks with a mix of fine dining and fabulous everyday favourites to suit all palates.
Fine dining
Visit this three-Michelin-star restaurant in Denia for the most elevated paella in town. Listed among the 50 best in the world, the menu is filled with seasonal edible artworks inspired by the environment and local area. Indulge in ‘Por Amor al Arte’ (For the Love of Art), Dacosta’s newest gastronomic proposal at the restaurant, offering the finest seasonal produce served with artistic flair.
This restaurant demonstrates its passion for local produce by blending high-class Italian cuisine with a relaxing Mediterranean atmosphere. With mountainous backdrops and views of the marina and castle, saviour the innovative flavours of pasta, fresh seafood, and homemade focaccia surrounded by Denia’s most majestic scenery.
Offering an innovative dining experience and a tasting menu filled with seasonal products designed by chef Ismael Bilbao, this restaurant is perfect for gastronomy lovers. Enjoy lunch or dinner, discovering new textures and flavours, from fresh scallops infused with rosemary and lavender aromas to tasty beef ribs. You’ll also find a dedicated menu for vegetarians.
Discover delicious and creative Mediterranean gastronomic cuisine at El Raset, with fresh local ingredients fused with modern touches for a gourmet dining experience. You’ll find this restaurant in Denia’s bustling marina serving fresh salads with salted cod or seafood, Guillerdeau oysters, and a range of rice dishes and cuts of meat.
Fabulous favourites
A unique al fresco market-style dining experience next to Denia’s port, set down colourful little streets, during summer, it is open until 02:30. You’ll find 20 different stalls offering a blend of traditional and innovative cuisine, all focused on using locally produced ingredients. Try the Spanish croquettes, fresh pasta, oysters, or gourmet wine tasting.
Nestled in a natural enclave in Les Rotes next to the shoreline, this restaurant is set right on the water and has been creating delicious dishes since 1943. Open for lunch and in summer for dinner too. Try the homemade salted fish or fried octopus. Rice enthusiasts will love their signature 'arroz a banda', a dish they have been cooking for more than 70 years.
An authentic old town bodega dating back to 1906, this is a favourite of both locals and tourists. Step inside, and you’re met with a whole wall lined with local wines and vermouths. Ask the bar staff for their recommendations and pair your tipple with tapas like croquetas de bacalao (cod croquettes), or try their grilled meats, fish, and seasonal vegetables. Open every day except Tuesdays.
Head south of Denia towards Les Rotes and discover El Faralló as seafood specialists, here you’ll find the famous Gamba Roja de Denia (Denia’s red prawns). Try them baked or grilled for some of the freshest seafood in the area. This restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.
Further south along the coast from El Faralló, you’ll find Restaurante Sendra for more of the freshest catches from the Mediterranean and typical Dianense dishes. Set on one of the most beautiful rocky coves overlooking the coast, enjoy lunch with magnificent views of the Cabo de San Antonio Marine Reserve. Open daily, apart from Wednesdays.
The best beaches
With more than 20 kilometres of coastline, the sandy shores of Denia are home to some of the best beaches in Valencia. Extending outside the main town centre in both directions along the coast, we’ve gathered the top seven serene shorelines to explore while visiting Denia.
Marines
Although the whole north coast is often referred to as Marines due to the road that runs along the coastline, this beach encompasses only one part of that area. The wide stretches of golden sandy beach and its proximity to the centre of town ensure this is a firm favourite for families.
Les Deveses
Around 10 kilometres from the centre of Denia, the silky sands of Les Deveses can be accessed by bus or car. This is Denia’s widest and most rurally located beach, but you’ll still find plenty of amenities, including an ice cream shop, pizza restaurant, and bar nearby. For sports lovers, you can try a windsurfing lesson from the school located at the beach.
The Bovetes
A Blue Flag-accredited beach, popularly known as Le Fons, is one of Denia’s largest and most visited sandy spots. Potentially the best beach in Alicante, the promenade is lined with restaurants and bars, and you can enjoy a game of volleyball or football on the shoreside pitches. While this beach is popular, with wide sweeps of golden sand, it has a spacious nature that will mean you’ll have plenty of room to enjoy a relaxing day.
Els Molins
A few metres north of Les Bovetes, you’ll find the largest beach in the Les Marines area. This beach also meets the Blue Flag standard with its serene sands and crystalline waters. A popular spot for locals during the summer, this beach offers a bustling vibe with restaurants nearby.
Punta del Raset
A small sandy beach with natural dunes lining its coastline, just a few steps from Denia’s town centre. One of the busiest beaches during the summer months, it has various activities for all the family, from canoeing and kayaking to an inflatable water park.
Les Albaranes
At the end of Punta del Raset, you’ll uncover Les Albaranes, one of the more hidden beaches in Denia. Sandwiched between two small rivers, this quaint beach is known for its protected dunes and palm trees. Access this beach via rustic wooden walkways. Its orientation means you’ll be protected from eastern winds, meaning it’s a good area for water sports like paddleboarding.
Marineta Cassiana
Located south of Denia behind the marina, this beach has been recognised by Blue Flag many times for its clear waters. The southernmost area of Marineta Cassiana Beach, also known as Marge Roig, has been considered a smoke-free beach since 2020, meaning smoking is completely prohibited.
Walk this way
Whether you prefer leisurely beach strolls, vigorous mountain hikes, or scenic coastal walks, Denia offers a plethora of options to satisfy every walking enthusiast. Here are our four favourite walking routes to get you inspired for your next adventure.
Take a serene stroll to Cala Las Rotes
Embark on a leisurely walk south along the coastal promenade from Denia's town centre along the picturesque shoreline to Cala Las Rotes. Once you reach Las Rotes, take in the panoramic views of the cliffside destination, which is around three and a half miles (5.6 km) from the town.
Explore Denia's Cova Tallada
An easy out-and-back route starting from Les Rotes will take you to the Cova Tallada (Carved Cave) in the neighbouring town of Javea. The walk takes around an hour in total. It’s worth spending time exploring the caves if you can, but ensure you book in advance during the summer months, as visitor numbers are limited.
Climb the majestic Cumbre del Montgó
Climb to the summit of Montgó Mountain (Cumbre de Montgó) for a challenging 15.5-kilometre circular route. With 665 metres of elevation, it's an ideal route for competent hikers. Don’t forget to pack plenty of water and snacks, as this hike takes around five hours to complete.
Discover a railroad track reinvented
Find solace on the Via Verde (Green Way), a smooth and easy 11-kilometre round route suitable for families, and children, taking around two and half hours. Trek along a former rail line for a picturesque trail that winds through lush agricultural fields and orange groves for a peaceful escape amidst nature.
What to do in Denia
For history enthusiasts, a hike up to Denia Castle is a must-do. Climb the castle's ancient walls, explore the fascinating ruins and take in the panoramic views of the sparkling Mediterranean once you reach the castle's summit. Open daily throughout the summer, it’s just three euros to enter the castle grounds and free for children under eight years old.
Underneath Denia's castle hill lies a hidden secret from the Spanish Civil War, a large tunnel that once served as an air raid shelter. Explore this historic site for a unique glimpse into the challenges faced by the town during that turbulent period. Explore the tunnels from 7 am until midnight throughout the summer months (June 1-September 30).
Indulging in the vibrant atmosphere around Denia's marina is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Sip on a cocktail or crisp glass of wine at one of the many waterfront bars or restaurants while savouring the lively ambience and picturesque views of the boats bobbing in the harbour.
Thrill-seekers can head to the sea from the marina for various water sports. Whether it's kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or jet skiing, you can enjoy the exhilaration of gliding across the azure waters of the Mediterranean with plenty of rental options directly from along the marina’s seafront.
For a more leisurely experience, stroll through Denia's Casco Antiguo (Old Town). Lose yourself in the labyrinthine streets lined with charming whitewashed buildings adorned with colourful flower pots. Discover hidden squares, boutique shops, and quaint cafés.
Facing the main marina, Barrio de los Pescadores (Fishermen's Quarter) is another area worth exploring. This picturesque neighbourhood exudes a traditional and authentic charm, with narrow streets leading to the bustling fish market.
With some of the best beaches in Valencia, a bustling marina, fascinating history, and an impressive food scene, Denia offers an unforgettable escape on Alicante’s Costa Blanca. Whether you are looking for tranquillity or a thrilling adventure, this captivating coastal haven has something for everyone.
Looking for more Valencia short breaks ideas? Read our guides for unique experiences focused on culture, places, and gastronomy, along with tips on where to stay. Click here to read them.