Dénia is located on the east coast of Spain, along the coastal stretch known as the Costa Blanca. Denia is very much a family resort and one of the most popular tourist destinations on the northern Costa Blanca. A quiet little town that was once the centre of the region’s raisin growing industry. Although tourism has taken over, raisins are still grown here and remain to be a local delicacy. The main avenue in Dénia is the Marques de Campo where you can sit and watch the world go by. In the Plaza de Constitución you will find a wonderful 17th century church. The area around Dénia has been voted the third healthiest place to live by the World Health Organisation.
History
The town sits at the foot of a hill crowned by a castle, which was the residence of the erstwhile Marquis of Denia.
The city has well preserved ancient walls and bastions. From the hilltop esplanade there is an excellent view of Denia and its surrounding countryside.
Among the monuments in the town worthy of a visit are the 18th-century church of the Asunción; the 17th-century Atarazanas (dockyards); the cloister and church of San Antonio and the 18th -century, neoclassical town hall building.
Just outside the town you can visit the hermitages of the conquest- Sant Joan (gothic), Santa Paula and Santa Lucía (gothic), constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries, and also the Torre del Gerro (17th C.) located on the cliff next to the cape of San Antonio.
Denia Castle
One of the most important monuments in Dénia is the castle. The castle also houses a museum. It was built in the 11th century and has been remodeled several times over the years. You can find the castle at the top end of Denia, close to the town hall. Access is via a maze of narrow streets.
The main seafront in Dénia is an attractive road with ample parking and facilities to stop and eat and drink. From the seafront,small roads lead into the town.
Behind the first line of buildings are a series of small patios where you will find some superb restaurants amid the little fishermens’ houses, all painted different colours. There are some quirky restaurants in this area that make a pleasant change from the seafront.
The marina at Dénia
Dénia is not only one of the most important ports along this coast of Spain but it also has a wonderful marina. The marina has been totally refurbished over recent years and now provides a stunning location to walk, sail and enjoy the facilities there. The waterside is surrounded by bars, cafes and restaurants with a sprinkling of shops and offices. To the side of the marina is a small bay beach.
From the marina in Dénia you can charter boats, take pleasure rides and fishing trips and take boats to Ibiza and Javea.
Finding your way around Dénia
The backdrop to Dénia is the Montgo mountain with its natural park (Parque Natural del Montgo) where you can take amazing walks and hikes. Behind the mountain you will find the little villages of Jesus Pobre and Pedreguer.
Dénia is divided into clear areas (Terminos). The old town centre is the Casco Urbano. To the left of Dénia is the Las Marinas area and to the right is Las Rotas. Some of the larger urbanizations in Dénia include La Sella (surrounding the golf course).
Dénia’s main street is Marques de Campo. The trees on either side meet in the middle, offering shade in the summer. There are lots of nice shops on this street as well as many fine cafes and restaurants.
The historic part of Dénia is best seen on foot as the streets are very narrow with limited parking. You will find several plazas in which to rest.
Shopping and markets in Dénia
Monday is the main market day in Dénia (9am-2pm). There is also a flee market on Fridays. Both are located in front of Jaume I Square. The fresh fish market is located in the port and has a daily auction at 5pm. The indoor market in the centre of town is open daily.
There is a large shopping centre ‘La Marina’ within 5 km of Dénia. Head towards Ondara on the N332. The complex has a wide range of shops, a cinema, cafes and restaurants. Parking is ample and free (www.portaldelamarina.org).
Shopping areas
The City centre shopping district is comprised by the streets: Calle Marqués de Campo, Diana, Cándida Carbonell, La Mar and Carlos Sentí. This zone houses the municipal market and numerous boutiques, shoe shops, bars and pubs. It is also the government and financial centre of the city.
Historical City Centre. This is a trendy area, recently refurbished which offers a wide variety of gastronomic quality and businesses focused on young people
Baix La Mar Neighbourhood – Port: This is the fishermen’s neighbourhood which conserves the charm of the old barrios with narrow streets and low houses. This zone has a varied gastronomic offer and shops specialized in handicrafts, gifts and summer fashion.
“París” zone. Its main shopping streets are Patricio Ferrándiz and Sagunto. The popular movements of the weekly market in the zone take place every Monday, as well as in the antiques market (flea market).
Portal de la Marina – Shopping Mall Shopping and entertainment center in Ondara with great deals on fashion, footwear, catering and entertainment. A world of fun and shopping in a construction of 90,000 square meters, which brings together the leading companies of fashion, accessories, services, specialty stores, home decor, catering, entertainment and food. Ample free parking available and large Carrefour on the ground floor.
The climate in Dénia
Dénia has a warm and temperate climate with an average annual temperature of around 20° centigrade. Temperatures generally range from a low of around 5° C in the winter to a high of around 35° C in the summer months. You can expect to see over 300 days of sunshine each year. The beautiful Dénia weather is one reason why it has become such a popular place for North Europeans buying a holiday home or even a new permanent home in the sun.
Average monthly temperatures (approx.)
January 13º C
February 14º C
March 17º C
April 17º C
May 21º C
June 25º C
July 25,5º C
August 28º C
September 24,5º C
October 22º C
November 17º C
December 13º C
The beaches in Dénia
Dénia has 20km of beautiful sandy beaches to enjoy. The beaches at Les Marines, Les Bovetes, Les Deveses and Els Palmars are ideal for family days out. The waters are clean and safe, patrolled by lifeguards during high season and boasting the European Blue Flag for water quality.
Transportation
Ferry from Denia
You can take a boat or ferry from Dénia to the Balearic Islands including Ibiza and Formentera.
Denia train station
Dénia train station is located in the town centre on the corner of Passeig del Saladar and opposite the tourist office. The station has a ticket sales desk inside and the Bar L’Estacio next door. Look for signs for the ‘Estacion de Ferrocarriles’.
Dénia Fiestas and festivals
Denia is also home to a vast variety of festivals which run throughout the year and perfectly exemplify the remarkable culture of both the town itself and the country of Spain as a whole. There’s The Three Kings festival in January, the annual Carnival in February and the ‘Noche de Dan Juan’ festival in June to name just a few of Denia’s local festivities. But the real highlight of the festival season is Las Fallas, the Spanish fire festival which is held just an hour away in Valencia and is well worth the trip!
