Spain is by far the most favorite holiday destination in Europe. Besides its pleasant climate, visitors to this beautiful country will be immersed in Spanish traditions. From eating tapas and drinking sangria with the locals, to strolling through the quaint streets of authentic villages till late in the evening.
Abundant choices! Enjoy the vibrant city of Barcelona, breathe culture in the royal cities of Andalusia and explore deserted beaches on the rugged coastline of the North. For those who are looking for an authentic Spanish experience and want to avoid mass tourism at the same time, is Dénia the ideal place to spend your vacation.
Dénia at the Costa Blanca
Dénia, a beautful harbor town at the Costa Blanca
Dénia is an old fishing village located on the Costa Blanca, just above Jávea. This seaside resort is located off the coast of the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca) right in between Valencia and Alicante. I find Dénia a wonderful city. It’s always sunny (to be jealous about), the Spaniards are very welcoming and the food is just delicious.
The ruins of the old castle on the hill contrast nicely with the beautiful and modern harbor. During the day, you can get lost in the old streets of the castle district and imagine yourself back in time. In the evening, you can go out to dine or lounge in the modern beach bars in the trendy harbor. That’s why I am so fond of Dénia.
Las Rotas (rocky coast)
What you did not know about Dénia
Did you know that Dénia has one of the longest beaches of the Costa Blanca? No less than 18 km long! Of this, 14 km comprise sandy beaches in northern direction and 4 km of rocky coast (Las Rotas) in the south.
Beach of Denia (by Dénia Tourism Department)
Discover the old town of Dénia
I’ll take you on a nice city walk through the old fishing district of Dénia towards the castle district called Les Roques. We start at Plaza San Antonio situated close to the promenade at the foot of the castle.
Plaza San Antonio
Plaza San Antonio is a small square with beautiful palm trees. Authentic Spanish houses, built from old cobblestones, contrast marvelously with the brightly colored bars. Continue your walk along the small streets of the fishing district towards Plaza Pineda.
Old fishing district Denia
The romantic square Plaza Pineda
Arriving at Plaza Pineda you will be directly invited to look inside at Al Forn. This Italian restaurant serves the best pizza in town. Or let yourself be seduced with a great dish of tapas.
Restaurant Al Forn
Its a real pleasure to sit here outside on the terrace. Visit this restaurant either for an extended lunch or come back in the evening after 8pm to dine among the locals, enjoying the views of this super romantic square.
Outside wall Al Forn
Castle District Les Roques
Continue your route along the ancient ramparts dating from the 11th century. Around the castle you’ll find still remains from the Roman era. The admission to the castle is only €3. From the roof you have a beautiful view over the old town of Dénia and the new harbor.
The wall of the castle of Denia
If you walk upwards along the wall of the castle you’ll arrive in the ancient castle district. Here you can find cute little houses that are several hundred years old. At the same time many old houses are being renovated and painted in different colors. I really love this place and can stroll here for hours.
Small streets of the castle district
Denia Old Town
Castillo de Denia
A visit to the ruins of the old castle is a must that you should not miss. It symbolizes Dénia’s historical heritage. From the top you have a fantastic view over the Mediterranean Sea and the impressive mountain Montgó, that rises 753 meters above the sea.
View from the castle of Denia
View of the new harbor of Denia
Trendy Dénia
Apart from cultural sights, I am especially curious about all the exiting hotspots in town. Dénia has a modern harbor and a trendy “marina”. The presence of luxurious yachts coming from Ibiza, is partially the reason for the large amount of investments made in the harbor and the city center.
The harbor of Denia
Restaurant Republic Dénia
I am always happy to go to the harbor. You can stroll till the end of the pier, from where you have a beautiful view of the city, or you walk by the dozens of white boats. In the harbor you will find many nice restaurants and trendy bars. If you want to go for the best view and like to be pampered by a great lunch or dinner, then I can heartily recommend you Restaurant Republic Dénia.
Terrace Republic Denia
Apart from its location with the best view of Dénia, guests that come here get coddled with a culinary 4-course meal. The owners Jelle and Roos are Dutch and live here since many years. I absolutely understand why they remained; the climate, sun and quality of life in Dénia is literally moreish.
Republic Denia
Lunch at Republic Denia
Cocktailbar Zensa Marina
The trendiest club in the harbor of Denia is Zensa Marina. It has an outdoor pool and fantastic views of the harbor. You can relax in white cushions around the pool, while the DJ is playing chill music. In this club you can dance the whole the night and welcome the early morning.
Club Zensa Denia
Also during the day you can enjoy the relaxing lounge music while you’re sipping your cocktail and watching the sailing boats and the large “Balearia” boat leaving for Ibiza. It only takes 3 hours to arrive in the midst of the lively island of Ibiza. And for less than € 50 (discounted round trip rate) you can sail up and down to the beautiful island of Formentera.
Loungbar Zensa Denia
3 Michelin-starred restaurant Quique Dacosta
People from all over come to visit Quique Dacosta in order to be pampered by master chef Quique who owns a 3 Michelin-starred restaurant in Dénia. Unfortunately, I didn’t eat here myself, though this restaurant is a real must for the connoisseur. It is recommended to reserve a table ahead of time.
Quique Dacosta
Beach Bar Los Baños
Las Marinas Beach is the district of Dénia where you find most tourists. I’m more a fan of the harbor area near the old town, but if you like the beach and the sea, then you’ve come to the right place. At 15 minutes from the center of Dénia, you find the trendy Los Baños Beach Bar, loved on Instagram because of its beautiful beach life interior.
Beachbar Los Banos
Los Baños is located right on the beach. Here you come to relax, admire kilometers of vistas to the north and south and of course to enjoy Spanish beach life.
Interior Los Banos
Playa Marina el Portet
Do you prefer a trendy beach spot, then I recommend you to go to Playa Marina El Portet. This beach bar belongs to Zensa and is situated directly behind the harbor at the beach.
Beach bar Marina El Portet
Sushi time!
Conclusion
I hope my tips about Dénia made you excited and curious for this beautiful town on the Costa Blanca. The Mediterranean Sea is appealing me; its colors always invite me to make beautiful pictures and its cuisine is finger licking good.
Lighthouse of Denia
In the past I have seen Dénia emerging as a town with a nice mix of authentic and modern. No mass tourism, but instead enjoying the nice atmosphere together with locals and the international audience that comes here more often. They bring out a toast to the beauties this harbor town has to offer. I enjoyed intensively this city and I’ll be back soon. Adios!
Adios Denia!
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Happy Travels,
Kasia