From afar, the impressive walls of the Castillo de Dénia can be seen: They overlook the harbor town of the same name on the Costa Blanca from a hill. The excellent location was already noticed by the ancient Romans: Their traces can be seen in the Archaeological Museum. Additionally, you can expect dream beaches.
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The mountain peak rises proudly to a height of 753 m and is therefore visible from a great distance. Hike through the nature reserve up to the highest point and enjoy a picturesque view of the beaches on the Spanish Mediterranean coast from there. The dreamlike sandy beaches around the Parque Natural del Macizo del Montgó invite you to swim and relax during the summer months between May and September. Some of the secluded coves also promise peace and seclusion.
The fortress in Islamic style was built on Roman foundations in the 11th century. Take the stairs up at the town hall. Two imposing towers flank the entrance. From the Plaza del Consell, a tunnel from the 1930s leads to the castle. In the former governor's palace in the courtyard, the small Archaeological Museum displays, among other things, Roman finds from the area. In summer, concerts are held on the grounds. The panoramic view over the harbor, the bay, and the Montgó massif is fantastic.
The collection of toys at the Museo del Juguete in Dénia ranges from children's pedal cars to play vehicles or children's kitchens made of metal and wood. The pieces in the exhibition date back to the beginning of the 20th century. The toy museum welcomes you in Dénia for a reason: In the 20th century, the toy industry held enormous economic significance in the coastal city. Thus, the tour through the historical toys is also a tour through the history of the city.
This almost 3-kilometer-long beach, Les Marines, offers plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, building sandcastles, and relaxing. It is awarded the Blue Flag and is monitored by lifeguards during the high season. You can also rent umbrellas, loungers, and boats. The beach Les Marines offers everything for an unforgettable beach day. There are facilities for sports enthusiasts, snacks and refreshments, as well as a good selection of restaurants. Here you can look forward to freshly caught fish dishes and Spanish specialties.
The tower was part of a coastal surveillance system built along the Spanish Mediterranean coast from the 16th to the 18th century to protect against pirate attacks. Of this extensive installation, only the Torre del Gerro is fully preserved. You can best reach the watchtower on foot and, after the walk from the road or the hike from one of the nearby villages, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea and the picturesque coastal landscape.
The impressive photo motif is one of the scenic landmarks along the Spanish Mediterranean coast. From the harbor of the small town of Jávea, an almost 2 km long hiking trail leads up to the summit, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view. Walks to the Chapel of Saint Anthony the Great, which was built in the late Middle Ages and gave the cape its name, are considered an insider tip. In the summer months, the nearby beaches invite you to sunbathe, swim, and relax.
In the hills behind Dénia, the Chapel of Santa Paula awaits you as a popular destination for a short hiking tour. It was built in the 15th century in honor of the healer Santa Paula as part of a former monastery. Annually on January 26th, Santa Paula Day, it is open to the public.
Near the southeast coast of Dénia, at Cap de Sant Antoni, the caves of La Cova Tallada are located directly on the coast. Parts of the caves are of natural origin, while others served as a quarry. You can reach the caves by canoe via the waterway. Organized boat trips start from Dénia.
In the historic center of Dénia, the Ethnological Museum invites history enthusiasts on a journey through the cultural history of the region. The exhibition includes, among other things, authentic living spaces of the wealthy bourgeoisie. An exciting focus is on the history of raisin production, which helped Dénia achieve significant economic growth in the 19th century.
Follow the former railway line from Dénia along the VÃa Verde de Dénia to El Verger. The approximately 7 km long route is well-suited for a bike trip and takes you on a flat path through the rural hinterland parallel to the coast.
Immediately upon your arrival in Dénia, you immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this charming coastal town. Your day begins with a visit to the historic old town: you stroll through the cobblestone streets, admire the well-preserved medieval buildings, and discover hidden squares off the beaten path. Your first stop is the Castell de Dénia, an imposing fortress from the 11th century that sits atop a hill overlooking the town. From here, you have a breathtaking view of the sea. The Castell also houses the Archaeological Museum, where you can learn more about the region's history through ancient artifacts. Just in time for lunch, you descend and visit the fishing port. Dénia is known for its culinary delights, especially the famous Gambas Rojas, the red prawns. In the afternoon, you visit the Ethnological Museum, which presents the traditions and customs of the Valencia region, including the famous Fallas festivals.
Your second day in Dénia is all about nature: You start the morning with a hike in the Montgó Natural Park, an impressive mountain massif that towers over the city. There are numerous hiking trails here that lead you through dense pine forests and over steep cliffs. The summit of Montgó offers a spectacular panoramic view of the coast and the surrounding area. Along the way, you can admire the native flora and fauna and perhaps even observe some rare bird species. After your hike, treat yourself to a refreshment at Las Rotas beach. This picturesque coastal section is known for its crystal-clear waters. You have the opportunity to snorkel or simply relax on the beach. Adventurous types can also rent a kayak and explore the coast from the water. Here, you will find spectacular natural caves like the Cova Tallada, which were formed over centuries by the interplay of water and rock.
Today, you will first visit the lively Mercado Municipal, a colorful market where you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, local specialties, and handcrafted artisan products. Afterwards, you will continue to the former fishing district at Placeta de la Creu, which has developed into a modern neighborhood with a rich cultural offering. Since 2019, the old fish market has housed the Museo de la Mar, dedicated entirely to maritime affairs and the theme of the "sea." Here, pieces donated by residents for the opening are also exhibited, offering you an exceptionally personal perspective on the fishing history of Dénia. You can then spend the afternoon either at the marina, watching the incoming ships, or visit the water park Parque Acuático to dive into the cool waters. You can end your last evening with a glass of wine at one of the excellent restaurants in the fishing district.
The sea influences the climate in Dénia: Summers are dry and warm, in winter most of the precipitation falls and it does not get really cold. With 41 millimeters, November is the rainiest month. If you are planning a beach holiday in Dénia, you can look forward to water temperatures of over 20 degrees from May. Water temperatures reach 26 to 27 degrees from July to August. Even in the coolest month, January, it is mild with a maximum air temperature of 15 degrees. The months of May to July offer particularly a lot of sunshine: There are twelve hours of sunshine per day.