Dénia is a small tourist city located in the southeastern coast of Spain, to the north of Alicante province. It has a population of around 40,000 although this can be more than doubled by tourism during the summer months.

Understand

• 1 Tourist Info Dénia, C/ Manuel Lattur, 1 (opposite the train station), ☏ +34 966 422 367, fax: +34 965 780 957, denia@touristinfo.net. Vary by season, generally M-Sa 9:30-13.45 and 17:00-19:00/20:00, Su 9:30-13.45; during Jul and Aug also open Su 17:00-20:00. Staff members speak English, French, and German. (updated Feb 2016)

Get in

By plane

Dénia is equidistant to Alicante and Valencia and both airports are very well serviced by numerous major and low-cost international airlines, so arriving and departing is really easy and because of the competition is not expensive. Both airports are approximately 60 minutes travelling time straight down the A7/E15 autopista.

By train

• 1 Estació del TRAM (Tram Station), Passeig del Saladar, ☏ +34 900 720 472. Tram Alicante (el Trenet) operates a light rail train connecting all major settlements along the coast between Dénia and Alicante, with the exception of Xábia. From Alicante the travel time is about 2½ hours.

For travelers with smartphones, there is a helpful official app (iPhone and Android) with a route planner and timetables. €1.35-7.15 for a single journey, depending on distance. (updated Feb 2016)

By bus

• 2 Estación de Autobuses (Bus Station), Plaza del Archiduque Carlos, 4. Within the region, Alsa operates a route connecting all major coastal settlements between Valencia and Alicante, including Cullera, Gandía, Oliva, Calpe, Altea, Benidorm, and Villajoyosa. There are also daily buses going to and coming from Madrid, Algeciras, Barcelona, Seville, and Almeria. (updated Feb 2016)

By boat

• 3 Port de Dénia (Puerto de Denia / Dénia Port), Estación Marítima, Moll de la Pansa, s/n. Has a taxi stand, bus service, restaurants, and Wi-Fi. (updated Feb 2016)
  • 4 Baleària (in the main ferry terminal), ☏ +34 902 160 180 (call centre), info@balearia.com. M-Sa 09:00-20:00, Su 10:00-20:00. Operates ferries to the Balearic Islands, including Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Sant Antoni de Portmany, and Formentera. For ticketed passengers the company offers free transportation from downtown Dénia to the ferry terminal. (updated Feb 2016)
  • 5 Mundo Marino, Avinguda Joan Fuster, 2 (ticket office), ☏ +34 966 423 066, info@mundomarino.es. Daily 09:00-14:00, 16:00-19:00. Operates a ferry route to Jávea (Xàbia); hours vary by season. A round-trip ticket costs €15, and the journey lasts 50 minutes. (updated Feb 2016)

Get around

By bus

Denibus (tel. +34 966 421 408) operates four routes in Dénia, all of which depart from 6 bus shelters on the Esplanade Cervantes. A single journey costs €1.50, payable directly to the bus driver on entry. Route maps and timetables can be viewed here.

See

Castle

• Historic sites. Dénia has a very long history coming even before the Romans (when it was called Hemeroscopeion) and going through the Moors until now. Almost everywhere in the town you can find ruins dating back to it's historical past. The 12th century castle has been sympathetically restored and forms the center of the town and of the historical center of Dénia. It is in good condition and retains the main wall which encircles the castle. There are also some old wind mills near Javea where you will have a great view as well. In the ethnological museum you will find all the information about the ancient and most recent history, when Dénia was a big raisin exporter and had a big toy industry. There is also the fishing port where you can watch the small fishing vessels bring the daily catch into the port where it is boxed and sold at auction - the freshest fish you'll eat anywhere! You can even buy it and take it back to your apartment to cook on the BBQ!

• Historic town. This is the original town settlement of Dénia and spreads from the harbour and old Marina to the other side of the castle - the castle being the epicenter which offered protection to the inhabitants. Today you can walk through cobblestones pedestrianised streets stopping for tapas and a drink at many of the typically Spanish bars. It is very interesting to walk around the old fisherman neighborhood, the old Marina and harbour or the main street (Carrer Marqués de Campos) which now has wonderful & elegant shops. The new Marina is sited to the south side of town and you can walk, dine & drink whilst looking-out over some wonderful yachts, both sail & motor.

Do

Dénia is right on the coastline of the Costa Blanca - the White Coast. On one side is the Mediterranean sea and to the other distant mountains - the Montgo (around 650 m) which is now considered a nature reserve thanks to its Mediterranean flora and fauna. It has also some interesting caves like La cova de l'aigua. The drive over the mountain from Dénia to Javea is stunning with amazing views.

As said before, if you do scuba diving or just snorkeling then rocky beach is the place for you. Over there you can see all kinds of Mediterranean fishes, squids, octopuses, sea urchins, etc. If you want to relax and sunbathe then the sandy beaches are wonderful.

• Beaches. One of the main attractions of Dénia are the beaches. They stretch for around 26 km. of coast divided in three parts: sandy beaches, the Marinas and the rocky coastlne. If you go with children then the beaches in Las Marinas are more comfortable with most of the sandy beaches towards this northern side of Dénia. Many of the beaches are 'blue flag' and most are equipped with foot showers and red cross volunteers. If you like diving then the rocky coastline towards the south of Dénia would be more interesting, like La punta negra or at the end of Les Rotes where there is a huge cliff and very popular with divers. Along the beach there are chiringuitos or beach bars which are open from May through September. An easy stroll up the beach and you are in the center of Dénia.

Eat

• Restaurants & Tapas Bars. Dénia is famous for its restaurants which serve fresh fish and wonderful meat dishes. There are so many and so varied including a 3* Michelin-rated gastronomic wonder.

• Ticino (Near the port). Mainly Italian cuisine. Outdoor terrace. Reasonable prices. Menu € 12.60. 

Drink

• Peter Arnold Wines, La Bodega del Garroferal (Ptda. Garroferal, Murla, 03792 (Hard to find so phone and ask for directions!)), ☏ +34-96 558 1829. 9am - 7pm. In the Jalon Valley (Vall de Pop), approximately 30 minutes inland from Dénia. Although grapes have been grown in this region since Roman times, La Bodega del Garroferal was only set up in 2002. Run by German-born Peter Arnold (who had already made a name in the international wine scene) and his English wife Helen, this is a tiny, relatively new winery in the Xalon Valley. The pair relocated to Spain from South Africa in 2002. They offer a small range of delicious wines - three reds, three whites and one rose. For a small charge, Helen offers a sumptuous range of tapas to complement an arranged wine tasting. You can visit the vineyards, taste and see how the wines are made and then you can play with the family cats. Phone for an appointment. Prices per bottle range from €4.75 to €7. 

Sleep

There are many apartments & penthouses which can be rented as well as small hotels.

• La Sella Golf Resort, ☏ +34 96 645 4054. This holiday resort features a five-star Marriott hotel and spa, stylish apartments, a golf course designed by Jose Maria Olazabal, and several restaurants. 

• The Dénia Penthouse (Luxury Sea View Denia Penthouse), Las Marines, Denia, ☏ +34 654980911. Is a wonderful penthouse and in a great location.