10 Places to See in Denia (Alicante)
This guide with the best places to experience in Denia will help you plan a vacation in one of the most popular coastal towns in the Alicante province during the summer months.
As the capital of the Marina Alta region, Denia offers over 20 kilometers of coastline with both small rocky coves and long sandy beaches, a rich historical and cultural heritage, and a vibrant gastronomic scene, especially distinguished by rice dishes, fish, and fresh seafood.
Although half a day may be enough to explore the city’s main attractions, you can choose to spend more time in the summer enjoying the best beaches in Alicante or taking day trips to other coastal towns in Alicante such as Calpe, Jávea, and Altea.
Based on our own experience in this town, as we drove around the Valencia region, we have created a list of 10 must-see places in Denia. Let’s get started!
1. Calle Mayor
After parking the car in one of the parking lots available at the entrance to the town (marked on the map below), one of the best things to do in Denia is to stroll along the lively Calle Mayor and Cavallers until you reach Plaza de la Constitución, the beating heart of the town.
The street houses many of the town’s shops, while Calle Loreto, which runs parallel to it, features some of Denia’s best bars and restaurants such as Tasca Les Monges, La Cova Tallà, Tasca Els Tomassets, and Ca Pepa Teresa.
2. Plaza de la Constitución – One of the Must-See Places in Denia
Upon arriving at Plaza de la Constitución, surrounded by bars and cafes, you can admire both the town hall (Ayuntamiento) and the church Nuestra Señora de la Asunción – two must-see landmarks in Denia.
The town hall dates back to the Middle Ages (16th century) and is characterized by a neoclassical style with a stone facade featuring six arched openings. The church, built in the 18th century, is especially known for its central dome adorned with blue tiles, resting on an octagonal drum.
To gain a deeper insight into the town’s history and ensure you don’t miss anything, we recommend booking a free tour or a tour focused on mysteries and legends.
3. Castillo de Denia
Next to the town hall, you’ll find the staircase leading up to Castillo de Denia – a fortress located at the town’s highest point and its most important monument.
The castle, built between the 11th and 12th centuries, has Muslim origins and was used to defend the town and its inhabitants against pirate attacks. After the Christian reconquest, it underwent several renovations until it was partially destroyed during the Spanish Succession War.
During your visit, you can see several original elements such as walls and towers, as well as others that have been renovated, including Torre Roja, Torre del Consell, Portal de la Vila, Torre del Cos de Guardia, Quarter dels Infants, and Explanada del Gobernador with its palace, where you’ll find an interesting archaeological museum. The museum provides a good overview of the town’s history from the Iberian period to the Christian era.
Opening Hours: Every day from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
4. Museo del Juguete (Toy Museum)
As you come down from the castle, you can pass by the local market, Mercado Municipal, to see stalls with local products. Then continue exploring Denia’s old town by walking along Calle Sant Josep to the pedestrian street Marqués de Campo – a wide shopping street with several interesting stops, such as Plaza del Convento and the church San Antonio de Padua, founded by the Franciscans in the 16th century.
But especially if you have children with you, you should treat yourself to a visit to the Museo del Juguete, located on the first floor of an old train station. Here you can experience a large collection of toys from different eras for free.
Opening Hours: Every day from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
5. Denia’s Port
At the end of Marqués de Campo street, you’ll reach Denia’s harbor, which boasts over 2,000 years of history and is another must-visit spot.
The harbor, originally Roman and also known as Marina de Denia, consists of a fishing port and two marinas, as well as an area with many restaurants where you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood.
Among the most notable buildings are La Lonja, where fish auctions are held every afternoon, and Les Drassanes, a historic building previously used for building and repairing boats but now functioning as a hotel.
6. Boat Trips – One of the Things You Can Do in Denia
After strolling along the harbor promenade with a view of Castillo de Denia, you can book one of the various boat trips along the Costa Blanca that sail from the harbor, which are among the best activities in Denia.
Among the top-rated are:
- Catamaran sailing at sunset
- Canoeing to Cova Tallada
- Catamaran sailing (standard trip)
- Excursion to Cala Granadella by catamaran including lunch
- Excursion to Cabo de Jávea and Portichol Island by boat
7. Beaches in Denia
From the harbor promenade, you can walk to Les Marines beach, a 3-kilometer long sandy beach with all facilities and considered one of the best beaches in Denia.
Continuing north along the coast, you’ll encounter several family-friendly and easily accessible beaches such as Les Bovetes, Els Molins, La Almadrava, and Les Deveses.
If you prefer more rocky coves in spectacular nature, you can drive south to find El Trampolí, Punta Negra, Arenetes, or the naturist-friendly La Cala – perfect for snorkeling.
8. Barrio de Pescadores
Our favorite area in Denia is the fishing district, known as “Baix la Mar” – the town’s most charming quarter with a long history tied to the sea.
Walking through the narrow alleys with colorful facades leading to cozy squares like Sant Antoni, de la Creu, or Mariana Pineda, and then dining at one of the local restaurants such as Ostrarium Bar, Les Cuinetes, or El Raset, is a true delight.
9. Túnel del Castillo
One of the most surprising places in Denia is the Túnel del Castillo, dug in 1937 beneath the castle hill to protect the population from air bombings during the Spanish Civil War.
This 200-meter-long tunnel connects Plaza del Consell with Ronda de les Muralles street. A few years ago, it was renovated and equipped with information panels explaining its history and construction process.
10. Parque Natural del Montgó
To round out our list of things to do in Denia, we suggest a hike in Montgó Natural Park, dominated by the impressive Montgó massif at 753 meters high.
Among the easiest routes is Camí de la Colonia, approximately 5 kilometers with low difficulty. It starts at the hermitage Pare Pere and ends at Cova del Gamell, where you can enjoy views of almond trees and the Mediterranean Sea along the way.
Another slightly more challenging hike (3 hours) – due to several ascents – starts at the same place, Pare Pere, continues past the distinctive Cova de L’Aigua, and ends at Racó del Bou.
For the more adventurous, there is a route to Montgó’s summit from several starting points, including the shooting range in Denia, where you must overcome a 500-meter ascent.
These routes can be combined with fantastic sights such as the beautiful Cova Tallada and Torre del Gerro – a 16th-century watchtower that once protected against Berber pirates.
Excursions from Denia
If you have extra time in Denia, we recommend taking excursions to some of the lovely nearby places, such as:
- Gandía: Only a 40-minute drive from Denia, you’ll find Gandía, especially known for the Duke Palace of the Borgia family and its beaches.
- Jávea: Approximately a 20-minute drive from Denia lies this charming town, considered one of the most beautiful in Alicante. The historic town center revolves around the San Bartolomé church. Read more in our post on what to see in Jávea.
- Calas de la Costa Blanca: From Denia, you have easy access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Valencia region, such as Cala Granadella, Cala del Portitxol, and Cala del Moraig.
- Moraira: A popular coastal town just half an hour’s drive from Denia, perfect for a day of beach and good food. Read more in this list of places to see in Moraira.
- Calpe: Only a 30-minute drive from Denia, you’ll find Calpe, especially impressive with the mighty Peñón de Ifach rock formation, beautiful beaches, and a wide range of recreational activities. Follow this list of places to see in Calpe so you don’t miss anything.
- Altea: Considered one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, enchanting with its whitewashed old town. You can follow this list of places to see in Altea to see it all.
Where to Stay in Denia
We recommend La Posada del Mar, located in a 13th-century building close to the fishing district and Denia’s historic center. In addition to a fantastic location, the hotel offers a fitness center, sauna, sea view rooms, full breakfast, and private parking.
Other well-located hotels with excellent value for money include Hotel El Raset, Art Boutique Hotel Chamarel, and Hotel Adsubia.
For a romantic getaway, we also recommend checking out this list of charming hotels in Alicante.