Denia, Spain – The Gem of the Costa Blanca
Denia is a small picturesque port town. It is located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, in the province of Alicante, Valencia. Locals affectionately call Denia the "pearl of the Costa Blanca".
Location
The city of Denia is located at the foot of Montgo Mountain, covering an area of 66 km². The absence of sudden seasonal temperature changes is explained by the fact that the local mountain ranges are not only pleasing to the eye, but also keep cold air masses and thus form their own special microclimate. The sun shines over the city for a whopping 320 days a year, and the average annual temperature is over 19 ℃. In 1982, the World Health Organization recognized the local climate as one of the best in the world, erecting a unique "climate monument" in the city - El monumento al clima.
Beaches
The most popular places in the city of Denia are cozy shores and long sandy beaches stretching for more than 20 km. Here you can both relax on the warm sand and enjoy incredible scuba diving. At the height of the vacation season, the sea warms up to +27℃. 6 local beaches are marked with a Blue flag for impeccable cleanliness, developed infrastructure, and are considered the best in Spain.
- Les Bovetes
- Les Marines
- Els Molins
- Punta Raset
- Marineta Casiana
- Les Deveses
They are cleaned daily with special equipment. A pleasant sea breeze gives the desired coolness, saving from the sizzling heat. And visiting the natural rocky coves of Les Rotes in the southeastern part of the city gives you the opportunity to feel secluded and protected from the outside world and its hustle and bustle.
Sport
Denia will undoubtedly delight active lifestyle fans, as you can do outdoor sports here all year round. The "heart" of Denia is definitely its Marina de Denia port. This place is strewn with yachts and fishing schooners. Local clubs offer a variety of water sports such as diving, surfing, windsurfing, and sailing. You can even master yachting.
Another thing to which special attention should be paid is the golf courses located in the district; these are world-famous and the best in Spain. It is here that the famous La Sella Golf Club is located, with three 9-hole courses offering amazing views of the mountains and the sea. Denia is also well-known for its picturesque mountain hiking trails. A walk along them will become one of the most vivid memories of the city for you. The views from here are just amazing.
Let's start with the Parque Natural del Montgó, which is located on the slope of the mountain of the same name. The giant protected area, at 753 m above sea level, extends over an area of more than 2 thousand hectares. There are many hiking and cycling tourist routes of varying complexity, with incredible views of the sea, mountains, and forests. However, if you prefer a quieter kind of rest without leaving the city, we suggest taking a walk along the alleys of the famous national park Parque de Torrecremada. At these local gardens, you will find plenty of shade thanks to the unique trees planted along the alleys, as well as an amazing pond with a waterfall.
And of course - one of the most beautiful places in Denia, the botanical garden of l'Albarda, with an area of over 50,000 m² and diverse Mediterranean flora. In this reserve, you can see more than 700 species of rare plants. You can also easily arrange a really entertaining holiday for your children, thanks to the various playgrounds that are scattered all along Denia’s coast.
Attractions
Denia breathes history in every corner. The main attraction of the city is the castle - Castillo de Denia, built in the 11th century during the reign of the Moors. Later it served as a fortress for pirates. It is located on top of a hill with an incredible view of the whole city and the port.
The amazing old town is located at the foot of this hill, where the castle rises. Here, in the central square, near the City Hall, there is a majestic Baroque structure, the main cathedral of Denia - Església de l'Assumpció. Another attraction of the old town is the monastery square Plaça del Convent, which got its name from the former monastery of Sant Antoni.
Walking up Calle Loreto street, you can enjoy the picturesque ancient Augustinian monastery - Convento Augustinas. On the outskirts of the old town, by the sea, there is a fishing quarter, Baixa la Mar. Sailors, fishermen, and traders lived in this picturesque area until the end of the 1970s. Its colored facades will not leave anyone indifferent. Walking along the main avenue of the city, Carrer Marqués de Campos, you can see a lot of shops, restaurants, and cozy cafes with tables under awnings on the pavement. On weekends, most of the city's events are usually held here
During the traditional July bull run – Bous a la Mar, the animals race along Marqués de Campos to the seaport. Walking around Denia, you will discover a huge variety of different interesting monuments and sculptures. Each has its own amazing story to tell.
Food
Denia is a real paradise for gourmet lovers. In 2015, the city was recognized by UNESCO as the gastronomic capital of the Mediterranean - Ciudad Creativa de la Gastronomía. There are an incredible number of different cafes, bars, restaurants, and supermarkets. But if you want fresh vegetables and fruits, we recommend going to the local farmer's market. It is not only a place for shopping but also a Spanish tradition, a culture rooted in the distant past. Of course, seafood fans will be in their element since Denia is primarily a fishing town.
Population
According to official data for 2022, there are about 42 thousand people living in Denia, of which 54% are foreigners, representing 73 nationalities, including British, Germans, French, Belgians, Poles, Dutch, and many others. In the summer season, the population of Denia increases more than 2 times and the town reaches about 85 thousand people.
Since Denia is a multinational city, there are both private and public schools with multilingual teachers. Another miracle of this city is its centenarians. According to the World Health Organization, today Spain ranks 4th in the world in terms of medical care, and this is the best indicator in the European Union. It is no coincidence that the average life expectancy in this region is as much as 84 years old.
The medical care here is of the highest level. In the nearest district, there are both private and public clinics with multilingual doctors.
Infrastructure
The city has excellent transport links with other cities of the Costa Blanca. For example, the nearest city of Javea is only 11 kilometers away. The cozy resort town of Calpe, which locals also call "the symbol of the Costa Blanca," is just 25 kilometers away. The nearest airport in Alicante is 55 minutes away. By train, you can quickly and comfortably get to Barcelona or Valencia.
90 km by sea to the east – and you are in the center of the country's world-renowned club life, on the island of Ibiza. Also, ferries depart daily from the port of Denia to the Balearic Islands.
Real estate
Being one of the most attractive corners of Spain, Denia is undoubtedly suitable not only for a wonderful seasonal holiday but also for a permanent comfortable stay with the whole family. Today a lot of people buy property in Denia as an investment and profit from holiday rentals, as this is a promising business and brings in a good income.
Summing up
Denia is the best combination of a warm sea, clean beaches, infrastructure, and history. Finally, let me list the 5 must-dos in Denia:
- Climb the ancient ruins of the former Arab fortress dating back to the 11th century and enjoy the view of the city and the sea from a height.
- Wander through the historical center and the narrow streets of the old town and enjoy its atmosphere. Admire the old churches.
- Sunbathe on the golden sandy beach with a length of more than 20 km.
- Walk along one of the 10 hiking trails in the Parque Natural del Montgó Nature Park, and enjoy the beauty of the mountain valleys of the reserve.
- Experience a taste of the real Spain by having some wine and seafood at a local restaurants or by going to the local farmer's market for fresh vegetables and fruits.
