Denia is a lively and popular town on the Costa Blanca with a large harbour facility, beautifull surroundings, lots of nature and with the caractar of a typical fishing village on the Costa Blanca in the Comunidad Valenciana in Spain, on the north coast of Alicante, just accross Ibiza, which can be reach by boat from the harbour of Denia. Denia is most known town in the Marina Alta area. The cities Valencia and Alicante are about 100 km from Denia. Denia has a magnificent marina and a old castle with views over the town and the sea. The variety of luxery urbanizations and a large rental offer of holiday villas and holiday homes makes this place attractive.
Denia has a surface of 66,2 square kilometers and has a beautifull 20 km
long sandy beach coastline, which starts at Las Marinas (Les Marines)
and ends at Las Rotas (Les Rotes). Denia is divided into 4 areas: Las
Rotas with its rocky and beloved coastline, the nature reserve Montgo,
Las Marinas with its long sandy beaches and the center town of Denia.
The following places are also governed by Denia: La Jara (a village just
southeast adjacent to Denia), Jesús Pobre (southwest adjacent to Denia)
and La Sella, a new built luxery urbanization which officialy belongs
to the municipality Pedreguer but is locally always named together with
Denia.
General information about Denia
While the vintage in the 20th century caused an important economic and
demographic decline (also known as the raisin crisis), the tourist boom
in the 60s had exactly the opposite effect and caused a demographic and
economic growth.
The population grew from 12.185 in 1960 upto over 45.000 in 2007. Since
1960, tourism has become the main source of income of Denia, while the
industry is increasingly losing value and the population is now fully
specialized in tourism and related activities. Denia offers its wide
area of the Marina Alta a major city. Besides the regional fishing
harbour Denia offers two excellent developed marinas (Club Nautico en La
Marina de Denia) and it’s the central departure and arrival point on
the Marina Alta for boats to Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca and Menorca.
The largest vessel enterprises like Balearia and Iscomar are located
among others in Denia. The infrastructure of Denia is relatively good,
there are bus and train connections on a regular base, which on the
Costa Blanca is quite worth mentioning.
The history of this area is large and finds its origen in 800 before
Christ, when the greek colony named Hemeroskopeion is founded, almost at
the same time the Iberians settle themselves around the Montgo area.
The Romans discovered the area around Denia in the thirds century before
Christ and that’s how the history of this town started. According to
the legend Denia is named after a Roman temple, probably Diana, as in
the Roman goddess of the hunt. Parts of the old walls of this temple can
be recognized until today in the city walls of Denia. Many following
nations and cultures influenced the course of history, of course
primarily Iberians, but also the Romans, Muslims and Christians
inhabited age-wise the city establishment. Until today, the influence on
art and culture can be admired in the museum.
A stroll through the narrow streets of the fishing area reveals the
history, culture and architecture of Iberian, Carthaginian (North
African), Roman, Arab and Christian civilization. The town centre is
characterized by the old castle “Castello” built during the Islamic
times by its forces (Muslims took the dominion of the Romans 713 BC) and
strengthened during the war of independence. A cultural heritage that
can be admired from different corners of the city. Inside the old castle
is the archaeological museum, where the history of the town from 200 BC
to the 18th century is exhibited. Denia was during the 15th century
Duchy. The 5th Duke "Duke of Lerma" was authorized by King Philip the
Third and he named Denia in 1612 city.
Landscape and surroundings of Denia
Denia is surrounded by areas with high ecological value. The nature
reserve “Montgo“ was named in1987 nature reserve due to its landscape
value and flora and fauna. The area is home to a wide variety of native
plants, animals, caves and trails. The mountain "Montgo" reaches a
height of 753 meters and extends over the sea to the Cabo San Antonio, a
160 meters high cliff with a lighthouse and breathtaking views over the
sea and the bay of Javea (definitely worth a trip!). During the day the
cape offers possibilities to walk and an beautiful panoramic view, at
night the lighthouse reminds boats of the cape and leads them around it.
At the foot of the cliff lies the nature reserve “Reserva Marina de
Cabo de San Antonio”. This nature is well preserved and therefore has a
high scientific and ecological value.
Harbour facilities of Denia – Hunting, sailing and much more
The harbour facilities in Denia are known far beyond the region of the
Costa Blanca. Who comes on holiday with a boat hardly cannot miss Denia.
Because of its nearby coast for the Balearic Islands, particulary
Ibiza, this place very attractive for motorboats and sailing boats. When
the weather is good, crossing over to Ibiza or Formentera for
experienced sailers is no problem.
In the sports port there are several boat rental companies, which offer a large variety of motorboats and sailingboats, with or without captain, and also organised day trips around the cape or to Ibiza and Formentera. There are sailing schools, a wide range of sailing courses (including for children) and lovely promenades to walk and admire the beautiful boats on the water. A wide range of private moorings, newly built port facilities and kind service are known here. For private boat owners, there are two excellent marinas to choose from: La Marina of Denia and Real Club Nautico Denia
Including the large ferries like for example Balearia cross over on a daily base in the summer to Ibiza and Formentera and several times per week also to Mallorca and Menorca. A ticket for these ferries can be bought directly in the port of Denia or can be booked online. You can also bring your car on the ferry to Ibiza. Prices depend on the season. Also a day to Formentera offers an unforgettable expercience. Qualityrent is also selling tickets for this ferries and daily trips to Balearic Islands. Ask us !
The beaches of Denia and leisure.
Denia owes its touristic charm above all to its long sandy beaches.
Among the beach lovers Denia is the most popular due to the fact that
the summer guests spread out over 20 km long sandy beach and therefore
it does not give you this feeling of “sardines in a can” . More then 300
sunny days a year and a average temperature of 20 degrees make Denia
the ideal destination for your holiday. The beautiful coastline of Denia
consists mainly of the sandy beaches of Las Marinas and rocky bays of
Las Rotas.
The beach is not only for sun worshippers so attractive, lots of activities can be found here as well like beach volleyball, soccer, surf and kite surfing, jetski and canoeing and scuba diving. Small beach bars, so called “Chiringuitos”, offer cool drinks and little snacks. All beaches of Denia are supervised by lifeguards and got from the “blue flag“ association among others the EU coastal protection, the economical quality mark of the
blue flag for quality, facilities and tidiness. There are showers, sunbeds and parasols can be rented.
Besides hiking and cycling in the Montgo area you can also make beautiful horse riding trips. Various private tennis courts but also tennis clubs invite you to play sport and the sports clubs and gyms offer plenty of opportunities for sports. The sporting activities know no boundaries. When you are on holiday in Denia and surroundings it does not mean you should lie on the beach or next to the swimming pool. Lots of activities are provided, apart from the water sports and fitness offer, there are many trips you can make. In the nearby area, a little bit from the coast line, you can still find lovely original villages and landscapes, with cosey bars and restaurants who will serve you simple, typical spanish meals. In the direction Jalon there are several wine cellars who offer you to the possibilty of wine tasting. Biking, hiking, tennis and golf are only some of the sport activities. Also horse riding is possible, there are a few horse riding stables in the area. In the Montgo area but alse on the nearby Sierra Bernia there are a variety of routes with different levels of difficulty. The effort is worthwhile, on your way you will get to know the beautiful scenery of the Costa Blance, in spring you will be allured by the scent of blooming orange, almond and lemon trees and the flora of this region offers year-round flowering plants.
For everybody who loves shopping Denia offers a great amount of shops,
small romantic alleys as well as the main street in the center, the
“Marques the Campo“ invite you for a shopping tour. A large variety of
shoe shops, cloths and juwelery shops and of course souvenirs shops
invite you to wander.
The nearby town Ondara opened in 2008 the doors of a large Shopping Centre, situated directly near the exit of the highway to Denia and offers apart from exclusive shops, cinema and several restaurants. The center called La Marina and is officially part of Pedreguer. Obviously also in Denia there is been held a weekly market which is definitely worth a visit. Apart from a large variety of local products like fruits, vegetables and cheese you can also buy here many handy things and souvenirs.
Between Alicante and Valencia there are many possibilties to choose from as your favourite golf course. In the area of Denia the 18-hole golf course of La Sella has of course the preference. Nearby are also the Oliva Nova golf course, also with 18 holes and the golf course of Javea with 9 holes. Detailed information can be found
here . We are happy to help you book or reserve courses and green fees. Especially in summer time we recommend you to do so to prevent a possible delay as the golf courses are many times well visited.
In the old centre town on a hill stands the impressive castle of Denia, a
caracteristic landmark of the town and her history. The castle was
built in the 11th and 12th century and has been changed and rebuilt many
times since. Once the remains of houses and buildings of the Roman
Dianium era where found on the slopes. Many generations and siege forces
left their mark on the design and to this day the multiplicity of these
influences can be recognized in the architecture.
Nowadays the castle of Denia is a status symbol of the cultural heritage
of Spain, which permanently experiences restructuring measures in order
to increase the awareness level. Today it houses the Archaeological
Museum and paying a small fee it can be visited. We definitely recommend
you to visit the castle as many history can be experienced and admired
here in one single place, only the views on the surrounding is worth it.
This museum shows the evolution of the city from the beginning until the
18th century. The museum is divided into 4 parts and displays the 4
most influential periods of the urban development.
Exhibits the life of the bourgeoisie and the glory of the raisin industry.
In this museum you can see the toys that were produced in the years between 1904 to 1960 in Denia.
The “Iglesia de la Asunción“ church:
stands on the Plaza de la Constitución and was built in the baroque era
of the 18th century. In a niche above the door of the chapel Capilla del
Roser is the sacred statue of San Roc. Inside the church is in
particularly the figure of the Virgin worthwhile to see which is flanked
by the patron saints of Valencia, Vicente Ferrer and Vicente Martir.
stands on the Plaza de Convento and was originally a monastery founded
in the 16th century by the Franciscans. After the damage during the
Spanish Civil War, the church was rebuilt in the 18th century and since
then it’s still in the same condition. Inside the church at the high
altar with its large glass cross, biblical scenes are portrayed which
are worth seeing!
Monestary and church “Nuestra Señora de Loreto“
is located in the street Calle Loreto and was founded by Augustinian
nuns in 1604. The architectural ensemble consists of the church, the
cloister and the south wing of the monastery.
Church of the Apostle Matthew
located in the Avenida Oeste La Jara / Xara and was the first public
building in La Xara, built in 1877. Remarkable are the high quality of
the bricklayer work and the construction of the bell tower which was
only inaugurated in 1927. Furthermore one can admire the beautiful Tosca
stone that were incorporated into the building.
Townhall of Denia
A beautiful building which is characterized by classical shapes and
designs. The facade consists of six massive arches and large windows.
Festivals and celebrations in Denia
Denia is famous for its festivals, the most festivals of Spain are
celebrated in the area around Denia. Spectacular parades, bull running,
folkloric costumes and cultural ceremonies fascinate the people again
and again, perhaps also because of the stubbornness way they hold on to
the old traditions of the region. Often the festivities start early in
the morning and extend out over the day into the late night. All ages
and generations are involved, on the streets and in front of the houses
they often place tables and neighbors and friends are invited to eat and
drink. Usually the celebrations end with spectacular fireworks. In this
the Spaniards are unbeatable.
Some of the major festivals 'fiestas' are:
A total of 10 associations organize every year the Fallas in Denia.
These celebrations are always held in mid-March and start with planning
and preparing the paper maché, giant sculptures in the streets of the
center of Denia. Processions, firecrackers, music, food, popular evening
galas, fireworks and much more. Do not miss the construction of the
monuments, the offering of flowers to the Holy Virgin and the big final
of the "Fallas" on the night of San Jose when they burn the paper maché
monuments on the street.
We have apartments and houses, very well situated in the area of or
directly in the center of Denia to witness these celebrations.
Contact us!
tel. 0034 966 424 967
Las Fiestas Patronales de la Santísima Sangre:
This local festivity of Denia with bull runs takes place every year in
July and is known for its “Bous al Mar” (literally translated: Bulls in
the sea). The animals are released on the streets where they are chased
by Spanish men (sometimes women), to get the bulls to the sea with the
final goal that the cattle swims in the sea. Amazingly, the bulls are
good and fast swimmers and they are guided by men in boats to the beach
where they are led to the exit. The Spaniards love this celebration but
animal protectors and lovers will prefer to avoid the “fiestas" these
days. The days around the bull runs are lively and filled with many
attractions, such as concerts and street parties and end with a
magnificent parade of beautiful floats and the so called "Correfoc".
This "Fiesta" was officially nominated as a tourist highlight.
The Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians)
The festival of the “Moros y Cristianos” has a large and very long
tradition in the Comunidad Valenciana. Almost every place and every
village celebrates it in its own way with its guilds and costumes, which
are passed on from generation to generation. The history of this
festival is based on the time when the Muslims conquered and occupied
the Iberian peninsula. In a spectacular liberation battle, the
Christians later succeed during the konquisition to ban the Muslims
again from their land. The guilds of each village are divided into
Christians and Muslims and each wear the corresponding costumes. With
lots of music, parades and beautiful costumes, the story is acted out
and presented in scenes, supported by gun shots, gun salutes, real
animals and in many places with real spear fighting on horseback. Of
course, also this party ends with a big parade and fireworks.
Residential areas, zones and locations of our holiday accommodations around Denia, luxery villas and apartments in Denia:
Center town:
Here the most shops are located, bars and restaurants are at walking
distance. At the end of the main shopping street "Marques de Campo" is
the port. In the center you also find the tourist offices and it is the
final station of the train to Alicante.
Is the coastal area in the eastern direction from the center of Denia,
here you can find the most sandy beaches. Along the 14km are located
most of the apartment complexes and hotels, many of them with direct
access to the beach. On this road there is also a regular bus service to
the center of Denia so tourists can also choose without any problem for
an apartment just outside the center.
Is the coastal area in the western direction from the center of Denia.
Here there are few sandy beaches however beautiful natural rocky beaches
and coves. The beaches stretch out over a length of 4 km. The holiday
villas and homes we offer are mainly located on the access roads to Las
Rotas.
The area at the foot of the Montgó:
our holiday accommodation in this area are offered with the references
"Montgo", "La Pedrera", "Altamiro", "Les Galeretes" and "Los Campusos".
In this area are more holiday homes and holiday villas then apartments.
Most of them are located on a hill and often offer a fantastic view over
the bay of Denia. The area on the Montgo is usually very quiet and
private and most of the time only a short distance from the center of
Denia.
Belongs actually geographically to the municipality Pedreguer but
locally it’s named as part of Denia. A luxury residential community
located on a hill, where at the foot are located the La Sella golf
course and activities such as horseback riding and tennis. Here you can
find almost exclusively single-family villas, most of them with a
beautiful panoramic view over the coast and surrounding mountains. The
residential area is guarded by a 24-hour security service.
a small village or hamlet southeast of Denia. Those who want to
experience the original life in the village are here at the right place.
The town has only a few small shops, a hotel and a supermarket. La Xara
is conveniently situated to visit Denia, La Jara, Jesus Pobre, La Sella
and Javea, as it almost in the middle.
this small rural village is situated on the road from Denia to Javea,
slightly inland. Nevertheless, from here you can reach within 15 minutes
by car the beaches of Denia. This village, whose name translated means
"poor Jesus", is very idyllic and ideal as a starting point to explore
the inland of the Costa Blanca.
