Costa Blanca Magazin

Denia - castle, lively harbour & seafood cuisine

Coastal city with character, harbour life and suitability for everyday use

Dénia, the capital of the Marina Alta, is located between Valencia and Alicante on one of the most varied stretches of coastline on the Costa Blanca. The city has around 45,000 inhabitants and is not only an administrative centre, but also a cultural location, port city, centre of life and ferry connection to Ibiza. With a well-functioning infrastructure, a lively old town, varied beaches and an international yet well-integrated resident community, Dénia is one of the most complete cities in the region.

Urban development & history

Dénia is one of the oldest towns on the coast - with a Greek, Roman and Moorish past. The castle complex bears witness to the strategic importance of the town. In the 19th century, Dénia was a centre for the export of sultanas and later developed into the provincial capital of the Marina Alta. Tourism came early, but was accompanied by its function as an administrative and economic centre. Today, Dénia is a fully-fledged city with a historic centre, harbour, culture and services.

Harbour & ferry connection

Dénia has a large sports and fishing harbour as well as a ferry port with regular connections to Ibiza, Formentera and Mallorca. The harbour area offers modern gastronomy, markets, concerts and is at the same time a place of everyday life - not a show stage, but part of the functioning living space.

Old town & structure - grown, lively, well organised

The centre of Dénia around the Calle Marqués de Campo is characterised by historic facades, modern shops, banks, public authorities and restaurants. The Castle of Dénia (Castell de Dénia) towers over the city and combines history with views. The town is divided into several distinct zones:

  • Old town & centreAdministration, Culture, Purchasing
  • Harbour district (Baix la Mar)maritime, charming, historic
  • Las Rotas: Nature, villas, rocky beaches
  • Las MarinasSandy beach and residential areas
  • Montgó hillside location: Urbanisations with panoramic views
Beaches in Dénia - long, varied, well-maintained

Dénia offers over 15 kilometres of coastline - from long sandy beaches to rocky coves. All the main beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag.

Les MarinesNorth-west - long sandy beach with infrastructure, ideal for families
Les Bovetes and Els MolinsQuieter, but with good connections.
Les RotesRocky bays, ideal for snorkelling, quiet and close to nature.
La Marineta CassianaSandy beach near the harbour, with promenade

Beach bars, walking paths, bike hire and access for people with reduced mobility round off the offer.

Festivals & events - diverse and deeply rooted

The city is known for its numerous festivals, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

  • 🐂 Bous a la Mar (July): Bull runs at the harbour - traditional and controversially discussed
  • 🎉 Fallas de Dénia (March): Elaborate cardboard figures and parades
  • 🤺 Moros y Cristianos (August): Historical parades with broad participation
  • 🎶 Classical concerts, jazz nights, theatre, book fairs & open-air events

The events are integrative, professionally organised and an integral part of community life

Weekly markets in Dénia

Mondays: large Weekly market in Calle la Vía (textiles, non-food)
Daily: Fresh market in the Mercado Central de Dénia
FridaysOrganic and speciality market with local products

Life in Dénia - structured, diverse, well connected

Dénia has excellent transport links - with several schools (including international ones), clinics, specialist doctors, local public transport, long-distance buses and TRAM connections to Benidorm.

Property prices are varied: from affordable townhouses to villas on the Montgó, everything is represented. The town is also attractive for younger families looking for a balance between the sea, infrastructure and local life.

📌 Contact & information

Dénia Tourist Office
Calle Marqués de Campo, 20 - 03700 Dénia (Alicante)
📞 +34 966 42 23 67
✉️ denia@touristinfo.net
🌐 www.denia.net