Dénia is a historical coastal city on the Costa Blanca, halfway
between Alicante and Valencia, and the
capital and judicial seat of the comarca of Marina Alta. The
ferry to Ibiza and
the other Balearic
Islands departs daily.
Dénia’s historical heritage has been influenced by Iberian, Greek, Roman, Islamic, Napoleonic and Christian civilizations.
After the Muslim
conquest of Iberia and the dissolution of the Caliphate
of Córdoba, Dénia became the capital of a Taifa kingdom that
reigned over part of the Valencian coast and Ibiza.
Dénia is home to a large Moorish castle named Castle
of Dénia on a rocky crag overlooking the city. It was built in
the 11th and 12th century and offers views around the sea, the city and the
surrounding area.
It is situated on the side of the Montgó Massif. The Montgó (753 m) is a nature reserve thanks to its
Mediterranean flora and fauna. It has also some interesting caves like la Cueva
del Agua. There are some great hiking and mountain bike trails.
One of the main attractions of Dénia are the beaches, which
stretch for around 26 kilometres of coast and are divided into three sections:
sandy beaches, the marinas and the rocky coastline. Many of the beaches are
'blue flag'.
The sandy beaches of Las Marinas towards the
northern side of Dénia are good for relaxing and sunbathing,and are suitable
for children: Platja Les Bovetes and the Platja de la Escollera
Norte (near the port area).
The southeastern rocky end of Dénia is known as Les
Rotes. If you like diving or just snorkeling this stretch is more interesting,
where you can see all kinds of Mediterranean fishes, squids, octopuses, sea
urchins, etc. El Trampolí, La Punta Negra, and La
Cala are very popular with divers; Platja de la Marineta Cassiana is and
easy stroll from the centre of Dénia.
