Denia
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Denia is a small tourist city located in the southeastern coast of
Spain, to the north of Alicante. It has a population of around 40,000
although this can be more than doubled by tourism during the summer
months. It is situated between Gandia and Jávea (Xábia).
Denia is located on the Northern Costa Blanca, Spain, approximately 85
km north-east of Alicante within the Communidad de Valencia and is one
of the most popular tourist destinations on the Northern Costa Blanca
with around 20 km of coastline to explore containing many beaches and
rocky coves..
Denia has a fine harbour (one of the best in the region) and is an
important ferry port for the Balearic Islands in particular, (Ibiza is
around a 2 hour trip). Denia has a large fishing fleet and a fish market
is held every day, fishing remains important for the economy of Denia
along with tourism. Conditions in Denia are ideal for water sports and
it has become a popular area for a wide range of water based activities
including surfing, water skiing and wind surfing. Overlooked by Mount
Montgó and surrounded by the Mount Montgó Natural Park it is an area of
outstanding beauty with plenty to see and do.
Though there is evidence of settlers in the area of Denia as far back as
the Neolithic Era, signs of a Greek colony called Hemeroskopeion and
remnants of a Roman occupation from the 3rd Century BC, the known
history of Denia dates back to the Arab Conquest (8th-13th Centuries).
Denia castle was originally built by the Moors during the 11th and 12th
Centuries and later extended and re-fortified during the 15th, 16th and
17th Centuries. Denia was re-conquered by the Christians in 1244 during
the reign of the Conquistador Jaime I. Denia sided with Archduke Charles
(pretender to the throne of Austria) during The War of Succession and
was the first town to proclaim Charles as king of Spain (1705). However
after a number of sieges Denia castle was taken in 1708 and the area
suffered greatly as a result of the war. Denia became wealthy during the
19th Century due to the raisin trade which grew in importance in the
area but was unfortunately ravaged by an outbreak of phylloxera in the
early 20th Century which brought the industry to its knees and caused a
period of economic decline. This decline continued until the 1960's when
tourism began in Denia and the surrounding towns resulting in
spectacular growth which has continued to this day. The Castle now
houses the Archaeological Museum which outlines the history of Denia.
The name Denia is thought by some to be of Arab origin, and taken from
the arabic "Daniah" meaning low or near, and by others to be of Roman
origin and taken from the Roman temple of Diana.
Up until the arrival of tourism, Denia relied mostly on fishing,
agriculture and a small toy making industry for its economic survival.
Since the 1960's Denia has grown rapidly due to tourism and in recent
years due to property development (second homes for wealthy Spanish and
holiday homes for North Europeans), there are a good range of apartments
available and some luxurious Denia villas. Denia is now a thriving town
and there is plenty to see and do in and around Denia.
Denia is located just off the AP-7 motorway and the N332 coast road
between Gandia and Jávea. There is only one train going into Denia, a
narrow gauge railway which runs from Alicante to Denia by way of
Benidorm. The train station (965 78 04 45) is on C/ Calderon de la Baca
just off C/ Patricio ferrandiz. The bus station is on Pl. Arxiduc Carles.
Denia is located in the northern Costa Blanca region of Spain in the
province of Alicante, it can be reached by road via the CV-725 from the
N-332 and the AP-7 (E-15) motorway, it also has ferry links with the
Balearic Islands of Mallorca (Palma de Mallorca), Ibiza (San Antonio)
and Formentera. The nearest airports are located at El Altet (Alicante)
and Valencia.
Denia's bustling port, alongside Barcelona and Valencia, is the main
ferry server for the Balearic Islands. Ibiza is your nearest Balearic
Island to the Spanish mainland and Denia - high speed ferries take a few
hours to get from Denia to Ibiza, and pull into the heart of Ibiza Town.
Splitting a two week holiday between Ibiza and the Costa Blanca coast is
an idea indeed (you can take cars across). Ferries from Denia depart
daily to Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca.
Since Denia is located between two airports, it is easily reachable.
People coming to visit either fly into Alicante or Valencia airport.
Each one is about an hour and a quarter drive to the city. Once you are
in Denia, you may want to explore the surrounding area by renting a car.
There are a number of car rental booths at each airport, so getting a
car is no problem, but you should make reservations, especially if you
plan a visit during the busy summer season.
Denia is a true Spanish town, and not just a tourist attraction.
You can take a boat or ferry from Denia to the Balearic Islands
including Ibiza and Formentera. There is a scenic train that runs along
the coast to Calpe and back.
Staying
here, you will get the feel of really living the Spanish life. In the
more touristy areas, there are so many foreigners you don't even feel
you are in Spain. You can always drive to the larger touristy cities but
return to your little corner of Spain. Since Denia is not a tourist
town, everything stays open all year long. Visiting off season is not
like some other towns where the shops and the bars and restaurants are
all closed. Fine dining and shopping are at your disposal at any time.
Among the many sites to see in Denia, the castle is one of the most
interesting. Denia is dominated by the hill-top castle, part of which
dates back from the Roman times. The castle is open to the public and
easy to get to by car or by foot. The castle also houses the museum of
archaeology which gives an insight into Denia from Roman to modern
times. This landmark, built in the sixteenth century, can be
toured any time of the year. The views from inside the castle out onto
the surrounding region are spectacular.
Nature lovers will also enjoy Denia. The Montgo mountains are situated
between Denia and Javea, and are very popular for walkers. You can go
alone, but there are walking groups that make the trip much more fun and
interesting. They will know the routes to take in order to enjoy the
stunning views over the town and over the water.
You can also get a nice taste of nature in Denia as well. Between the
Spanish towns of Javea and Denia are the Montgo mountains which separate
the two. On this mountain you can enjoy many walking routes that will
let you explore the mountain. You can do this either with a group or on
your own, and the experience is great to let you enjoy nature and relax
while you’re on your vacation. Between walking in nature and spa’s you
can hardly go wrong.
Denia has a long coastline with 20 kilometers of clean sandy beaches.
Denia has even received a Blue Flag award for the quality of the water
and the sand on its beaches. If you are a water sports enthusiast, be
sure to take advantage of the beautiful water for these. Dive, snorkel
or windsurf; you can find many shops to rent from. Be sure to check out
Les Rotes, a rocky area that is popular for snorkelling and diving and
where beautiful underwater life can be viewed.
Denia Beaches
Les Deveses
L'Almadrava
Els Molins
Les Bovetes
Les Marines
Albaranas
Punta Raset
La Marineta Cassiana
El Trampoli
Unlike the more touristy areas along the Costa Blanca, Denia is actually
more of an authentic Spanish town, or what’s known as a working town.
You’ll get a feel for the Spanish culture and get to actually meet and
mingle with some of the locals of the area. However, the more attraction
and tourist areas aren’t so far away that you cant’ get to them with
your rental car if you so wish.
Unlike some of the bigger tourist areas, Denia doesn’t close down after
the summer vacation season has ended, giving you the chance to travel in
the less crowded off seasons, where you’ll get to visit local bars,
restaurants, and stores.
If you’re looking for the ultra relaxing trip, then you can visit one of
the Spa’s that are located in Denia. These are located both by the near
the mountain as well as the beach areas. If you want to see some
history, there is a castle in Denia that was built back in the sixteenth
century, which is a great landmark of the area. You can go on a tour
through the castle anytime throughout the year. The views from inside
the castle can only be described as breathtaking, which lookout all
around the surrounding area.
Well known for its large number of fiestas and festivals Denia is an
excellent place to go to enjoy this great Spanish tradition. Fiestas
include the Three Wise Men (January), the Falles bonfires (March), the
Patron Saint Fiestas, the Bous a la Mar (July), the All Saint Attraction
Fair (October) and of course the Moors and Christians (August).
Tourist Information
Tourist Info Dénia
Plaza Oculista Buigues, 9
03700 Dénia
Telefon: 96 642 23 67
Fax: 96 578 09 57
Email: denia@touristinfo.net
Hotels in Denia
Hotel Los Angeles - 3 Star
Ctra Los Marinas
96 5780458
About 4km from Denia and close to the beach
Hotel Port Denia - 3 Star
Partida Suertes Del Mar S/N
96 5781212
A clean friendly hotel close to the centre of Denia and also near to the
lovely Marineta beach
Hotel Buenavista - 4 Star
Partida Tossalet, 82
La Xara
Hotel overlooking the Natural Park of El Montgó and set in beautiful
parkland about 2km from the town of Denia.
Hotel Romano - 3 Star
Calle Nueva 28,
Denia
Located on the hill on the road to Denia castle,
La Posada del Mar - 4 Star
Plaza De Les Drassanes, 2,
Denia
96 6432966
http://www.laposadadelmar.com/en/index.html
Located at the foot of Denia castle this fine hotel, itself an ancient
building is one of the best of Denia hotels.
Denia Marriott La Sella Golf Resort and Spa - 5 Star
Alqueria De Ferrando S/N,
Denia
96 645 40 54
Noguera Mar
C/ llac Major, 3
96 647 56 50
Costa Blanca
C/ Pintor Llorens, 3
965780336
La Raconà
Camí Ample, 19 Las Rotas
96 5787960
Distances in kilometres
Alicante .............................................. 86 km
Alicante Airport (l’Altet)......................100 km
Valencia.............................................103 km
Valencia Airport (Manises)................113 km
Benidorm..............................................50 km
Gandia..................................................40 km
Madrid.................................................448 km
Barcelona...........................................445 km
Denia Fiestas Calendar
The Procession of the Three Wise Men
Date: January, 5
Description: The three Wise Men land in the port and it is celebrated
the procession. Before that, a royal postman collects the letters of the
children.
Pilgrimage of Santa Paula's Hermitage
Date: January, 26
Descripción: Procession, "porrat" (traditional market with traditional
products and sweets)
Carnivals
Date: Week-end before Lent
Description: Fancy dress contests and dancing. The Sardine's Burial in
"La Zona" (Sagunto Street and Patricio Ferrándiz Street crossroads)
Half Year Moors and Christians
Date: Mid-February
Description: Informal parade of “filaes” (group of people in fancy
dress, mock battles between Moors and Christians)
Fallas (Bonfire Festivals)
Date: March, 16-19
Description: Passacaglias, "mascletaes" (rockets fireworks), music,
lunches and popular dinners, fireworks. "Planting" of bonfires, floral
offer to Our Lady of the Forsanken and the "Cremà" or burning of
bonfires on St. Joseph's night.
Web: www.fallesdenia.com
Our Lady of the Forsaken
Date: 2nd Sunday of May
Descripción: Seamen's patron saint day. Processions in the seamen's
quarter.
Our Lady of Rocío Pilgrimage
Date: 1st fortnight in June (the next Sunday after "Corpus Christi" day)
Description: Procession, mass and open air party. (organised by Casa de
Andalucia)
Fiestas in Santísima Trinidad Street
Date: P1st fortnight in June
Description: Open air dancing evenings, fancy dress contests, popular
meals and dinners.
Saint John bonfires
Date:June 20-24
Description: "Planting" of monuments and "cremà" (burning) on Saint
John's night. Open air dancing evenings and animation.
Fiestas in Saint John's Hermitage (Sant Joan)
Date: June 20-24
Description: Religious events, "porrat" (traditional market with
traditional products and sweets), etc..
Fiestas in Saint Peter's Street (Sant Pere)
Date:June 28-29
Description: Street located in the seamen's quarter. Religious events,
open air dancing evenings and animation.
Fiestas in la Pedrera Quarter
Date: June 28-29
Description: The streets of this quarter are decorated during this
Fiesta to celebrate the procession in Saint Peter's honour, the open air
dancing, greasy poles, etc. Sounds of "mascletaes" and "despertaes"
(rockets fireworks) are also part of the fiesta.
Main Fiestas in Honour of the Holy Blood
Date: 1st fortnight of July -changing dates-. 2008: July 5-13.
Description:
July brings us the festivities in honour of Our Lord’s Holy Blood, with
floats, concerts, sports competitions, fireworks, “bous a la mar” (bulls
to the sea), atradition declared of National Tourist Interest, etc.
Moors and Christians. Fiestas in honour of Saint Roc)
Date: August, 14,15 and 16
Description: Moors and Christians parades, disembarkation in the port,
harquebus battle in the castle, concerts, fireworks, etc.
Saint Agustin Fiestas (Les Rotes)
Date: Last August weekend or first September weekend
Description: Fiestas in honour of Saint Agustin, celebrated during the
nearest weekend to the Saint Agustin's day.
Fiestas in la Xara village. In honour of Saint Mathew.
Date: 3rd week-end in September
Description: Procession, entertainment with bulls in the street, open
air dancing evenings, greasy poles, etc
Fiestas of the "Cabrerot" in Jesús Pobre village
Date: October, 9-11
Description: Celebration of end of vintage. Tasting typical "coques"
pastries with Muscat grapes.
All Saints Fair
Date: Late October-Early November
Description: Attraction fair (big wheel, round-about, etc.) in
Torrecremada Esplanade.
Pilgrimage to Saint Lucia's Hermitage
Date: December, 13
Description: "Porrat" open air fair.
By road: Dénia is located on the Mediterranean coast 100 km from
Alicante and 95 km from Valencia. Travelling by road involves the A-7
Mediterranean motorway, via exit number 62. The N-342 national road is the
main road along the Valencian coast which links Gandía with Alicante,
Benidorm and Valencia.
By rail : The regional railway line runs services from Alicante to Dénia
every day. More information regarding timetables and routes can be obtained
from FGV.
By boat: There are direct ferrries to Ibiza, Formentera and Palma de
Mallorca which are run by Balearia and Iscomar.
By air: The closest airport to Dénia is in Alicante. El Altet airport has
direct flights to the main Spanish and European cities. Manises airport
(Valencia) is also close to Dénia. For more flight and time information Aena.
(Nationial Airport Company).
