Sightseeing in Dénia

Exploring Dénia is nothing short of an adventure. As you wander the streets, you will be whisked back in time.

Baix La Mar

Baix La Mar, for example, is the town’s former fishermen’s quarter, where the picturesque houses offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the fishing families who once lived there. Born in the 16th century between the castle walls and the port, this area features buildings, squares, and alleys that reflect a unique seafaring and fishing spirit. This neighborhood is home to many tapas bars and restaurants, including the Els Magazino gastronomic market, which offers a wide variety of dining options and a fascinating history. During the 20th century, some of Dénia’s most renowned toy factories operated in Els Magazinos and its surrounding area, playing a key role in the town’s industrial heritage. An exhibition showcasing the toys manufactured in Dénia during that period can be visited at the Toy Museum.

The Museo de La Mar (Museum of The Sea) is located in the port area in the promenade (Explanada Cervantes Av.) close to the Lonja de Pescadores (Fishermen Wharf). Opens at 17:00 hours. Both worth a visit (free entrance) (See below at the end of this page).

Baix La Mar neighborhood

Les Roques Neighborhood

Another district you won’t want to miss is Les Roques, where you can find Loreto street and other interesting streets that woth exploring. It is said that the oldest street in the city of Dénia, remnants of its Moorish history is the alley of La Morería, a narrow street that runs parallel to the streets of Loreto and Mayor (You can see it below the windows of the apartment) in the heart of the Les Roques neighbourhood. The Carreró de La Morería recalls Dénia’s past, with cobblestones that maintain its essence but also remind us of the history of Dénia.

This part of the town was formerly located in El Raval, a walled part of the Arab town which was populated with baths, mills and ovens. It is also the gateway to Dénia Castle and Walls by Sant Francesc street. 

The Castle of Dénia

This Castle of Dénia is one of the most iconic sights in the town, dates back to the Islamic period. Perched on a small hill in the heart of the destination, the castle affords incredible vistas over the Mediterranean and is an absolute must-visit. Nowadays, the fortress is part of a heritage site that includes the Dénia Archaeological Museum located inside the Castle (Moved provisionally to the Ethnological Museum). The Ethnological Museum in Cavallers street, N° 1-3 also worth a visit. It is only a 2 minute walk from Loreto 29-3.

Back down in the historic center, we recommend visiting Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Parish Church, a place of worship that is exceedingly beautiful inside and out. It is just two blocks from your location. Religious services (Catholic): Masses: Monday through Friday at 8:00 pm (20 h). Sundays and days of obligation at 10, 12 and 20 h.

Nuestra Señora de la Asunción church

Also the church of Our Lady of Loreto and Augustines’ Convent (1684-1691) at Loreto and Sant Narciso streets one block away from your place. The wood carvings on the main altar, although not original, are worth a visit (open daily at 9 a.m. for Mass). Religious services (Catholic): Monday to Saturday at 9 a. m.; Sundays at 9 a. m.

Our Lady of Loreto Church and Augustines’ convent

Loreto Street

If you love fine Mediterranean food, you are lucky: Dénia is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Wherever you go, you will find the highest quality dishes that combine the freshest catch of the day with produce grown in the Valencian land. Some highlights are arròs a banda (a rice and seafood dish), arròs negre (black rice with cuttle fish or squid ink), l’espencat (red pepper, aubergine and cod salad), pulpo seco (dried octopus), gamba roja (Denia’s red prawns) and suquet de peix (fish stew). And of course, paella and fideguá. Fine international food is also served.

Calle Loreto, where you stay at # 29-3, has become the center of the restoration of the historic town. It was a busy street for vehicular transit and now was converted into a pedestrian street. It is a must visit if you want to taste authentic local cuisine. Calle Loreto, with a length of 300 meters, joins Avenida de Valencia, entrance to the town of Dénia, with the Town Hall at Constitution Square is backbone of restauration and hospitality in Dénia. Can you think of a better way to spend your time than exploring the great wealth and variety of the local Mediterranean cuisine? Explore the restaurants close to your location at Loreto 29-3!

Restaurants and bars on calle Loreto

Marqués de Campo Street and Surroundings

Dénia is also a great destination to walk. Stroll the Marqués de Campo street, where you can find most of the national bank branch offices, as well as pharmacies, cafes, restaurants, fashion and accessory stores. It is considered the Dénia’s main street. Who was the Marqués de Campo? Dénia has many charming streets to enjoy.

Marqués de Campo street

Streets of Dénia

Dénia is home to the Toy Museum, (Calle Calderón 2, Free entrance) which promises a great visit whatever your age. Dénia has been a center of the toy industry since the first half of the 20th century and this museum preserves its history. Children will love gazing at the toys of the past while you will enjoy taking a trip down memory lane, seeing perhaps some of the toys that defined your childhood such as wooden kitchens, bowling pins and ring games. A great museum that showcases the importance of the toy industry in the area. 

Beaches and Coves

There are extraordinary beaches in Dénia showing off the European Blue Flag distinction. Take your time to explore them, jumping into the crystalline waters, lazing on the fine sand or pebbles and putting your head underwater to see the wonders that live beneath the surface at some of the most iconic coves. Els Molins, Les Deveses and Les Marines beaches are some of the best spots on the coastline. Punta del Raset beach is at walking distance from the apartment at Loreto 29-3. The Seabed of Cap de Sant Antoni Marine Reserve is also an extraordinary underwater landscape that is calling out to be explored. La Cala (naturist beach) is in this area as well as other beautiful coves.

Beaches in Dénia. Punta del Raset beach

Around Dénia

Two great routes for hikers are: The Dénia Greenway (Vía Verde de Dénia. Starts at Camí de la Bota, close to Verdecora), running from Dénia to El Vergel; and The trail up to the top of El Montgó Natural Park, visiting la Cueva del Agua (Water Cave). Routes and Trails Information.

El Montgó Natural Park

Also, the hike to Cueva Tallada (Carved cave) and Cap de Sant Antoni with its lighthouse in a cliff 170 m high, and lookout area that can be accessed also by car (CV-7362). Visits to Cueva Tallada need a permit online during some periods of the year: March 23-April 8, both included; April 28-May 5, both included; June 15-October 15, both included).

Cueva Tallada

Cap de Sant Antoni with its lighthouse and El Montgó in the background

Wineries and Cellars. There is evidence that wine has been produced in the Dénia region (Marina Alta) for over 2,700 years, reflecting a rich and enduring winemaking tradition. Just a short drive from Dénia, you can visit several local wineries and cellars, where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy guided tours and wine tastings.

The Port and Promenade

A must while in Dénia is to take a walk along the promenade (Paseo marítimo) with views of the Dénia Castle, port and beaches. Here you can visit the small but interesting Museo de La Mar (free entrance) with aquatic arqueological items collected from sea wrecks in the waters near Dénia, and the Fishermen’s Market, where the fishing boats arrive to trade fish everyday. Bidding starts at 17:00 hours and fishing vessels start docking from about 15:00 hours.

Port promenade

Check this video for sightseeing the promenade (0.75 minutes)

From the port, you can take the ferry boat to Jávea (Xàbia). Sail along the Costa Blanca between Dénia and Jávea to enjoy the beaches of Les Rotes, the coves, the Marine Reserve and the Cap de Sant Antoni (Cape Saint Anthony). You will be able to enjoy a coastal navigation in the Balearic Sea and observe the coves and cliffs of Cap de Sant Antoni. You will have the option to get off in Jávea, stay for lunch or a stroll and then return to the port of Dénia. The boat departs from the pier at the end of Marqués de Campo street where the Portal del Vent sculpture is located, 150 meters from Museo de La Mar at the Explanada Cervantes.

From the port area there you can take also a maritime tour along the Costa Blanca. Some of them are:

Also, at short distance driving around Dénia there are several wineries and cellars that have guided visits and wine tasting. Specialties of the zone are wines done with muscatel grapes such as white wine of Marina Alta and mistela; and with garnacha and Giró grapes such as Garnacha and Giró wines, vermouth and liquors.

Finally, for an overview, check out this interesting 18-minute video (in Spanish) showcasing many of the top sightseeing spots in Dénia!

No matter how you spend your time on this stretch of the Costa Blanca, Dénia will win your heart and have you to come back again.

Denia Vacation at Loreto 29-3