Denia Holidays 2024/2025

One not to be missed during holidays to Costa Blanca, the charming and cosmopolitan town of Denia is located midway between Alicante and Valencia. It was once the epicentre of the region’s booming raisin industry, but has become a popular tourist destination in the past 50 years. Although it’s still not one of the major meccas on the Costa Blanca, it does command its own unique attractions and appeal.

300 days of sunshine

The lure of the ocean

With around 20 kilometres of gorgeous sandy stretches, Denia has something for everyone. Whether you’re a fitness junkie who revels in volleyball, running and swimming, or a beach bum who likes nothing better than sunning yourself silly, there’s a place for you and your towel in this sun-kissed town. Self Catering apartments and All Inclusive Costa Blanca hotels all lie a stone’s throw from the shore, so wherever you’re staying you won’t be far from the sea.

For those who love to explore the ocean depths, the pebble-strewn coves provide opportunities to snorkel or scuba dive, while watersports enthusiasts will be in their element with a range of activities on offer, including windsurfing, yachting and sailing. Meanwhile, the highly developed marina has berths for more than 500 vessels and brings a stylish and chic atmosphere to the shore.

The call of the wild

The town of Denia lies in a lush, fertile plain, with vast expanses of green being periodically interrupted by the whitewashed structures of the town and the outlying suburbs. In fact, low pollution levels and a pleasant climate prompted the World Health Organisation to name Denia as the third most desirable place to live. As such, it makes for a great base for outdoorsy types and intrepid explorers to do what they love most – go rambling.

The Montgo Mountain acts as a stunning backdrop to the town and a natural border between Denia and Javea and is situated in the national park of the same name. Those wishing to scale its summit should set aside two or three hours to make the trip to the top, where they will be rewarded with a breath-taking view of the city and the peaceful Mediterranean Sea beyond.

Historical interest in abundance

There’s no need to travel far from Denia in order to find new things to do everyday. The town itself is dominated by Denia Castle, which sits in imposing splendour on the corner of Plaza Constitucion. At one time, the castle was the residence of the Marquis of Denia – now it acts as a historical and archaeological museum. Though much of it is in ruin, the old city walls and bastions are well-preserved in parts, while the views of the harbour afforded from its towers are impressive.

Elsewhere in the town, a cluster of churches provide an interesting insight into the culture, heritage and architecture of the place. Meanwhile, the ethnological museum is free of charge and details the history of the settlement from the 1800s onwards. Exploring the historic centre of the city is best achieved on foot, since the narrow, maze-like streets don’t lend themselves well to vehicles.

Get ready to party

As with many towns across Spain, Denia has its own traditions when it comes to celebrating the numerous festivals that fall throughout the year. If you take your holiday to Costa Blanca during such an event, you’ll be treated to a vibrant display of local customs and rituals.

Chief among these festivals is the Fallas festival in mid-March. Originally an homage to the Valencian carpenter St Joseph, the occasion has escalated to become a colourful parade of larger-than-life effigies, depicting characters from past folklore and current political and popular media. The structures sometimes reach in excess of 100ft in height and are set alight on the final day of celebrations.

Other festivals of note include the procession of the Three Kings in early January, the bull running extravaganza in July and the festival of the Christians and Moors in August.