DéniaMainland Spain · Spain

All About Dénia

Situated on the Costa Blanca, Dénia treats visitors to fabulous beaches, gastronomic delights, and untamed landscapes on its doorstep. While the laid-back port city is a common stopover for partiers heading to Ibiza or those venturing to luxurious Palma resorts, Dénia has much to offer. Fresh off a 2015 UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designation, Dénia is the place to chow on delicious dishes of paella, arroz a banda, and llandeta de pescado.

When you’re not stuffing your face with succulent seafood, Dénia’s splendid nature is the perfect encore. With its sandy beaches and limestone mountains, Dénia captivates outdoor enthusiasts. Most travelers who book ferry tickets to Dénia combine them with a trip to the nearby Balearic Islands. Spend a few days soaking up the easy-going atmosphere of Dénia to immerse yourself in Valencian culture. Using Ferryscanner, you can find the best routes and timetables to organize your Spanish vacation.
 

Routes and Ferries to Dénia

Dénia is the gateway to the Balearic Islands, and many travelers who book ferry tickets to Dénia are making the short journey. Ferry passengers sailing to Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, and Formentera will find plenty of routes from the Spanish mainland port city.

Dénia has multiple links to the Balearic Islands to ensure a speedy arrival to your island of choice. Several boats, easily bookable via Ferryscanner, connect Dénia to the largest islands of the Mediterranean archipelago. Scheduled ferries by Balearia take around 5 hours to cover a distance of 125 nautical miles (232 km) from Dénia to Palma de Mallorca. Ferries via Balearia take around 2 hours, respectively, to reach Ibiza and Formentera. The distance from Dénia to the Port of Ibiza is roughly 124 km, while the distance to the Port of Formentera is roughly 111 km.

Using the Ferryscanner website, you can browse through multiple timetables to find the most convenient ferry tickets to Dénia. Regardless of your final destination, Ferryscanner makes it easy to organize your itinerary. Bus routes from Alicante and Valencia, around 1.5 hours and 2 hours, respectively, transport travelers to and from Dénia.
 

Ports of Dénia

With a historic hilltop fortress and Montgó Massif forming the backdrop, Dénia has one of Spain’s most beautiful ports. About halfway between Valencia and Alicante, the Port of Dénia serves as a vital link on the eastern coast of Spain. Dénia connects the Spanish mainland to the Balearic Islands for travelers wishing to arrive by ferry.

In addition to being a busy ferry terminal, Dénia has two marinas, Marina de Dénia and Real Club Nautico Dénia. The promenade around Marina de Dénia entertains guests with restaurants, bars, and views of upscale yachts. Dénia also hosts a bustling fish market, and its port is where fishermen unload the day’s catch. For seafarers stopping at the Port of Dénia, sampling the local seafood is a must. To book ferry tickets to Dénia, Ferryscanner lets you compare rates from different ferry companies operating on Costa Blanca. Once you arrive at the Port of Dénia, you can wander the historic town or cruise to the Balearic Islands.
 

Best Beaches

With over 20 km of pristine coastline on the Costa Blanca, Dénia warms the hearts of beachgoers everywhere. The Mediterranean port city is a stone’s throw from the picturesque Balearic Islands, but you won’t have to hit the islands for a beach getaway. Dénia possesses a myriad of Blue Flag beaches around its city limits and has scenic spots in either direction. Soft sands, crystalline waters, and family-friendly vibes make Dénia an attractive spot for your seaside vacation.

Playa de la Marineta Casiana

Just a short walk from Marina de Dénia, Playa de la Marineta Casiana entices beachgoers with its sandy shores and laid-back promenade. Protected from boats entering the port, the calm waters make the beach a delightful spot for families to hang out. Stroll the adjacent boardwalk to find a wide range of restaurants, beach bars, and chiringuitos to soothe your cravings. Stick around for sunset, and you could witness dreamy views of orange and purple skies against the Montgó Massif.

Platja de les Marines

Platja de las Marines sits around 3 km from Dénia city center and enchants urban dwellers to its wide shores and emerald waters. The soft sands and low waves make the shoreline an ideal spot for sunbathing and swimming. On windy days, the beach transforms into a vibrant hub for windsurfing and kitesurfing. If you get hungry, there are nearby restaurants, bars, and cafes to fill you up.

Platja de les Bovetes

Drive a little farther up the coastline to find this Blue Flag beach of silky-smooth, golden sands. The calm, crystal-clear waters attract swimmers of all ages, while umbrellas and beach chairs give sunbathers space to tan. With several beach bars, water sports, and spectacular sunsets, beachgoers won’t go home disappointed at Platja de les Bovetes.

Platja les Arenetes

Around 5-6 km south of Dénia, Platja les Arenetes dazzles visitors with its translucent waters and geologic formations. The crystal-clear cove draws snorkelers and kayakers hoping to escape larger crowds closer to town. If you’re up for a hike, the coastal walk treats you to a beautiful stroll from Dénia to Platja les Arenetes. Just a 10-15 minute walk past the beach, you’ll come across the breathtaking seaside vistas of Mirador Las Rotas.
 

Places to Visit

With its rich history, beautiful coastal scenery, and an intimate relationship to the sea, Dénia appeases many interests. The town spans 2,000 years and features landmarks that reveal glimpses of multiple historical eras. Just outside of town, imposing limestone mountains entice adventurers up for a challenge. For those wishing to relax, Dénia’s coast has a colorful spirit hard to find elsewhere.

Castillo de Dénia

Forming the backdrop of the Dénia Port, Castillo de Dénia presents the most spectacular view of the harbor. The seaside fortress is the highest point of Dénia and contains ruins from the Ancient Roman city of Diannium. Its current features resemble the Islamic rule of Dénia during the Middle Ages. By strolling around the castle ruins, you’ll find the Red Tower and bastions constructed to fend off Barbary Pirates.

Parque Natural del Montgó

Around a 20-minute drive away from Dénia, Parque Natural del Montgó draws nature enthusiasts with thrilling treks and diverse vegetation. With 2,117 hectares of scenic beauty, it’s the best place near Dénia to enjoy the great outdoors. Rising from the coastal landscape between Dénia and Xàbia, the Montgó Massif has a looming presence. The 753-meter limestone monolith rises from the fertile valley floor and offers sweeping vistas of the sea. Hiking to its rocky summit is the highlight for thrill-seekers, but don’t hit the trail without packing plenty of water and snacks.

Torre del Gerro

Wander the Les Rotes coastal path to find another part of Dénia’s former defensive fortifications. Perched on the cliffside around 6-7 km south of Dénia, Torre del Gerro helped defend the Spanish coast against Barbary pirates. Other circular towers once dotted the coastline, but Torre del Gerro remains the lone remnant of the medieval defense barrier. Apart from the spectacular vistas of Cabo de San Antonio, study the tower to find the King Charles V coat of arms.
 

Transportation Around Dénia

Dénia is easy to explore on foot, and the city has lots of narrow streets, lively squares, and medieval sights to entertain visitors. And the port’s convenient location near the city center helps you discover more of Dénia in less time. In under 20 minutes, you can wander into the historic town after departing your ferry. And several beaches are accessible by foot within 35-40 minutes from the ferry terminal.

To discover more of Dénia and the Costa Blanca, the Dénia-Alicante Tram provides a great option. The railway transports passengers around Dénia, Alicante, and the small communities of Costa Blanca. Tram #9 is the line you’ll need to find transport to and from Dénia. If you prefer more flexibility, Dénia has several reputable car rental agencies with competitive rates.

The Dénia bus station is around 2.5-3 km from the ferry terminal and provides access to nearby Spanish destinations. You’ll find daily routes to larger cities like Alicante, Valencia, and Barcelona.