Free walking tours in Dénia and what to see

Must-sees

Dénia lies at the foot of the Montgó, the mountain that dominates the north coast of Alicante. In the centre, the castle stands on a hill and houses the archaeological museum, with good views of the port and the sea. Around it is Baix la Mar, the old fishermen’s quarter, with low, colourful houses. Calle Marqués de Campo, lined with plane trees, is the main street for shops and terraces.

The coast has two very different sides. To the north, Les Marines are long beaches of fine sand; to the south, Les Rotes is a rocky coast with clear water, good for snorkelling. Beyond it, Cap de Sant Antoni is a marine reserve and has the Cova Tallada, a cave by the sea. Dénia was named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and its best-known product is the red prawn. Ferries to Ibiza, Formentera and Majorca leave from the port.

Free tours and guided visits

There are free walking tours in Dénia, but they are less frequent than in big cities and mostly run in high season. When there are any, they cover the centre, Baix la Mar and the climb to the castle, and you pay what you like. Among the paid activities, the most interesting are kayak trips to the Cova Tallada, boat trips along the coast and guided hikes on the Montgó. There are also trips to Xàbia, Altea and Guadalest, and day trips to Ibiza by ferry.

How long to spend

With two or three days you have time for the castle, the centre and a couple of beaches. One day can be for the town and the port, another for Les Rotes and the Cova Tallada, and another to climb the Montgó or visit Xàbia. If you travel in summer and want rest, a week lets you alternate the beach with trips and, if you like, a day in Ibiza or Formentera.

Where to stay

The centre, between the port and Calle Marqués de Campo, is the most convenient area for getting around on foot: the castle, the restaurants and the ferry terminal are a few minutes away. If you prefer calm and clear sea, Les Rotes has quiet hotels and apartments, although you will need to walk or cycle to the centre. Les Marines is the option for families who want a sandy beach on the doorstep, with lots of apartments along the coast.