Our Insider’s Take on What to Do in Denia on Spain’s Costa Blanca

Here are our recommendations for what to do in Denia. After living in this charming beach town for several years, we’ve gotten to experience a lot that is offered here. So when readers like you, and friends and family, visit here, we have plenty of great suggestions to share.

There are some things that we recommend as must-have experiences, but ultimately it comes down to your preferences. How do you want to enjoy Denia? Whatever it is, we hope you’ll enjoy our insight, ask your questions, and let us know what you like to do in Denia.

Table of Contents

The Top Things to Do in Denia

Keep in mind that one of the best ways to experience Denia is by walking. So if you have a car with you, find a good place to park for a while and get your feet into some good shoes.

Above Image – Towards the top of the Denia Castle.

#1 Explore the Denia Castle

Visiting this historical castle is one of the key things to do in Denia. It’s located in the heart of the town and steps from the water’s edge. There is a small museum in the tower that is across from the ticket office. Here you can learn about the castle’s history which goes back to the 11th and 12th centuries.

At the top are magnificent 360-degree views and from various viewpoints, you can take in the town, the Mediterranean Sea, mountain of Montgo, both marinas, and the mountains inland. A small cafe is at the top, as well as the Archeological Museum of Denia, which is in the Governor’s Palace. If you love picnics, this is a great place to have one and there are picnic tables throughout the grounds.

#2 Stroll and Eat Along the Calle Loreto

This historical street in Denia’s old town was turned into a pedestrian street many years ago. Today, it’s lined with various restaurants, some boutique shops, and colorful, charming residences in row home fashion. The Convento de los Agustines (dating back to 1604), is also located here and is still a functioning convent today.

The street starts at the Plaza de la Constitucion where the town hall stands. It is also very close to the castle entrance.

Above Image – The colorful and delicious, Calle Loreto.

#3 Be Like a Local in the Mercado Central

Even if you’re not planning on buying groceries, time in the Mercado Central is a great thing to do in Denia because it’s also about tasting. In the local language of Valenciano, it is referred to as the Mercat Municipal. You can take in the vibrant colors and fragrances of local produce, artisan products, and fresh flowers.

As you’ll see demonstrated by the locals, shopping here is not a chore. It’s a time to be social and enjoy tapas and drinks at one of several bars who have stalls here.

#4 Frequent Marques de Campo

The picturesque Marques de Campo in Denia is hard to miss since it is essentially the town’s main street. Towering  Plane trees line the street creating a green canopy in the summer months. For many years, it was busy with vehicle traffic, until a couple of years ago when they permanently designated it for pedestrians.

One of the most popular things to do in Denia among locals and visitors alike, is to go shopping in the stores here. Then enjoy a drink or delicious lunch in one of the restaurant terraces. Most of the parades throughout the year also take place on this street. Because it’s at the heart of everything, it is likely that you will visit Marques de Campo more than once while in Denia.

READ MORE: Neighborhoods in Denia – What to Consider for Visiting & Living

#5 Wander Around the Fisherman’s Village of Baix la Mar

The old world row homes of the Baix a la Mar neighborhood are colorful and authentic. It’s a delightful place to wander the maze of pedestrian streets. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to discover for more gastronomic adventures.

A typical thing to do in Denia here is to get a picture with the Playmobil statue. This bronze statue commemorates the 50-year anniversary of the filming of the movie Captain Jones here in Denia.

#6 Experience Playa Las Rotas

Experiencing the Playa Las Rotas is one of the most important and special things to do in Denia. It is one of the two beaches here and on the opposite side of town from the Las Marinas sandy beach. It starts here and continues down to the Torre del Gerro, a roman watchtower.

Characterized by rocky coves and pebble beaches, Las Rotas (Les Rotes in Valenciano) has gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea. Some portions can be accessed by car, while many parts are pedestrian only. Spread out along this stretch are a handful of restaurants right on the water’s edge, most of which have been around for decades.

There are a variety of things to do in Las Rotas year-round, such as swimming and snorkeling in the summer months, walking, bike riding, and savoring a meal and/or drinks with a splendid seaside view. Many of the kayak tours in Denia set out from the end of Las Rotas.

The waters here are a natural marine reserve that prohibits fishing and boats from entering within a certain distance of the shore. This is to protect the Posidonia, vital seagrass beds that produce amazing amounts of oxygen for the environment.

READ MORE: A Taste of Las Rotas with Isabella – Story + Video

Gastronomy Experiences to Do in Denia

Did you know that Denia is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy? Yep, it’s a thing. So get ready to eat your heart out. Here are some great ideas on what to do in Denia for gastronomy.

Above Image – Spanish artisan vermouth and a tapa here in Denia.

#7 Spanish Vermouth & Flamenco Music at Bodega Casa Benjamin

A great local restaurant and bar with classy old world style and history, Bodega Casa Benjamin is the place to sip on vermút casero (homemade vermouth). On most Thursday nights, you can enjoy authentic Flamenco music here. Make sure to book a table in advance because the locals pack the place out.

READ MORE: Enjoying Vermouth in Denia – A Gastronomy Travel Guide

#8 Taste Local Spanish Craft Beer at La Abadia

Finally! A few years after we moved to Denia, the Cerveceria de la Marina Alta opened up their on-site brewery, La Abadia. There’s a great selection of their locally crafted beers and artisan beers from around Europe. They also serve homemade tapas, pizzettes, and pastas.

#9 Tapas Hopping at Els Magazinos

Els Magazinos is a creative food court that has picturesque outdoor seating and 20 different food stalls and restaurants. It’s the ideal place to hop from food stall to food stall trying the mouthwatering tapas with a refreshing drink. There are three rooftops and a museum featuring the latest exhibition of local artists.

Above Image – A mouthwatering tapa at the La Pause Francaise stall in Els Magazinos.

#10 Eat Fideua

One of the best things to do in Denia gastronomy-wise, is to eat the local Valencian dish called Fideua. It’s typically cooked in a paella pan but instead of rice is made with short noodles. While it is originally known as a seafood dish, we particularly like the Fideua de pato, foie, y boletus (duck, foie, and mushrooms) at A La Fresca in Els Magazinos. Agua del Mar in the Marina de Denia is another restaurant that has wonderful Fideuas.

#11 Indulge in a Special Dinner

If you’re wanting a very special dinner experience in Denia, there are so many great choices. It’s almost hard to decide.

For amazing restaurants that are practically Michelin star, but without the actual designation or quite the high price, consider the following for amazing local cuisine. Each one brings plenty of creativity and fusion to the table.

• El Baret de Miquel for Valencian cuisine in an eclectic, down to earth environment.
• Samaruc for Mediterranean cuisine in a classy-meets-rustic Ibizan style environment.
• Aticcook for high end Valencian cuisine with a very modern flair and environment.

If you want that official Michelin star restaurant experience, then it’s right here in Denia at Quique Dacosta, which has three Michelin stars.

READ MORE: One of the Best Restaurants in Denia That is Worth the Wait – El Baret de Miquel

Above Image – The very unique, star-shaped take on Fideua at El Baret de Miquel.

#12 Wine Tasting in Denia

For a wine tasting right in Denia, stop in at the Bodegas Galiana. This wine shop plus bar plus deli can provide a tasting with advance notice.

And while it’s not technically in Denia, just on the outskirts and on the edge of the neighboring village Jesus Pobre, is Les Freses. This local winery, which specializes in the area’s moscatel grape variety, has their vineyards and charming winery facilities right here. Visit the Les Freses website to contact them about tours and tastings.

Museums to See in Denia

Denia has several great museums to see that will introduce you to its rich history and culture.

• Denia Ethnological Museum
• Denia Toy Museum
• Denia Archeological Museum (located in the Denia Castle)
• Denia Museum of the Sea

Other Things to Do in Denia

There are so many great things to do in Denia, that we could go on and on. But this article is already long enough. So we’ll list here the things that are more particular to certain interests. Which ones are of interest to you?

• Friday Local Outdoor Market (mercadillo de viernes) – takes place on Calle la Via every week.
• Torre del Gerro (Roman watchtower) at the end of Las Rotas.
• Watersports
  • Paddle Boarding, surfing, or wing foil with Diego de Alzaa
  • Kayaking
  • Kitesurfing in Las Marinas or Marineta Cassiana
  • Scuba Diving
• Hike or kayak to Cova Tallada
• Hike the mountain Montgo to the summit or take the more leisurely trail called the Colonial Way, which is a primarily flat path along the lower half of the mountain.
• Via Verde, an old railroad line that is now a pleasant, paved walking and cycling path through orange and almond tree groves, with views of the mountains.
• Ferry to and from Javea – During off season months (fall through spring), tickets must be bought in person at the Mundo Marino ticket booth.
• Sunset Catamaran ride
• Take the Balearia Ferry to Ibiza for a day (or longer)
• Sailing
• Golf at the Marriott La Sella Golf Resort
• Tennis at the Denia Tennis Club
• Road Cycling and Mountain Biking