Veganderlust contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you.  For more info, see the Disclosure Policy.

9 Top Things to Do in Dénia: Travel Guide to The Coastal City

ByTina Riegelnegg Updated on

Dénia is the northernmost coastal city on the Costa Blanca in Spain, known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and delicious gastronomy.

I visited on a day trip by taking the boat from Jávea and was pleasantly surprised by this charming coastal town, I could have easily spend more time there.

In this guide, I’ll share top things to do in Dénia that will make your trip unforgettable, from well known ones like the castle to hidden gems like the amazing street art.

Best Things to Do in Dénia Spain

1. Visit the Castell de Dénia

The entrance gate to the castle of Denia, visiting this historic fortress is one of the best things to do in Denia Spain
Entrance to the castle of Dénia
A panoramic view of Dénia, Spain, showcasing the town's rooftops with the iconic Montgó Mountain in the background. The blue dome of a church and the bell tower are prominent in the foreground, representing the blend of cultural and natural attractions in Dénia.
View from Dénia Castle

The main attraction in Dénia is without a doubt the stunning castle, Castell de Dénia. This 11th century Moorish fortress offers panoramic views of the city and the sea.

For a small entrance fee you can explore the whole castle complex and the small museum on your own. You’ll also get the the best views of Dénia and the coastline from the castle.

There’s a small café in the castle, but the opening times are unclear. It was closed when I visited on a weekday afternoon in August. So, be sure to bring enough water with you.

2. Walk Through the Túnel del Castell

The inside of a pedestrian tunnel carved out of a rock, people are walking through
You definitely have to walk through the Dénia tunnel once

Located just below the castle, the Túnel del Castell is a unique passageway underneath it. You can learn about the tunnel’s history from the signs inside, but most people simply use it to shorten their journey.

When you walk through the tunnel from the old town to the other side, you leave the tunnel right next to some amazing street art.

🤩 Learn more about the castle tunnel on this epic walking tour!

3. Look for Street Art

A bright and playful piece of street art in Dénia, Spain, depicting a masked figure riding a bicycle, spray-painting a heart on a colorful wall. The mural is set against the backdrop of a rugged stone fortress, blending modern creativity with historical architecture.
This reminded me of the street art in Valencia

I love street art and as I wasn’t expecting any in Dénia, I was pleasantly surprised to find some stunning pieces just outside of the Túnel del Castell.

Most were unknown artists to me, but I even spotted a ninja by David de Limón. I saw his street art pieces all over Valencia and made a game out of finding as many as I could during my stay.

4. Relax on the Beaches

Dénia has several beaches to choose from, from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs. Most of them are a bit outside the city center.

The most popular sandy beach is Les Marines Beach, north of the city center, which offers a variety of water sports activities.

A great beach south of the city center with pebbles and rocks is Platja de les Rotes. Its rocky coastline and crystal-clear waters make it a perfect spot for snorkeling.

A few small sailboats just in the ocean just off the coast of Denia, it's a great place for water sports
Dénia is a great place for water sports and beach time

5. Do Some Fun Water Sports

If you’re a fan of water sports, then you’re in luck, Dénia has some great options.

Parasailing is an exhilarating experience that offers stunning views of the city and coastline from above. This highly rated tour departs from Dénia harbour, located right in the city center.

Alternatively, if you prefer a more relaxed activity, you can take a kayak tour from Les Rotes to explore the beautiful Tallada Cave.

🌊 You get amazing views of the coastline with this fun parasailing tour!

A view of Dénia harbour with the ocean in the back
View of the harbour from Dénia Castle

6. Enjoy Sunset on a Cruise

As Dénia is a coastal city, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a sunset cruise. You can book a spot on one of the many boat tours departing from the port and sit back as you watch the sun dip below the horizon.

If you’re lucky, you might even spot some dolphins or whales. Just be aware that it’s never guaranteed that you see marine wildlife on the tour.

🌅 On this sunset sailboat tour you get the chance to see dolphins! 🐬

7. Go Shopping in Calle del Marqués de Campo

A street in Dénia with trees lining the street, there are sitting arrangements from restaurants on the street as well
The main shopping street in Dénia

Calle del Marqués de Campo is a pedestrian street filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s the perfect spot for shopping or enjoying a drink while people-watching.

Speaking of shopping, the central market of Dénia, Mercat Municipal, is also close by. You can find a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and snacks there.

8. Have a Drink at Plaça de la Constitució

Denia town hall with some bushes in front at Plaça de la Constitució in Dénia
Dénia town hall

Another great spot for a drink is Plaça de la Constitució, a charming square with outdoor cafes and restaurants. It’s surrounded by interesting historical buildings like the Town Hall and the Church of Asunción.

Leading off the square is Calle de Loreto, where you’ll find countless restaurants. Just stroll down the street and see if any catch your eye.

9. Eat at Els Magazinos

A vibrant, colorful alley in Dénia, Spain, lined with outdoor seating for cafés and bars. The alley is decorated with hanging ribbons and lifebuoys, creating a festive atmosphere. This lively spot is popular for dining and enjoying the local nightlife in Dénia.
It looks like a great place for dinner

Els Magazinos is a food court by the marina. Unfortunately, the restaurants were closed when I visited in the afternoon. However, the venue looked amazing, and I imagine it’s a great spot for dinner.

Speaking of eating out, did you know that Dénia is a UNESCO’s City of Gastronomy? So, what better place than to go out for food a lot!

Things to Do Near Dénia Spain

If you have more time in the area, here are a few more suggestions for things to do near Dénia:

  • Take a day trip to Jávea, a charming coastal town south of Dénia with its own beautiful beaches and hidden coves, and with the most unique church on the Costa Blanca.
  • Visit the Cova Tallada, a stunning natural cave that can be reached by hiking along the coast or by kayak from Les Rotes beach.
  • Explore the Montgó Natural Park, which offers great hiking trails and panoramic views of the surrounding area.

A big cliff in the middle of the ocean just off the coast of Dénia
The cliffs just off Dénia

Is Dénia Worth Visiting?

Yes, Dénia is worth a visit. It offers a great mix of history, nature, and beach activities, and is less crowded than other popular spots on the Costa Blanca, making it ideal for a more relaxed vacation.

Its location also makes it a great stop if you’re driving from Valencia to Alicante or vice versa.

A promenade lined with palm trees and some tables and chairs from restaurants
Stroll down Dénia promenade

Where to Stay in Dénia Spain

For a relaxing beach vacation, I recommend staying at one of the hotels near the beaches.

If you want to be near the city center and its attractions, I recommend Maison Marineta. The hotel is close to the city center and harbor, featuring beautiful rooms and a stunning rooftop terrace with sun loungers and a pool.

🛏️ Check prices and availability of my recommended hotel! 🐬

Final Thoughts: What to Do in Dénia Spain

Dénia offers a range of activities, from exploring the castle and street art to relaxing on the beach and trying out water sports.

With its charming city center, delicious food options, and proximity to other popular destinations, Dénia is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for an authentic Spanish experience.

You can also easily combine your visit to Dénia with a visit to some other beautiful places on the Costa Blanca.

Read more about Costa Blanca:

Pin it for later:
Two pictures of Denia, one a view of the harbour taken from the castle on a hill, and the second picture is of a cliff in the ocean, the text "Costa Blanca - Best things to do Denia" is written over it.
Dénia Spain Things to Do

PinPrint
Tina Riegelnegg

Tina Riegelnegg is the founder of Veganderlust. She started this blog in 2022 to share her experiences in order to help other travellers have the best experience and find the best vegan food while travelling. So far Tina has been to 31 countries on 5 continents.

Similar Posts

A bridge over an almost dried up river in a city surrounded by mountains; Is Andorra worth visiting?

Amazing Day Trip to Andorra from Barcelona

ByTina Riegelnegg

Are you looking for a unique day trip from Barcelona? Try Andorra! It’s the sixth smallest country in Europe and it offers…