If you think of holidaying in Spain you could be forgiven for conjuring up images of over crowded beaches, sunburnt brits and themed restaurants. That is most certainly not the case for the pretty town of Denia on the East coast of Spain, forming part of the sought after Costa Blanca.
Occupying a prime location exactly halfway ( around 100km ) between Alicante and Valencia international airports, the coastal town of Denia looks out onto the Balearic Islands and features some 20km of beautiful, pristine white beaches, some of the very best in the country.
The beaches in Denia are undoubtedly the main attraction with large untouched stretches of beautiful coastline, from natural white sands to small, rocky coves which are ideal for diving. In the area around the marina is Punta del Raset which features cute little beach bars, volleyball nets and showers and runs for some 600 metres. For beach game facilities you would be hard pressed to beat L’Alnadrava with nearly 3000 metres of stunning seafront.
Denia, with its iconic 11th century castle perched on top of the hill and beautiful tree-lined avenues, isn’t just charmingly beautiful, it’s also a busy working port and marina. You can even catch the ferry directly from Denia to Ibiza.
The town itself sits at the foot of the castle that now holds a museum and consists of meandering alleyways and larger cosmopolitan streets, the Marques de Campo is a great spot for sitting with a coffee and watching the world go by in one of the many bars and cafes.
If you’re looking for a party town with a strip of English pubs and Mcdonalds, this is not for you. However, if you are looking for an upmarket holiday destination with a fantastic climate, beautiful beaches and amazing history, you can’t go wrong with Denia. It’s become a sought after family holiday destination over the last decade an
d one of the more popular resorts on the Costa Blanca. Denia is the epitome of a cosmopolitan vacation spot, with enough mouth-wateringly good restaurants and trendy bars to keep the stylish sun seeker entertained but retaining enough of its Spanish charm with a large population of local residents to keep it feeling undoubtedly Mediterranean.
The marina is the newest part of the town and features several high-end restaurants. A favourite with visitors being Republic for it diverse menu, enjoy the speciality dishes before heading into Zensa for a drink and a dance under the stars by the rooftop pool alongside a fashionable mixed crowd. Watch the beautiful people climb on board their yachts moored in the marina or take a stroll out to see along the promenade.
From one marina to another, Denia really does offer something for everyone. If the quaint boutiques lining the Marques de Campo aren’t enough to tickle your fancy La Marina, a large shopping mall some 3km outside of the town on the way to Ondarra with international favourites such as Zara as well as a multi-screen cinema should do, should the glorious sun ever decide not to shine.
A must is a drive via the Montgó National Park to the nearby tourist town of Jávea. Montgó from a distance ( the Jávea side) is famously shaped like an elephant and has become an attraction in its own right. The Montgó Nature Reserve encompases 5312 acres around the mountain. The Reserve contains important archaeological finds such as cave paintings, and the remains of ancient Iberian settlements. Because of the extraordinary wealth of its ecosystems, the park was declared an officially protected nature reserve in the late 1980s. The park runs almost parallel to the coastline ending which ends at Cap de San Antoni, the point of Spain that is closest to the Balerics. On a clear day you can see right out onto Ibiza from the lighthouse.
Denia is a hub of activity all year round but a great time to visit is the Summer and not just for the perfect Mediterranean climate. Just like any other town in Spain, there’s a wide range of fiestas. The Bous a la Mar is celebrated in July and is a fantastical fiesta that sees bulls charging through the streets before jumping into the sea.
There are several luxury hotels in and around Denia, Marriott La Sella Golf Resort & Spa being the most popular for those looking for a luxury break. Featuring a huge swimming pool nestled amongst the palm trees, comfortable rooms and a whole host of activities it suits the discerning traveller. The Brasserie Montgó, the hotels signature restaurant serves amazing traditional Mediterranean dishes and if you can, try to get a spot on the outdoor terrace where you can dine al fresco in the shadow of the Mount Montgó.
Another option to consider, especially for those that like their privacy during longer holiday periods, is renting a luxury villa and that is something that the Costa Blanca and especially Denia have in abundance. Try Quality Rent Denia for approved luxury villas.
There are so many options when looking to holiday in Spain but for an area that is steeped in history and manages to be a vibrant, well-heeled holiday destination you really can’t beat the charming town of Denia. It won’t be a place that you visit just the once, it’s charm and eclectic mix of old and new sees holiday makers return year after year.
The Insider UAE 