Best Things to Do in Denia in 1 Day to Enjoy in Family

Located on the beautiful Costa Blanca, there are many things to do in Denia in 1 day or 2. Below are some main attractions for you to enjoy.

Denia is not only a beach destination. Its gastronomy with the famous prawns, the tradition of the fishermen’s quarter, the castle that overlooks the city from above, and the bars and restaurants in the marina area, are some of the attractions to visit in Denia both in summer and winter.

In addition, the natural surrounding environment is an invitation to go hiking in the mountains of the Montgó Natural Park, which keeps one of the most precious treasures of the Valencian Community, Cova Tallada.

Map – Things to do in Denia in 1 day or 2

Most places to see and do in Denia are within easy walking distance. Then there are places a little more remote (such as the beaches, coves and caves), where it is best to have a car to get to. You can visit everything in one day, but for greater enjoyment and tranquility, it is best to dedicate at least two days. Even more so if it is summer, because you will want to go to the beach.

1) The Castle, the main thing to do in Denia in 1 day

Located on the top of a hill, right in the center of Denia, its origins date back to the period of Arab domination. Today the fortification conserves some of its towers, gates and walls.

Inside the castle is the Archaeological Museum, with objects from the Roman, Muslim and Christian periods.

The castle’s hilltop location affords fantastic views of the town’s harbour, the sea, the mountains and the historic centre – a must-see!

Access to the castle is only on foot via Calle San Francisco, although if you have severe accessibility problems you can consult and reach the top by car.

📌 General admission to visit Denia Castle: 3 euros per person. There are discounts for children and senior citizens. The entrance fee includes access to the Archaeological Museum.

⚠️ Keep in mind the opening hours of the Castle and the Museum. While the castle is open from approximately 10 am to 7 pm (depending on the season), the museum is closed during lunchtime and siesta time.

2) The Denia Castle Tunnel

This tunnel was created between 1937 and 1938, while Spain was experiencing one of the worst events in its history, the Civil War. Its purpose was to protect the civilian population from aerial bombardment.

The tunnel runs through the bottom of the castle hill, connecting the north and south of Denia. So once the war was over, this shortcut remained open so that the population on foot did not have to walk all the way around the castle to get from one point to another in the town.

It was remodelled in 2011 and remains open for most of the day (it closes at night for security reasons).

3) Strolling through the fishermen’s quarter of Baix La Mar

One of the things to do in Denia in 1 day is to wander around and lose yourself in its narrow pedestrian streets is the old fishermen’s quarter of Baix La Mar. Situated just below the castle and opposite the port, it was home to sailors and fishermen for many years, until it was transformed into a lively gastronomic area.

The low, picturesque and colourful houses of the district feel like going back in time. You should make a stop along the way to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat on the terraces of the squares of Sant Antoni or de la Creu, the meeting point of the area.

If you go to Denia with kids, don’t forget to take a photo with the sculpture of a pirate Playmobil located in the neighbourhood, a tribute to the film Captain Jones shot in the city.

4) Touring the historic centre of Denia

Apart from the old fishing quarter of Baix La Mar, there are more places to see in Denia in one day in its historic centre. It is worth noting that all of them are in proximity to each other, as Denia is still a small town.

Starting at the Plaza de la Constitución, you will come across some of the things to see in Denia in 1 day: the Church of Nuestra Señora de Loreto and the Town Hall building. A few metres away is the traditional Denia Municipal Market, where many local people go to buy meat, vegetables and fish and which is well worth a visit.

Loreto Street also starts at the Plaza de la Constitución. It is pedestrianised and has a lot of movement due to the large number of shops, bars and restaurants.

Nearby, Les Roques neighbourhood is a reminder of the Muslim era. Situated at the access to the castle of Denia, you can see the old colourful houses on San Francisco street.

In the more modern area you will find the Marqués de Campo street with the main shopping area of the city. This street is closed to traffic at weekends and in high season, allowing you to enjoy the terraces of the bars and restaurants in total comfort.

5) The Toy Museum, one of the things to do in Denia with kids

A good thing to do in Denia with kids is to visit the Toy Museum, which is housed in an old train station building.

Inside there are exhibits of a wide range of toys manufactured throughout the 20th century, whose components were metal, tin or wood and that surely the children’s grandparents or parents have used.

On display are everything from tricycles and bicycles to sailing boats, wooden kitchens and much more. Something that is sure to catch your children’s attention.

📌 Admission is free.

6) Watch the sunset in the port, things to do in Denia in 1 day

Denia Marina is not only the place where ferries leave for Ibiza, Formentera or Palma de Mallorca. It is a place where restaurants and bars, some of which even have a swimming pool, converge on both breakwaters. In short, an essential place to visit in Denia if you are travelling as a couple.

Ideal for a drink or a local delicacy, it has a terrace area where you can watch the sunset by the sea. One of the favourite places for them is Zensa bar.

• Book this Catamaran Sunset Cruise along the coast of Denia. Ideal for couples. There is even a toast with a bottle of cava on board!

7) Enjoying beaches and coves of Denia

In summer, Denia receives numerous foreign and national tourists thanks to its wide variety of beaches and its coastline of more than 15 kilometres.

The beaches of Denia close to the centre are the most extensive, such as Las Marinas beach, Marineta Casiana beach, and a little further away, Los Molinos beach. All of them are perfect to go with kids.

If you want to enjoy small coves, then you have to go south towards the Les Rotes, on the way to Jávea and the Montgó Nature Reserve. There are many coves where you can spend the day and even go snorkelling due to the good visibility of the seabed.

8) Visit Montgó Nature Reserve and Cova Tallada, Denia with kids

If you are a lover of hiking and nature, the Montgó Nature Reserve is well worth a visit. Even if you are travelling with kids, as there are certain routes of low physical difficulty.

Heading south from Denia along the coast, at the access to the Nature Reserve, you will find the Gerro Tower and the viewpoint of Les Rotes. The Torre del Gerro is located on the top of a cliff and was an old defence post built to prevent pirates from attacking. The views from there to Cape San Antonio are incredible. And, if you look towards the side of the mountains, you will be able to see the so-called ghost town of Denia, which is abandoned.

From the viewpoint starts the 1.5 km path that runs along the cliffs close to the coast, to reach Cova Tallada, the famous sea cave with natural pools for swimming and snorkelling. This trail can be done with kids, always taking the necessary precautions and wearing suitable footwear. If you want to go inside the cave, you have to do it by sailing.

• Book here the Kayak to Cova Tallada from the port of Denia with a specialised guide. A fascinating adventure.

9) Delighting in Denia’s famous gastronomy

Denia’s gastronomy is so well known that it has been named Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO. Its star dish, red shrimp, is a must-try if you visit the city.

Furthermore, as a city in the Valencian Community, rice dishes are another of its specialities, especially arroz a banda.

Denia’s flagship restaurant is Quique Dacosta, owner of three Michelin stars. So, if you want to live a true experience with all your senses from start to finish, you should make a reservation in his restaurant. You won’t regret it!

10) Places to visit around Denia if you have more days

The Valencian Community has many places to visit, whether you want to go to the beach or go for a walk between mountain villages.

Here you will find some of the places that are a must to visit:

• Visit Gandía and Playa de Gandía: our home. It is known as the City of the two Popes, thus forming part of the Borgia Route. In addition to the extensive sandy beaches, you can visit Palaces and a castle of Mozarabic origin.
• Visit Calpe: Although its beaches and historic center are very nice, Calpe stands out for its rock, a rock that juts into the sea. You can climb it and see the landscape from the top.
• Visit Altea: Perhaps one of the most beautiful villages on the coast of Alicante, with the turquoise color of the sea and its historic center of white houses on top of the hill.

💯 Take a look at the things to do and see in Costa Blanca.

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Useful information to visit Denia in 1 day or more

Buy your travel insurance and travel safe!

– Getting to Denia

If you want to get to Denia by plane, the nearest airports are Alicante (about 100 km away) and Valencia (about 115 km away). You will then need to find your own way to get there, either by train, train and bus combination, hiring a car or hiring a transfer.

• Book your flight to Alicante or Valencia here.
• Search here for car rentals to go to Denia.
• Hire a transfer from/to Alicante airport for more comfort.

If you are travelling by car to Denia, either your own or a hire car, the best option is to take the AP-7 and then exit 62. There are also secondary routes to travel, such as the N-332.

To get to Denia from Valencia by public transport, the best way is to take a Cercanías train to Gandía (40 km from Denia). Then connect with a bus from the same train station in Gandía to Denia (they share a building). If you don’t want to do so much, there is a bus that leaves from the city centre to the city, although it can make multiple stops.

On the other hand, travelling from Alicante to Denia by public transport is easier, as there are tram and bus services connecting Alicante city centre with Denia.

It is also possible to travel between Denia and the Balearic Islands by ferry from the port.

🚢 Search here for ferry tickets with OMIO, buy yours and travel!

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As you can see, there are so many things to do in Denia in 1 day, that it’s even worth spending the night and staying for a whole weekend.