BRIEF HISTORY

During the Roman Empire, the city of Dianium (known in medieval times as the Marquesado de Denia) was conquered by the Romans and required to pay permanent taxes as punishment for the crime of rebellion. In due time, it became a municipality. Archaeological artifacts confirm that the city did enjoy a period of great wealth especially with a beneficial port where both trade and the empire’s fleet met.

The Muslim Daniya (Islamic name of Denia) continued to experience a time of glory more so when it became an independent Taifa Kingdom following the division of the Caliphate of Cordoba in the 11th century. The Taifa Kingdom of Denia became the most powerful and ruled over the lands of the Marina Alta district including Alicante, parts of Murcia and the Balearic Islands.

When the Christians defeated the Muslims, Denia remained a stronghold and became the head of the county and later on became a marquisate. The fifth of the marquises, the Duke of Lerma was a favourite of Philip III, the monarch who gave Denia the title of town in 1612. During the War of Succession, Denia sided with Archduke Charles of Austria, contender to the throne of the House of Austria. Denia was the first town which declared him as legitimate king of Spain in 1765. Sieges continued and Denia was devastated economically and otherwise.

During the 19th century, Denia thrived again due to its dry raisin trade. At the start of the 20th century, Denia’s toy industry rose to prominence and the dry raisin production was eventually replaced by citrus fruits.

Today, Denia’s tourism industry is on the rise thanks to its gorgeous beaches and picturesque landscape.

HIGHLIGHTS

There is a wide range of places to see both in and around Denia. Whether it is a cultural or historical exploration, a nature trip or simply just to have fun, Denia has them. Whatever the visitor fancies, Denia has something for him/her.

Denia’s main tourist attraction is its imposing castle which dominates the town. From the castle top, one can have a magnificent view of the whole town and its surroundings. Denia’s main street, Calle Marques de Campos is the ideal place for people watching. There is a plethora of cafes, shops, bars and restaurants. Denia’s many restaurants reflect the city’s long history and tradition. Typical dishes such as its famous rice dishes paella and arroz a banda and seafood specialties take centre stage in any table. Denia is also well known for its many fiestas. There is the Las Fallas (a bonfire festival), Moros y Cristianos (re-enactment of the battles between Muslims and Christians) and the Bous a la Mar (bull running).

As for the beaches, Denia takes pride in its 20 kilometres stretch of sandy beaches. Most of its beaches have consistently received the European “Blue Flag” for safety and cleanliness.

GETTING AROUND

Denia has excellent road and railways. It is easy to reach Denia both by road and by train. Exit 62 of Motorway A7 and Highway N-332 links Denia with Valencia and Alicante and the rest of the Mediterranean towns: Car hire Alicante. There is also a train service traversing Denia and Alicante. A narrow-gauge railway connects Denia with Alicante, the provincial capital. Denia is 100 kilometres from the Alicante International Airport and 113 kilometers from Valencia International Airport.

There are daily Denia to Ibiza ferry services as well as to Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera. Full and half day cruises along the coast are available: cruceros. The ferry terminal in Denia lies only about 300 meters from the train station.

Denia is only about 100 kilometres away from Valencia and Alicante, 58 kilometres away from Benidorm and around three hours and 30 minutes away (by fast ferry) from the Balearic Islands of Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera.

Enjoying almost year-round sunshine and a cozy temperature averaging 18 degrees centigrade, Denia’s beach is the best place to be. With 20 kilometres of coastline, Denia has a wide array of sandy beaches and accommodations for people with varying definitions of the ideal beach getaway. There are more than enough beaches to satisfy any visitor’s need, whether it is a small untamed beach or a deluxe beach. There are golden sandy beaches, sheltered coves and even tiny bays hidden among cliffs in Denia. And no matter how many visitors head off for the beaches especially during peak season, the beaches never ever get crowded. There is much room for everyone.

To the north of Denia, the area is known locally as Les Marines. Here, the beaches are extensive and the sand powdery fine. Les Marines beaches are perfect for those who want to just stretch out in the sand. The main beach is La Punta del Raset. It has a wide area suitable for beach volleyball and mini football. Other beaches in the area include Les Marines Beach, an open beach over two and half kilometres in length; Albaranas Beach, a quiet but contemporary beach; Les Bovetes, a tranquil and well-preserved cove; Els Molins, a one and half kilometre beach patronized by windsurfers. Les Deveses Beach is highlighted by mountains and Spanish style chalets built along the beachfront.

The south of Denia is known as Les Rotes. It features sandy beaches that eventually give way to beautiful and secluded coves. The main beach is Marineta Cassiana considered to be a prime diving spot. The sheltered beaches of El Trampoli and Punta Negra are good spots for diving lessons.

Most of Denia’s beaches have restrooms, showers, sunshades and beds for hire. Bars, restaurants and “chiringuitos” (beach bars that sell alcoholic and soft drinks, ice cream and snacks) line the beachfront. There are also numerous beach-based sports activities on and off the water.

Most importantly, Denia beaches are consistent recipients of the Blue Flag award given to the best beaches in the world.

Head off to the beach. Scour the beaches of Denia to give you the choicest pick.

Denia is full of life and colour. It is considered as one of the Spanish towns with the most fiestas. Denia’s calendar of festive events is one of the richest in Spain. There is a fiesta celebrated almost every month.

One of Denia’s biggest fiestas takes place in March on the 16th –19th. This is the fiesta of Las Fallas held in honour of Saint Joseph the Carpenter. Originally a contest amongst carpenters to create the best effigy of the Saint, it has expanded to 50-100 feet high paper mache monuments depicting the main issues of the day, political and fictional figures. All of these monuments are later burned in a spectacular bonfire party. Festivities include processions with participants wearing colourful costumes, street entertainment, fireworks and live music. Las Fallas brings hordes of people to the street for a night of revelry and raucous celebrations.

The town of Denia also eagerly awaits the Bous a la Mar which literally means “Bulls to the Sea”. It is a fiesta of national tourist interest. This bull running event is staged yearly to commemorate the Day of the Sacred Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Bulls are turned loose on the seaside with protective barriers to protect the public. Matadors and would-be matadors try to lure the enraged bulls into the sea or they themselves jump into the sea to escape the bulls. Spectators go wild with excitement.

From August 14-16, there is the Moros y Cristianos Festival. The event is celebrated in honour of San Roque and at the same time in remembrance of the hundreds of years of Moorish occupation of Spain. During the festival, a theatrical performance with participants dressed in elaborate costumes re-enact the battle between the Moors and the Christians.

The Fogueres de San Juan is yet another fabulous bonfire festival held every June 20-24. Giant bonfires on the beach are held echoing the pagan rituals celebrating midsummer night.

There are other festivals held throughout the year. In January, the Three Kings on the 5th; pilgrimage to the hermitage of Santa Paula on the 26th. In February, the carnival is usually held during the second week. In June, the pilgrimage in honour of the Virgin Rocio and the fiesta in San Pedro Trinidad Street are celebrated. Last week of October through the first week of November is the week-long celebration of All Saints Day. The pilgrimage to the hermitage of Santa Lucia is held on December 13.

All these fiestas guarantee fun and enjoyment.