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.