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I’ve put together recommended day trips you can take from Denia – perfect if you want to see more of what the Costa Blanca offers during your stay!
There are tons of amazing towns you can visit for a day out within a short drive of Denia, or a ride through Denia’s tram station. There’s so much to see nearby and only a short drive or train ride away – from stunning mountain towns to gorgeous port towns and much more.
I’ve included the most nearby towns and cities to visit, and of course some brilliant activities and experiences to try while you’re there.
Javea
- Drive time from Denia: 20 minutes south
- Ferry time from Denia port: 50 minutes
Javea (Xàbia) happens to be the neighbouring town to Denia, as its on the other side of the Montgo mountain.
With its three distinct areas – The Old Town, Javea Port, and the Arenal beach, there’s plenty for you to explore and see in a single day. The Javea old town has those classic narrow Spanish streets, while the port area gives you that authentic fishing village feel. Then there’s the Arenal beach area with its sandy bay and lots of restaurants.
You can get a return ferry to Javea directly from Explanada de Cervantes, 23, 03700 Dénia, Alicante, Spain which takes you along the scenic route to Javea port, seeing all the coves and cliffs along the route.
You can buy tickets here from Get Your Guide – single tickets are around £10 and £6 for children.
What I love about Javea:
- The Arenal beach is perfect for families with its shallow waters and plenty of beachside restaurants
- The Javea old town market on Thursdays is brilliant for fresh produce and local crafts
- The walk up to the Montgó massif offers stunning views across both Javea and Denia (if you’re up for a bit of hiking!)
Moraira
Drive time from Denia: 35 minutes south
Moraira is a charming Spanish fishing village out of a picture book. It’s smaller than some of the other towns, which makes it perfect for a relaxed day out.
What makes Moraira worth visiting from Denia:
- El Portet beach is one of Moraira’s many beaches – its a hidden little cove with crystal clear water, much quieter than the main beaches
- The Friday market fills the main car park with stalls selling everything from local honey to handmade crafts
- The Moraira castle sits right by the seafront – it’s small but makes for great photos!
For lunch, I’d recommend any of the restaurants around the marina – watching the boats while enjoying fresh seafood is just lovely.
Altea
- Drive time from Denia: 40 minutes south
- Tram travel time from Denia:
The moment you arrive in Altea, you’ll notice how different it feels from other Costa Blanca towns. With its hillside white-washed buildings leading up to its famous blue-domed church, it has a distinct Santorini feel about it.
What I love about Altea:
- The old town with its winding streets filled with craft shops and art galleries
- The Tuesday market is fantastic for local produce and handmade items
- The promenade makes for a lovely evening stroll with plenty of restaurants facing the sea
My top tip: Head up to the church square in the early evening – not only are the views amazing, but the local artists set up their stalls around sunset, creating a wonderful atmosphere.
Guadalest & Algar Waterfalls
Drive time from Denia: 1 hour inland
If you’re looking for something completely different from the coast, Guadalest and the Algar Wateralls are must-visit spots. Guadalest is a mountain village seems to cling to the rocks, with its castle built into the mountainside and stunning views across the valley and reservoir.
Best bits of Guadalest:
- The castle entrance through a tunnel carved in the rock is quite an experience
- The bright turquoise reservoir offers boat trips in summer (around €15 per person)
- There are several quirky museums, including one with miniatures so tiny you need magnifying glasses to see them!
Go early in the day to avoid the tour buses, especially in summer months.
Organised excursion option: Many tour companies run day trips to Guadalest combined with the Algar waterfalls. This is a great option if you want to tick off two fantastic sights in one day without having to drive yourself. Book a combined Guadalest and Algar waterfalls tour here with pick-up from Denia.
Calpe
- Drive time from Denia: 45 minutes south
- Tram travel time from Denia: 46 minutes (Calpe tram station is located on the outskirts and will be a 20 min walk to the centre)
Calpe is famous for the enormous Peñón de Ifach rock that dominates the skyline – it’s like a mini Gibraltar!
What I love about Calpe:
- The Calpe salt flats where you might spot flamingos at certain times of year
- The fish market at the port where you can watch the day’s catch being auctioned (weekday afternoons)
- The Roman ruins and ancient bath site right in the town centre
Check out my list of things to do in Calpe for activities and experiences you can try when visiting. For something active, try the walk up Calpe Rock (Peñón de Ifach) itself – it’s challenging but the views from the top are absolutely worth it!
Jalon Valley
Drive time from Denia: 40 minutes inland
The Jalon Valley (Vall de Pop) is where you’ll find vineyards stretching across the valley floor, surrounded by mountains. In February, the whole valley turns pink and white with almond blossoms – it’s absolutely stunning!
What makes Jalon special:
- Local wine tasting at the bodegas – try the sweet moscatel wine the area is famous for
- The Saturday morning market is one of the biggest and best in the region
- There are brilliant walks through the vineyards and almond groves
- The small villages dotted around the valley each have their own charm
If you’re a cyclist, Jalon is a the main hub to visit, with a lovely cycling café called Velasol, where riders stop for coffee and cake.
Valencia
Drive time from Denia: 1 hour 15 minutes north
For a proper city day out, Valencia is within easy reach of Denia. Spain’s third-largest city offers an amazing mix of futuristic architecture, historic buildings, and wonderful food.
Best bits of Valencia:
- The City of Arts and Sciences complex with its stunning modern buildings
- The historic old town with the cathedral, central market, and silk exchange
- The Turia Gardens – a park running through the city in what was once the riverbed
- The Malvarossa beach if you still want some seaside time
My tip for Valencia? Try lunch at the Central Market – you can buy fresh produce and eat at one of the small bars inside. The horchata (a local tiger nut drink) is a must-try!
Alicante
Drive time from Denia: 1 hour south
You might have flown into Alicante to get to Denia, but the city itself is well worth a visit. With its dramatic castle perched above, beautiful waterfront, and lively old quarter, it makes for a brilliant day out.
What I love about Alicante:
- Santa Barbara Castle offers amazing views over the city and sea
- The marble-lined Explanada promenade is perfect for an evening stroll
- The old quarter (Barrio de Santa Cruz) with its colourful houses and tiny streets
- The MARQ archaeological museum is fantastic if you’re interested in the area’s history
Check out my list of things to do in Alicante when you visit, for ideas of activities, experiences and landmarks to see.
My personal tip: Visit in the evening when locals come out for their paseo along the marina, stopping for ice cream and watching the world go by.
Benidorm
- Drive time from Denia: 50 minutes south
- Tram time to Benidorm from Denia: 1 hour 22 minutes
Yes, Benidorm! While it has a reputation for the TV show, British pubs and high-rises, there’s actually so much more to it and it is a wonderful place to visit. From amazing beaches to a lovely old town, Benidorm can be a fun day out with plenty to see, do and many hidden gems to explore.
What might surprise you about Benidorm:
- The old town has kept its Spanish charm with tiny streets full of tapas bars – you need to check out Benidorm’s tapas alley
- The beaches are genuinely beautiful with clear water and golden sand
- Benidorm’s water parks and theme parks if you’re looking for some family fun
- Benidorm Island offers boat trips and great snorkelling
There are so many things to do in Benidorm, I keep this guide updated every month with any new things that pop up.
Tabarca Island
Drive time + boat from Denia: 1 hour 30 minutes total
For something really different, take a trip to Tabarca Island – Spain’s smallest inhabited island. You’ll need to drive to Santa Pola (about 1 hour from Denia) and then catch a ferry (30 minutes).
What makes Tabarca special:
- It’s a marine reserve with crystal clear waters perfect for snorkelling
- The walled old town has an interesting history as a former pirate base
- The island is small enough to walk around in a few hours
- The seafood restaurants serve amazing caldero (a local fish stew)
This is a brilliant summer day trip, but check ferry times as they’re less frequent outside peak season.
Villajoyosa
Drive time from Denia: 55 minutes south
Known as ‘La Vila Joiosa’ in Valencian (meaning ‘Joyful Town’), this place lives up to its name with its rows of colourful houses along the seafront. It’s also famous for chocolate production!
What I love about Villajoyosa:
- The multi-coloured houses along the waterfront make for lovely photos
- The Valor Chocolate Museum offers free tours (and tastings!)
- The beaches are less crowded than in some neighbouring towns
- The fish market where you can watch the day’s catch being auctioned
My top tip: Visit on a weekday to see the fishing boats return to port and watch the fish auction – it’s a real glimpse into local life.
Xativa
Drive time from Denia: 1 hour 10 minutes northwest
This inland town is often missed by visitors, but its impressive hilltop castle and historic centre make it well worth the drive from Denia.
What makes Xativa special:
- The massive castle stretching along the hillside with amazing views
- The old town with its medieval streets and squares
- The Museum of Fine Arts housed in a former hospital
- The local cuisine including arròs al forn (oven-baked rice)
Go early and take comfortable shoes – the walk up to the castle is steep but absolutely worth it!
Ibiza
Ferry time from Denia: 2 hours
Did you know you can actually visit Ibiza on a day trip from Denia? The ferry terminal in Denia port offers direct connections to this famous Balearic island, making it possible to enjoy a day out on Ibiza without staying overnight.
What makes Ibiza worth the ferry trip:
- Ibiza Town’s UNESCO-listed old town (Dalt Vila) with its impressive fortress walls and amazing views
- Beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters if you fancy a different swimming spot
- A totally different atmosphere from the Costa Blanca mainland
- The chance to say you’ve popped over to the Balearic Islands for the day!
Several ferry companies operate this route, including Baleària and Trasmediterránea. You’ll want to book your tickets in advance, especially in summer. The earliest morning ferry will give you the most time on the island.
My top tip: If you’re taking this trip, check the return ferry times carefully and allow plenty of time to get back to the port. I’d recommend booking a return ticket rather than two singles as it usually works out cheaper.
Looking for more things to do?
If you’re spending more time in Denia, check out my guide to things to do in Denia for loads more ideas to fill your holiday.
Whether you’re after beaches, mountains, historic sites or fantastic food, the area around Denia has something amazing to offer. These day trips will give you a proper taste of what makes the Costa Blanca so special!
