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I’ve put together my top things to do in Denia to help you make the most of your stay. You’ll find plenty of brilliant spots in this wonderful Spanish town, from its amazing castle right down to its world-class restaurants!
I keep this page updated every month with any new things I find or that open up, and I’ve added links to experiences you can easily purchase with a few clicks, at no extra cost to you.
1. Go on a sunset catamaran cruise
This is one of my favourite things to do in Denia AND my favourite experience to gift to friends! You can go on amazing boat trips around Denia – the sunset Catamaran tour is a local favourite.
You can choose between a daytime or sunset cruise – I’d definitely recommend the sunset option. There’s nothing better than sitting on the nets with a glass of cava, watching the sun go down over the Mediterranean.
You can book your cruise here:
2. Visit Denia Castle
Right in the middle of town, you’ll find the amazing Denia Castle! The views from up here are incredible – you can see the whole marina stretched out in front of you.
The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the sun isn’t too strong. Inside, you’ll find lots of interesting bits about the town’s history, and the walk around the walls gives you brilliant photo opportunities.
3. Visit the Denia tunnel
The old railway tunnel in Denia is such a cool spot that lots of visitors miss! You’ll find it at the base of Montgó mountain – it’s an amazing 200-metre tunnel that used to be part of the old railway line between Denia and Alicante.
You can find the tunnel entrance near the Carrer del Bosc de Diana, and an entrance from C/ de la Mar.
4. Take a walking tour
Want to learn more about Denia? Join a walking tour! You’ll visit all the main spots including the castle, port, and old town. The local guides are brilliant at telling you all about the town’s history.
Book your spot here:
5. Visit Els Magazinos food court
One of my favourite spots in Denia is Els Magazinos – it’s this amazing food court right in the heart of the Denia old town.
Here are some of my top picks inside:
- Ostrarium Bar – If you’re into oysters and seafood, you’ll love this place! It’s on the ground floor and really captures that proper Spanish seafood bar feel. Opens at 12pm.
- La Pinchoteca – This is such an amazing tapas bar They’re open until 1am, making it perfect for late-night bites. The staff are so friendly, and they make some of the best pinchos I’ve tried in Denia.
- Les Cuinetes – A lovely restaurant on the ground floor that does brilliant local dishes. The atmosphere here is really nice.
- Les Monges dels Magazinos – Delicious, fresh Mediterranean food! They open at 7pm and the menu changes quite often based on what’s in season.
What I really like about Els Magazinos is how you can try lots of different foods in one place so its great if you have a group with different food preferences. The outdoor seating area is ideal on the warm summer evenings, and there’s usually a really good buzz about the place, particularly at weekends.
Top tip: It can get quite busy in the evenings, particularly in summer, so try to get there a bit earlier if you want to grab a good spot!
6. Take a kayaking trip to Cova Tallada
The Cova Tallada is an incredible sea cave that you absolutely must visit! You can get there by kayak or boat – I’d really recommend the kayak trip if you’re feeling active, as you get to stop and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Its a trip you won’t forget. Its run by an instructor who will guide you throughout. Even if you’re a beginner, they’ll help you get up to speed quickly!
The cave itself is amazing – it’s actually an old quarry where they used to cut stone, and you can still see the marks on the walls.
7. Go snorkelling at Las Rotas
Las Rotas is one of my favourite spots in Denia – the water is so clear you can see straight to the bottom! There are loads of little rocky coves where you can spend the day swimming and snorkelling.
If you want a quieter spot, just keep walking past the first few coves – the further you go, the more peaceful it gets. I always bring my snorkel gear as there’s lots of fish to spot!
8. Visit L’Albarda Garden
Just outside town, you’ll find the beautiful L’Albarda Garden. It’s a mix of Arab and Renaissance styles, with lovely fountains and mountain views. It’s particularly nice in spring when all the roses are in bloom and the weather in Denia is pleasant.
Get your entry tickets here for 7 euros per person:
9. Try the famous Denia red prawns
You absolutely must try Denia’s red prawns – they’re famous all over Spain and for good reason!
I always head to Restaurant Mena by the port. They cook the prawns simply with just a bit of salt, which is all they need. Make sure to book ahead though, as it gets really busy, particularly in the evenings.
8. Go whale and dolphin watching
You can head out on a morning boat trip to spot dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. The boat even has a hydrophone so you might hear them talking to each other underwater!
The trips run for about 4 hours and they give you drinks and snacks on board. Book your spot here:
10. Hike up Montgó mountain
If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, hiking up Montgó mountain is brilliant! It’s that massive mountain you can see from pretty much anywhere in Denia – it looks a bit like an elephant’s head from certain angles.
The main trail starts near the end of Camí de la Colònia and takes about 3-4 hours to get up and back down. The path is quite rocky in parts, so bring proper walking shoes! I’d suggest starting early morning (around 8am) to avoid the heat, and take plenty of water with you.
Once you get to the top (about 750m up), the views are absolutely amazing. You can see all the way to Ibiza on a clear day! There’s a little cross at the summit that makes for great photos too.
11. Try parasailing
Want an amazing view of Denia? Try parasailing! You’ll soar high above the water with views all along the Costa Blanca. They offer sunset flights too, which are absolutely brilliant.
Book your parasailing trip here:
12. Take a ferry trip to Ibiza or Formentera
Want a brilliant day out? The ferries to Ibiza and Formentera leave right from Denia’s port. It takes about 2 hours each way, making it perfect for a day trip.
I’ve written a whole guide on getting from Denia to Ibiza by ferry, or Denia to Formentera by ferry.
13. Visit the Mercado Municipal
The central market is one of my favourite morning spots in Denia. The fish section is amazing – you’ll see all sorts of local catches fresh from the port that morning.
Go early (around 9am) to see it at its best. It’s open Monday to Saturday until about 2pm, but the best produce goes quickly!
14. Book a table at Quique Dacosta
If you’re into amazing food, you need to go to Quique Dacosta’s restaurant. It’s got 3 Michelin stars and is known as one of Spain’s finest restaurants.
Yes, it’s a bit pricey, but the experience is amazing. The menu changes with what’s in season, and they do incredible things with local ingredients.
15. Join an award-winning food tour
If you’re into food like me, you’ll love this private food tour! You can choose between 6 or 10 different tastings, and your local guide will take you to all their favourite spots in town.
What I really like about this tour is that it’s not just about the food – you’ll learn loads about Denia as you walk between tastings. They can sort out vegetarian options too if you need them.
Book your food adventure here:
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16. Go for an evening walk on Calle Loreto
Calle Loreto in the old town is brilliant for an evening stroll. Calle Loreto is known as the restaurant centre of Denia.
All the restaurants put their tables outside, and there’s such a lovely atmosphere. It’s perfect for trying different Spanish dishes and watching the world go by.
17. Spend time at the Denia marina
I love walking around the Denia marina, particularly in the evening. You can watch the boats coming in and out, and there are plenty of nice bars such as Zensa where you can sit with a drink and watch the sun go down.
18. Relax at Les Marines beach
Les Marines is a lovely long sandy beach in Denia that goes on for about 2 kilometres. The water stays shallow for quite a way out, which makes it brilliant for families with small kids.
You’ll find lots of beach bars (chiringuitos) along the way for lunch or a cold drink. I particularly like the one at the north end – they do amazing paella!
19. Step back in time at the Ethnological Museum
If you want to see what life was really like in old Denia, pop into the Ethnological Museum! You’ll find it on Carrer dels Cavallers.
The museum is set up like a traditional Spanish home from the early 1900s, and everything inside is authentic – from the old kitchen equipment to the beautiful floor tiles.
20. Take a day trip to Valencia
Valencia is only an hours drive away and makes a brilliant day trip from Denia.
You can there get about 5 hours to look around the city – plenty of time to see the main sights and try some amazing food!
Book your trip here:
