Frequently Asked Questions
Location and Transportation
Where is Dénia and how to get there from Valencia or Alicante?
Dénia is located in the north of the province of Alicante, in the Marina Alta region. It can be easily reached by road (AP-7 or N-332), train TRAM (lines 1 and 9) from Alicante or Benidorm or bus from both cities.
Is there urban bus service in Dénia and which lines operate?
Yes, there is a city bus service (Denibus) that connects the city center with the beaches and the hospital. There are four regular lines with schedules that vary according to the season.
If I live in another province, can I travel to Dénia by bus? Where is the bus station in Dénia located?
The company ALSA www.alsa.es communicates by bus the main Spanish cities with Dénia. The bus station in Dénia is located in C/ Mestre José Monjo Ferrer street.
Is it advisable to move around Dénia on foot or by bicycle?
Yes, Dénia is a comfortable city to walk around and has bike lanes that make it easy to get around the coastline and residential areas.
If I don’t have my own vehicle, how can I get around to visit the municipalities of the Marina Alta?
- Autocares Carrió Offers connections between Dénia and the municipalities of the Marina Alta region. It also connects with the Portal de la Marina Shopping Centre.
- Autobuses Esteve Connects Dénia with La Vall de Laguar, Pedreguer and Benidoleig.
Where can you park in the town centre, and what options are available for electric vehicles?
There are public paid car parks as well as free parking areas. Dénia also has charging points for electric cars, especially near the port and tourist areas.
Beaches and Nature
Which are the most accessible beaches in Dénia?
The beaches Marineta Cassiana, Punta del Raset, Les Bovetes, Les Marines and Almadrava have adapted bathing services in high season and accessible beach facilities.
Is it possible to access by car to the coves of Les Rotes?
Yes, it is possible. Although in high season it is advisable to use city bus or cab to not saturate the area with vehicles. In addition, during this season, access to the last section of Les Rotes is closed and traffic is controlled, so it is suggested to take the free tourist train, with departure in front of the public parking of the Ctra. Barranc del Monyo 96, from 9 to 14 hours and from 16 to 20 hours that is enabled specifically for this purpose.
There are several parking areas: one at the entrance of Camí Ample, access road to the beach Les Rotes area El Trampolí and another one on the road Barranc del Monyo, 96 (Ctra. de Les Rotes).
Can I take my dog to a beach in Dénia?
It is only allowed on specific beaches enabled as “dog beach”, outside the bathing season (in general, from November 1 to March 31).
Yes, it is allowed, but taking into account the regulations that restrict the presence of dogs on certain protected beaches and depending on the seasons.
From November 1 to March 1 it is allowed on all beaches except the following because they are areas of special protection:
- Deveses, area next to the Riu Molinell
- Els Molins: from C/ Llac Tiberiades (Estanyó restaurant) to Punta Molins and the area of C/ Mar Cantábrica – Mar Mediterránea (Cova del Mero restaurant).
Outside the bathing season (in general, from November 1 to March 31), it is only allowed on specific beaches designated as “dog beach”: See Google Maps.
From March 1 to May 31 is only allowed on the following beaches:
- Marineta Cassiana
- Les Marines: From C/ Musola (Blay Beach) to C/ Rascló.
- Les Bovetes: from C/ Rascló to C/ Mar Mediterránea – Mar Cantábrica (restaurant Cova del Mero)
- Almadrava, in the stretch of beach adjacent to the municipality of Els Poblets.
In the rest of the beaches it is not allowed because the kentish plover, a protected bird, nests there and it coincides with the breeding period:
From June 1 to October 31, dogs are not allowed on the beaches because it is considered bathing season.
NOTE: However, throughout the year, inside the north breakwater of the port of Dénia, behind the marina Marina El Portet, there is a swimming area for dogs.
I would like to go to Dénia with my young children and I’m looking for accommodation near a sandy beach with a beach bar. In that case, which area should I look for?
Dénia has almost 17 km of beaches of different types. To the south of the city is the sandy beach Marineta Cassiana, which offers various services during the high season. This beach is followed by the rocky coves of Les Rotes.
To the north of the city are most of the sandy beaches, in the area known as Les Marines, where a wide range of services is available during the high season.
More information
I don’t have my own vehicle. How can I get to the beaches?
The transport company DENIBUS offers three regular bus lines that will take you to any beach in Dénia: Les Marines, Costa Calma and Les Rotes.
More information
Is there a Vía Verde in Dénia?
Yes. The Vía Verde de Dénia partially follows the southern end of the old Carcaixent–Dénia railway line, the oldest narrow-gauge railway in Spain, which operated for 90 years. You can walk or cycle routes of different lengths along it.
The access point is located next to a garden centre opposite the HCB Dénia hospital.
View Google Maps
When I walk along the beach, I find some kind of algae on the shore. What is it?
It is Posidonia oceanica, an aquatic plant endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, growing on sandy seabeds in the areas of Las Rotas and Las Marinas.
It has high ecological value as it acts as a major “lung” of the Mediterranean, providing habitat for many marine species. It is also considered a good bioindicator of seawater quality.
Posidonia remains on the beach – its roots and leaves – help retain the sand and protect the coastline from erosion, so they should not be removed continuously. They are protected by EU, national and regional regulations, and there is specific legislation governing their removal.
More information
Do I need to book in advance to access the Cova Tallada?
Yes, during the medium and high season you must request a permit whether you access it by land or by sea.
More information
Culture and Visits
What guided tours does the City Council offer?
The Department of Archaeology and Museums, offers a monthly program of free guided tours to learn about the rich historical heritage (Castle, museums, Cova de la Catxupa, old neighborhoods, etc..). Also, the Department of Culture organizes an annual program called “Family Activities” with a variety of activities: cinema, music, theater and guided tours. More information.
Where is the Dénia Castle and what will I be able to see inside?
The castle is located on a small hill in the historic center of the city, the entrance portal is located in Sant Francesc Street. It preserves numerous remains from different periods, from its origin in the Islamic period (XI-XII centuries) to the Christian and Renaissance periods.
In its upper area is the Palau del Governador, which currently houses the Interpretation Center “Dénia, ciutat vigia”.
Where can I consult the cultural program of Dénia?
We recommend that you consult the Agenda on the website. For further information, please contact us.
Lodging
When should I book accommodation if I am traveling in summer?
It is advisable to do so at least 2 or 3 months in advance, especially if you prefer to stay near the sea, coinciding with local festivals and periods of greater influx of visitors.
What types of accommodations are available?
Dénia offers accommodation such as hotels, hostels, guesthouses, apartments and villas for tourist rental and campsites.
Gastronomy and Markets
What local markets are there and what are their hours?
The Municipal Market of Dénia, which operates from Monday to Saturday mornings. There are also other weekly open-air markets selling a variety of products. More information
Where can I taste the Dénia red shrimp?
The red shrimp is a star product of the local cuisine of the city. Red shrimp can be found in many restaurants in the city, especially those specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. However, it is advisable to consult the restaurants’ menus beforehand to make sure. More information
I would like you to recommend restaurants that are off the tourist circuit, that is, those frequented by the locals. And where is the gastronomic area in Dénia located?
Tourist offices are not allowed to recommend establishments, however, it should be noted that, in Dénia, both tourists and citizens frequent the same restaurants. There is no differentiated tourist area.
There are several gastronomic areas highlighting the local port area, marinas, Loreto street, the gastronomic market “Els Magazinos”. You will also find restaurants in the beach areas of Les Marines and Les Rotes. More information
Which gastronomic events stand out?
Dénia hosts gastronomic events throughout the year. Some of the most notable are the D*na Gastronomic Festival in September, the International Creative Cooking Competition of the Red Prawn of Dénia held between March and April, the Tapas Route twice a year, and the Festa de l’Escaldà in Jesús Pobre at the end of August.
More information
Shopping and Crafts
When is the weekly flea market and what is for sale?
Every Monday morning from 8 am to 1:30 pm at the Esplanade of Torrecremada (C/ Germans Maristes). They sell clothes, footwear, household items, etc. At the end of October and beginning of November, during the Fira de Tots Sants, it is advisable to consult location with the Tourist Office.
There is also a weekly flea market of local producers, every Friday on La Via street, where you can buy seasonal fruits and vegetables, honey, bakery, spices, etc. More information
Where to buy local fruit and vegetables?
At the Mercado Municipal de Abastos, Monday to Saturday from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm. On Fridays from 8am to 1:30pm at the street market on Calle de la Vía and every Sunday at the Mercat del Riurau de Jesús Pobre from 9am to 2pm and during the summer months from 6pm to 11pm.
Where to find handmade or second-hand products?
There are stores in the city that sell artisan products, as well as stalls in various markets such as the Riurau Market, the Fira de Brocanters or the Mercadillo del Puerto. More information
Health and Emergencies
Where is the nearest hospital?
The Dénia Hospital, managed by the Conselleria de Sanitat de la Generalitat Valenciana, is located in Partida Beniadlà s/n, about 5 km from the town center.
There are also several health centers and private clinics. In addition, the municipality has two other privately managed hospitals: HCB Dénia in Av. Gandia 45 and HLA San Carlos in Partida Madrigueres Sud nº 8.
Where to consult the on-call pharmacies?
The information can be seen on posters in any pharmacy or consult the home page of the website of the City Council of Dénia.
What to do in case of medical emergency?
Call 112, available 24 hours a day. In mild cases, go to the nearest health center or to the emergency room of the Hospital de Dénia (Partida Beniadlà s/n).
Activities and Excursions
What water activities can be practiced in Dénia?
Windsurfing, kitesurfing, wing foil, paddle surfing, kayaking, sailing, diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, fishing and boat excursions, among others. If you do not have much experience in this type of activities, it is advisable to be guided by specialized professionals, for personal safety reasons, as well as for the safety of swimmers and other sailors. More information
Where to go hiking or outdoor trails?
The Montgó Natural Park offers routes of varying difficulty, and the greenway of Dénia is ideal for walking or cycling. There is also the possibility of hiking along the coastal area south of the city. More information
Is it possible to make day trips from Dénia?
Dénia is the capital of the Marina Alta, a region that offers a diversity of landscapes, gastronomy and traditions. Day trips can be made to get to know the region by taking coastal and/or inland itineraries through various towns. Whether you have your own vehicle or you wish to travel by public transport. We suggest you ask at the tourist offices or consult the brochure Routes through the region. More information
Also due to the proximity of the city to the Balearic Islands, you can make day trips to Ibiza or Formentera. Check ferry schedules at www.balearia.com
If I want to go scuba diving in Dénia, do I need a permit?
Yes. You must apply for prior authorization if you want to dive in the Marine Reserve of Fishing Interest. On this website you can check the rules and permitted uses of the area, as well as submit your application.
More information
If I want to practise water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing or others that require a type of vessel, can I enter the sea from any point along Dénia’s beaches?
If these activities take place during the swimming season, you must enter the sea through the designated and buoyed access channels for vessels, which are set up on the beaches to avoid disturbing swimmers and to prevent accidents. On this website you can check which beaches have these channels and their exact location.
More information
Permits and Regulations
Is permission required for video or photo shoots?
If they are recordings or professional photographic sessions that are carried out inside municipal buildings, protected areas, beaches or ports of the city, prior permission must be requested from the corresponding managing body. In the case, the occupation of public roads is required and may hinder the passage of pedestrians or traffic, prior permission must also be requested from the City Council of Dénia.
Practical Information
Where are the tourist offices in Dénia?
There are two offices, the main one near the port at Pl. Oculista Buigues nº9 and another one located in the historical center at Pl del Consell s/n.
Is there free Wi-Fi in public spaces?
Yes, in areas such as the Town Hall square, the port and some municipal buildings.
More info
How to contact the Tourist Office?
By telephone:
+34 96 642 23 67 or +34 96 642 34 20
By e-mail:
denia@touristinfo.net
Or in person at the official points.