Fishing Port and Baix la Mar

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This itinerary runs through the historic port of Dénia and the picturesque seaside neighborhood of Baix la Mar, an area that retains the essence of its roots linked to the sea. The tour shows how the city expanded from its Roman and medieval port to become a strategic commercial center and a living seafaring community, combining maritime heritage, urban spaces with character and cultural tradition.

Points of Interest

Starting point: Tourist Office – Plaza Oculista Buigues
Estimated duration: 1 – 1 h 15 min.
Difficulty: Very low, flat terrain next to the harbor and quiet inland in the neighborhood
Total distance: Approximately 2 km
Accessibility: Suitable for all

What to see in the itinerary

Fishing port area: fish market, dock, traditional fishing activity, as well as other points of interest.
- The Museum of the Sea, located in the building of the old fish market, next to the fishing dock, presents exhibitions related to maritime memory.
- The current fish market, a modern building in the Pósit of Dénia next to the fishing pier. Place to observe the fishing activity and/or buy the catch of the day in the Mercat de Peix. Consult the schedules. In front of it there is a monument of a fisherman with a swordfish pointing at his throat, which represents the dangers faced by fishermen and seafarers.
- Cervantes Esplanade, palm tree promenade parallel to the Museum of the Sea, where you can see the sculpture-bust of the famous writer Miguel de Cervantes in tribute to his landing in the port of Dénia during the 16th century, after his captivity in Algiers.
- In the Esplanade you can also see the sculpture “conscience fish” whose slogan is “more fish and less garbage”, which tries to raise awareness about the importance of taking care of our seas. In addition, at the end of the promenade, in a small traffic circle, among the vegetation you can see the sculpture called “Monument to the climate” where the figure of a woman represents the climate bonanza of Dénia.
- The Pl. Drassanes houses a shipyards of the XIII century, remodeled in the eighteenth century, where the hotel activity is currently exercised (H. La Posada del Mar), the carefully restored building retains its historical essence. It is known as Las Antiguas Atarazanas or Les Drassanes. In front of the square, a little further on, we find a sculpture of a small anchor followed by the monument dedicated to the “Bous a la mar” Festival, as well as further on, already in front of the Bellavista Esplanade we find the “anchor”, found in the waters of Dénia that pays tribute to the great fishing tradition of Dénia.
Baix la Mar neighborhood: picturesque neighborhood of the city, with a history closely linked to the sea and sailors.
- Charming pedestrian area, with low houses with colorful facades, narrow streets and meeting places. In Islamic times it was occupied by the Arabs under the name “raval del mar”, it was an area outside the city walls. The current image dates back to the nineteenth century, when the sailors of the city settled in this area, which then housed warehouses and maritime trade.
- Popular squares: Pl. Sant Antoni, plaçeta de la Creu and pl. Mariana Pineda.
- Curious corners: the carrer Les Barques, in front of it is located a bronze figure representing a Playmobil clip in tribute to the film character Captain Jones, the alley Quico el Vi which is the narrowest street in Dénia.
- Els Magazinos, a unique open-air space with a lot of history, which currently serves as a gastronomic and cultural market and houses numerous terraces and an exhibition hall.

Tips for the visit

It is ideal to do the itinerary in the afternoon to enjoy the arrival of the boats to the port and the activity of the fish market. The arrival of boats begins at 4 p.m., as by around 5 p.m. they have all usually arrived.
Reserve time during the tour to taste the exceptional seafood cuisine, both on the seafront and in the Baix la Mar neighborhood.
If you want a more complete experience, you can book guided tours or combine this itinerary with that of the Castle and historic center.
Take the opportunity to take a pleasant walk from the fishing pier, heading north, passing through the local marina to the Moll de la Pansa, located on the north breakwater of the port. There you will find the marina La Marina El Portet and the maritime station Balearia Port, stop to take pictures because the panoramic views are spectacular. In this space you will also find restaurants and leisure establishments.