Denia
Denia is a delightful cosmopolitan town located along the
Mediterranean coastline, where the sun shines almost all year. Its climate of
mild temperatures and its 20 kms of sandy beaches and rocky coves makes Denia
an ideal place for family beach holidays.
Situated 110 kilometres from Alicante airport, (approximately
1 hour 20 minutes) and 95 km from the city of Valencia. The town faces
north-east, looking out across the sea towards the Balearic islands.
Denia has a sophisticated infrastructure, with a marina
offering 546 moorings and a full range of services.
History
The town sits at the foot of a hill crowned by a castle,
which was the residence of the erstwhile Marquis of Denia; of note are the
towers if Mig, Galliner and Carsell.
The city has well preserved ancient walls and bastions. From
the hilltop esplanade there is an excellent view of Denia and its surrounding
countryside.
Among the monuments in the town worthy of a visit are the
18th-century church of the Asunción; the 17th-century Atarazanas (dockyards);
the cloister and church of San Antonio and the 18th -century, neoclassical town
hall building.
Just outside the town you can visit the hermitages of the
conquest- Sant Joan (gothic), Santa Paula and Santa Lucía (gothic), constructed
in the 14th and 15th centuries, and also the Torre del Gerro (17th C.) located
on the cliff next to the cape of San Antonio.
Beaches
Denia enjoys almost twenty kilometres of coastline. To the
north of the town, there are beaches of fine sand and shallow waters, such as
Les Marines, LAlmadrava, Les Deveses, Les Bovetes and els Palmars, To the south
lie a series of small coves along the rocky coast, known as Les Rotes, which is
a paradise for fishermen and divers.
Natural
surroundings
Denia lies in a fertile plain, backed by mountains. The
Montgó Mountain, which separates Denia and Javea, is the major landmark of the
area.
Recreation
and Leisure
Denia offers a variety of water sports, including: sailing,
windsurfing, diving, fishing, rowing, and swimming.
For those who prefer land to sea, there is also an extensive
range of activities to choose from: mountain climbing, hang-gliding, mountain
biking and hiking.
Golf
Denia has its own 18-hole golf club, located very close to
the town, the Club La Sella was designed by José Maria Olazabal. Further
courses can be found at Oliva, Moriara, and Javea.
Eating
out
There are many welcoming restaurants along the promenade
facing the marina. The marina itself has a modern commercial area where you can
dine overlooking the moored yachts bobbing in the water.
Excursions
It’s possible to take the ferry to the Balearic islands
directly from the port in Denia.
Cuisine
The local cuisine of Denia is typically that of the Costa
Blanca, which combines delicacies from both land and the Mediterranean Sea.
Many civilizations have lived in this area (Celts, Iberians, Greeks, Romans,
Muslims), all of which have all left their mark on the gastronomy.
The diet in Denia is a healthy Mediterranean one; the Costa
Blanca is rich in fish, vegetables, olive-oil, rice and fruit and the
ingredients which are all used to prepare delicious, healthy dishes, such as
Paella Valenciana, Arroz Negro (black rice), Arroz al horno (Oven baked rice),
Arroz a banda (fish and rice stew), Arroz del Señoret (Princes rice).
Aside from seafood, typical dishes include succulent lamb
chops, rabbit in garlic, roast leg of lamb with garlic and fresh rosemary, and
home made sausages and black puddings.
If you have a sweet tooth then you will enjoy the local
homemade pastries and deserts that the whole region is famous for. Or Jijona
ice-cream (Nougat), which is made with the almonds of the region.
Whilst in Denia we recommend you try the local wine selection
on offer, especially Jalon wine a which is of high quality with a lovely
bouquet.
There are many international restaurants in the town offering
a wide choice of different cuisines from around the world.
Climate
Denia enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with cool sea
breezes in summer and protection by surrounding mountains against the cold
North winds in winter. The area averages nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine each
year and the average temperature easily exceeds 20 degrees.
In 1986 the World Health Organisation recommended the climate
of the area as one of the most equitable in the world - neither too hot in the
summer nor too cold in the winter. On average it can boast 325 sunny days each
year making it an ideal all year round destination.
