Dénia & Xàbia

A pair of seaside towns at the northern end of the Costa Blanca: Dénia's castle and red prawns, hikes on Montgó, and the clear waters of Xàbia's Granadella cove.

Dénia and Xàbia (Jávea in Spanish) lie in the Marina Alta district at the northern tip of the province of Alicante in Spain's Valencian Community, the northernmost stretch of the Costa Blanca. The two towns are about 10 km apart, separated by the 753-metre Montgó. The Mediterranean climate is mild with around 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, and the coast shifts from Dénia's long fine-sand beaches in the north to Xàbia's limestone cliffs and small coves in the south. The water is crystal clear, making it a favourite holiday spot for Spaniards and Northern Europeans.

Dénia centres on its hilltop castle; below it, the fishermen's quarter of Baix la Mar, the port and the Marqués de Campo boulevard form the old town, and daily ferries run from the port to Ibiza and Mallorca (about 2–3 hours). Dénia's red prawns (gamba roja) are famous throughout Spain, and the town is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. South of town, Les Rotes is a rocky shallow coast ideal for snorkelling. Xàbia is split into the inland old town, the port area and Arenal beach; to the south, Cap de la Nau, Granadella cove and Portitxol island form the most beautiful stretch of the entire Costa Blanca, perfect for kayaking, snorkelling and clifftop hiking.

The best season is May–Oct; Jul–Aug is the busiest, with difficult parking and visitor caps at some coves. Spring and autumn are ideal for climbing Montgó and clifftop walks, and winters are mild and dry. In July Dénia holds the Bous a la Mar (bulls in the sea), and in March the Fallas. Getting there: about 100 km from Valencia Airport and 90 km from Alicante Airport, reachable by ALSA coach or rental car; TRAM line 9 between Alicante and Dénia is sometimes suspended for upgrade works. Sights are spread out, so renting a car is recommended; stay 2–4 days. Benidorm, Altea, Guadalest and the Peñón de Ifach are covered under the Alicante destination.

Top sights

• Dénia Castle – An 11th-century Islamic castle standing on a hill in the middle of the old town. Its walls enclose a view over the harbour, Montgó and the…
• Cap de la Nau – The easternmost cape on the coast of the Valencian Community, with a lighthouse viewpoint overlooking 100-metre cliffs, sea caves and the A…
• Cala Granadella – A small pebble bay ringed by pine-covered cliffs, with crystal-clear water. It has been repeatedly rated one of Spain's most beautiful beac…
• Montgó Natural Park – A 753-meter limestone massif between Dénia and Jávea, whose summit offers views toward Ibiza; a landmark of the Marina Alta coast.
• Baix la Mar – The traditional fishermen's quarter below the castle, with brightly painted low houses, narrow lanes and small squares; Dénia's most atmosp…
• Port of Dénia & Marqués de Campo – Dénia's port and main boulevard, where ferries sail to Ibiza and Mallorca and red prawns are auctioned at the fishing harbor every afternoo…
• Dénia Municipal Market – An indoor market in the old town where you can see Dénia red prawns and other local seafood, a good way to learn about local food.
• Les Rotes & Torre del Gerro – A rocky coastal protected area south of Dénia with crystal-clear water, and a coastal path leading to the 16th-century Torre del Gerro watc…
• Cova Tallada – A sea cave and old quarry beneath the cliffs of Cap de Sant Antoni, reached by a cliff path on foot or by kayak, with turquoise water insid…
• Les Marines Beach – One of the long fine-sand beaches stretching about 20 km along Dénia's northern coast, with shallow, gentle waves that suit families.
• Cap de Sant Antoni Lighthouse & Viewpoint – A 160-meter-high headland at the end of the Montgó range jutting into the Mediterranean; the lighthouse viewpoint overlooks the whole of Já…
• Windmills of La Plana – A row of stone windmills dating from the 14th to 18th centuries on the high ground north of Jávea, with views of Montgó and Jávea Bay; a po…
• Xàbia Old Town & Church of Sant Bertomeu – The inland medieval old town, where golden sandstone buildings, wrought-iron balconies and the fortress-like Gothic church of Sant Bertomeu…
• Port of Xàbia & Duanes de la Mar – Xàbia's fishing port and marina, with fish auctions, seafood restaurants and a seafront promenade; the departure point for kayak and boat t…
• Arenal Beach (Xàbia) – Xàbia's only large fine-sand beach, in a curved bay with shallow, calm water, lined with restaurants and bars along the seafront promenade.
• Portitxol Island & Cala Barraca – A small island in the middle of the bay and white-painted pebble beaches form a classic scene; the cross viewpoint on the cliff top offers…
• Cala del Moraig & Cova dels Arcs – A pebble cove at the foot of cliffs, with a natural arch cave and sea-carved grottoes beside it; a popular snorkeling spot that is especial…
• Moraira & Moraira Castle – A small seaside resort town south of Jávea, where an 18th-century coastal defense castle guards fine sand beaches and a yacht harbor, with…
• Cova de les Calaveres – A limestone cave in Benidoleig, west of Dénia, about 400 meters long, with stalactites, stalagmites and an underground lake; it is named fo…
• Barranc de l'Infern – A Moorish stone-stair hiking route in the Laguar Valley, with about 6,800 steps descending through the gorge, known as the 'cathedral of hi…

Where to eat

• Quique Dacosta – A three-Michelin-star creative restaurant with three suns in the Repsol Guide, serving a Mediterranean concept menu tha…
• Casa Federico – A long-standing rice restaurant in Dénia offering more than 20 rice dishes, served dry, creamy or as soup. Arròs a band…
• La Perla de Jávea – A family restaurant on the seafront of Arenal beach in Jávea, facing the sea and the Montgó mountain and known for rice…
• Ca Aleix – A Mediterranean restaurant in Jávea's outdoor sculpture park, Art al Camp, known for modern tapas, Marina-style coca fl…

Itineraries

• Valencia to Costa Blanca – Head south from Valencia, passing through Dénia, Xàbia, Calp, and the mountain village of Guadalest, ending in Alicante.
• Barcelona to Cartagena Mediterranean Coast – Head south along Spain's east coast, connecting Gaudí, Roman ruins, the delta, paella, and Cartagena.