Dénia is the capital of the region of Marina Alta, in the north of the province of Alicante, its population is more than 40,000 inhabitants but in the summer it doubles because of tourists that arrive attracted by the beaches, the weather and the more than 3,000 hours of sun a year and also the gastronomy, Dénia is one of the two cities in Spain recognized as UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Dénia has several perfect areas to live all year round and to enjoy the summer, the Marinas, the Rotas, the urban area and the Montgó Mountain.
A walk through Dénia
The first image when you reach Dénia is the Castle, built in the eleventh and twelfth century, it is the most important monument in the city and houses the Archaeological Museum, its streets are in the neighborhood of Los Roques and the seaside neighborhood, Baix la Mar. A walk through the center of the city takes us to the main street, C / Marqués de Campo, with its terraces, shops … its surroundings are the Municipal Market, the Plaza del Convento, the Church of San Antonio. Another of Dénia’s attractions is its maritime façade, where the Lonja and the building of the Antiguas Atarazanas are located.
Les Rotes
Les Rotes is in the southern area of Dénia, about 4 km of rocky coves that stand out for the contrast of the green and blue colors of the sea and the transparency of its waters, perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Les Rotes starts on the beach of Marineta Cassiana, the only of sand in this area, followed by coves such as the Trampolí, La Punta Negra and Arenetes until you reach the Torre del Gerro and the Cabo de Sant Antonio from where you can access the Cova Tallada, a natural space that must be visited.
Les Marines
It is one of the most popular areas of Dénia, a perfect 12 km long beach of fine golden sand to enjoy with the family. It is located on the north coast of the municipality and is formed by several beaches, each of them with a special charm starting with les Deveses, the furthest away from the urban area and it stands out for its naturalness, l’Almadrava, gravel and sand beach, Els Molins, Les Bovetes one of the most extensive and more visited, Les Albarenes and Punta del Raset, the closest to Dénia and one of the widest, with a width of 75 meters.
Creative City of Gastronomy
Dénia is part of the select group of UNESCO creative cities of gastronomy, recognition only held by another Spanish city, Burgos, which recognizes tradition and culinary innovation. In more than 300 restaurants in the city you can taste culinary specialties such as the incomparable “arroz a banda”, the famous red prawn of Dénia, “el espencat”, fish suquet, sea urchins, dry octopus …
Festivities and Traditions
Dénia can presume of being one of the municipalities with more festivities in Spain, each season has a special festivity. The most important festive events start with the Fallas (March 15-19) where 12 monuments that will burn in the Nit del Foc are planted, in July (July 8 to 16) the Festa Major is celebrated, the patron saint festivities where the most well-known and popular act are els Bous a la Mar, declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest and in August the appointment is with the Moors and Christians, from 13 to 16, which fill the city with its colorful parades and music.
JÁVEA
Jávea is a beautiful fishing town located on Costa Blanca, north of the province of Alicante, right at the most inlet of the sea on the east coast. There are many attractions in this city that have made it one of the most visited in summer by tourists and also as a permanent residence for foreigners, with a population of more than 27,000 people, about 53% are foreign. Jávea is divided into three parts, the charming old town, the port area and the Arenal that is more touristic and lively.
Coast and Beaches
Jávea has 20 kilometers of coastline where coves and beaches follow each other, all with a unique charm and a common point, its crystal clear waters and a quiet environment that makes it difficult to go just to one. The most popular are La Grava beach, an urban gravel beach located in the urban center of Aduanas del Mar right next to the marina and the Arenal, the only sand beach in the entire municipality and bordered by a lively promenade with restaurants. , bars, ice cream parlors … Both are awarded annually with the Blue Flag. Jávea also has coves such as Granadella, Portixol and Cala Blanca. The first is located in the southernmost area of Xàbia and stands out for its clean turquoise waters. La Barraca or Portixol, between Cap Prim and Cap Negre, takes the name of the fishing huts that are still preserved. Right in front you can see the Island of Portixol, of great botanical and archaeological interest and finally, Cala Blanca, one of the most beautiful areas of the Costa Blanca and the closest point of the peninsula with Ibiza.
Route of the Viewpoints
Jávea has an interesting route from where you can see panoramic views of the entire coast. There are a total of 15 stops that can be accessed by car. The route begins with els Molins, on the Las Planas road, where you can find the remains of the mills from the XIV and XVIII centuries. It is followed by the Cabo de Sant Antoni, located 169 meters high, which is the prolongation of the Montgó, the next stops are La Punta del Arena, the Sèquia de la Noria (Segundo Montanyar beach), Cala Blanca and Caletes, at the end of the Bay. The route continues along the Cruz del Portixol from where you can see a small island of the same name and on the right the Cap Negre. Only 150 meters from the cove of Portixol you reach the Falzia viewpoint that offers a spectacular view of the coastline. The road from Cabo de la Nao takes us to Cap Negre, the most spectacular of the viewpoints and from where you can see the Cap Prim, Cap de Sant Antoni and the island of Portixol. Another of the capes that have a magnificent panoramic view of Cabo de la Nao with its impressive cliff.
Montgó
Between Jávea and Dénia is the Montgó Mountain, declared a National Park in 1987 for its landscape values, flora and fauna. This massif has a height of 753 meters above sea level and has 2,117 hectares and includes the Cape of San Antonio and the plain of las Planas. The park hosts more than 800 plant species and a large number of animal species. Throughout the park several hiking trails are developed from where you have spectacular views of Jávea, Dénia and the coast.
Gastronomy
Gastronomy is one of the attractions of Jávea, closely linked to its marine character. Among its typical dishes include rice dishes, among which the “a banda”, the marinera, at the oven, black … Also fish dishes such as “Sucroño”, “Cruet de peix”, seafood and the peculiar and precious urchins of sea that the residents call “bogamarins”. Other important dishes are the tapas such as fencing, snails and especially the cocas. Typical deserts from the area are Tortà of Almond, pastissets, the Coca Maria, the Casca or the Sweet Ball.
Festivities and Traditions
Jávea can presume having a full festive calendar in which practically every month of the year has a celebration. This starts with the Fira i Porrat de Sant Antoni in January and closes with the feast of Saint Lucia. But among all of the festivities some are more important than others. The festivities in honor of Jesus Nazareno (May 3) are the most popular, highlight the spectacular fireworks castle and also the traditional “bous al carrer” that are held during these days. In the month of June the Bonfires of San Juan are held, which have their peak on the night of June 23 with the Nits del Focs de San Joan, a festival of Tourist interest by the Generalitat Valenciana, which takes place in the historic center. July gives way to the Moors and Christians parties full of history that are held in the Duanes de la Mar neighborhood and where the port is filled with colorful parades of different bands. In September, other festivities are celebrated at the Mare de Déu de Loreto festivities, also at the port, which include the well-known “bous a la mar”.
