Dénia, Spain: a day trip from Benidorm

Dénia is the northern end of TRAM line L9, which runs up the coast from Benidorm through Altea and Calpe. It's a long but scenic ride, and Dénia is in fare zone C. Check the latest timetable before you go, as services are less frequent than on the southern L1 line. Our getting around Benidorm guide explains zones and tickets.

By car, Dénia is about 50 km and roughly 45 minutes from Benidorm via the AP-7 motorway, which is now toll-free. Parking near the port fills up in summer; the large car parks near the marina and the Explanada de Torrequemada are the easiest options.

The Castell de Dénia sits on a rocky hill right above the town. It dates from the 11th century, when Dénia was the capital of a Moorish kingdom, and the walls give views over the port, the town and, on clear days, out to sea. The site includes a small archaeological museum; there is a modest entry fee.

Below the castle, the Les Roques quarter keeps the narrow, twisting streets of the old Moorish town. Calle Loreto and the Plaza del Consell are lined with tapas bars, and the tree-lined Marqués de Campo is the main street for cafés, shops and fiesta parades.

Dénia has around 20 km of coast in two very different styles. North of the port, Les Marines is a long run of fine sandy beaches, shallow and good for families. South of the port, Les Rotes is rocky, with clear water, coves and a coastal path towards the Cabo de San Antonio — bring sandals and a snorkel.

Closer to town, Platja de la Marineta Cassiana is a popular sandy beach within walking distance of the centre. For more beach ideas nearer Benidorm, see our Benidorm beaches guide.

Dénia was named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2015, and it is famous for its gamba roja, the red prawn landed by the local fishing fleet. The covered market on Calle Magallanes is open Monday to Saturday mornings, and boats return to the fishing pier on weekday afternoons, with the catch auctioned to traders.

For a casual lunch, the tapas bars on Calle Loreto and the Els Magazinos food market near the port are easy choices. Expect red prawns to be priced by weight. Back in Benidorm, our paella guide and seafood restaurants page cover local options.

The 753-metre Montgó massif rises behind the town and is a natural park with walking trails; the climb to the summit is a full, hot day, so start early and carry water. Our Serra Gelada walks guide has easier hikes closer to Benidorm.

Dénia's port has ferries to Ibiza, Formentera and Mallorca, so some visitors use it for a Balearic hop. The town's biggest fiestas are the Moors and Christians parades in August and the Bous a la Mar in July, when bulls run along the harbour and into the sea.

Yes, if you want a quieter, more Spanish-feeling town with a castle, a working port and great seafood. Allow a full day. Pair it with Altea or Calpe on the way back on the TRAM, or see all our day trips from Benidorm.