Nobody knows, but among the hanging clothes there is a camouflaged mermaid tail. Meanwhile, in the La Barqueta restaurant, superlative rice dishes are displayed, the breeze sways the octopuses hanging in the Sendra patio and a palm tree stands out from behind the roof of a whitewashed house. Children with unicorn mattresses and a window with a blue frame through which the sea sneaks in some nights. We could be talking about the image of any Mediterranean town, but when we talk about Dénia, summer takes on an even more genuine character.
The capital of the Marina Alta region, in the province of Alicante, stands out on the map as one of the cultural and gastronomic meccas of Spain, located in a unique environment. Between the foothills of the iconic Montgó mountain massif and the most dreamy beaches of the Costa Blanca, a summer paradise sighs that we suggest you discover in 24 hours, although spoiler alert: you may stay longer than expected.
8:30 a.m. We have breakfast at the hotel buffet, or we go ahead to have a good tomato toast with avocado and fresh cheese in Dakota, in the middle of Marqués del Campo street, the most commercial street in Dénia, in order to regain strength before starting the final route .
9 a.m. We head towards the beach of Les Rotes, specifically to the Mena Restaurant, where the hiking route to the Cova Tallada begins. This enormous marine cave at sea level is located on the slopes of the cliffs of Cap de Sant Antoni which, despite belonging to the nearby town of Xàbia, is also reachable from Dénia. A magnificent cave of a natural but also human character, since for years it was used as a rough stone quarry, an element used in different constructions in Dénia, such as its castle.
After leaving the car in the parking lot, we headed down Vía Láctea street to start the hiking route, which includes only one unevenness and covers almost 1 kilometer (about 45 minutes one way). This tour includes views of the Montgó kissing the Mediterranean Sea or a slight detour to see the Torre del Gerro, an old watchtower on the cape and preamble to a Tallada cova that invites you to get ahead of the rest of the tourists and kayak boats -another alternative to reach-.
At Easter and summer, the influx of the cave is greater, so getting up early is essential. In any case, it is also mandatory to make a reservation on the official website to access the tunnel.
11 a.m. Upon your return, nothing better than bathing in the Aigua Dolç cove, a wild paradise of large stones, crystalline waters and the best corners where you can spread out your sarong and even go nudist.
12 noon After returning to the hotel, we recommend you walk through the old fishing district of Baix La Mar, one of the most emblematic of Dénia and located next to the port, of course. Narrow streets that insulate from the summer sun, traditional images and yes, also the desire to sit 'al fresca'.
1:00 p.m. We arrive at Els Magazinos, Dénia's gastronomic and cultural market made up of up to 20 stalls that share Mediterranean values as the common thread. A foodie mecca where you can start with a vermouth and link up with the best street food or restaurants like A la fresca, ideal to sit on its boho chic terrace or have a feast (its poached eggs with foie, mushrooms and truffled potatoes or its selection of cocas Baked cannot be missing among the proposals).
4 p.m. After a delicious ice cream at Pops'n Bops, also in Els Magazinos, you can choose between a nap at the hotel or, better, on one of Dénia's urban beaches. Options such as Las Marinas or La Marineta Casiana invite you to enjoy extensive beaches where you can throw in the towel, especially if you are traveling with children.
5:00 p.m. A shower, and a walk through the center of Dénia in the most relaxed way: you can go to the Torrecremada park or explore the ins and outs of the Valencian toy industry in the Toy Museum, also highly recommended if you are traveling with children. Shopping on Marqués de Campo street, a visit to the Museum of the Sea and the Fish Market, or the art of getting closer little by little to one of the great cultural icons of Dénia.
7:00 p.m. The castle of Dénia dominates the rest of the town from the heights. A unique fortress on whose slopes Roman remains have been discovered and whose design comes from the Islamic era, between the 11th and 12th centuries. During the following centuries, the castle became a mirror of the different architectural styles of the city, from the Almohad to the Renaissance.
The Portal de la Vila invites you to enter a castle where you can visit attractions such as the Torre del Consell (16th century, former meeting place of the City Council); the cistern, the archaeological museum or the towers of Cos de Guardia (12th century) and La Roja (15th century). In summer, the castle hours are extended until midnight. And if you drop by the complex from July 26 to 29 before six in the afternoon, you can enjoy the Música al Castell Festival.
8 p.m. Little by little, we descend through Les Roques, the old fishing district of Dénia that was part of the walled enclosure of the castle itself. Once known as the Raval de Tierra, this whitewashed oasis is a feast of colored houses, blue windows and customs, ideal for enjoying the typical Mediterranean architecture.
9:00 p.m. With our skin impregnated with saltpeter, and after greeting the ladies who are taking the fresh air next to one of the houses of Les Roques, we headed to the port to watch the sunset from the north breakwater.
10 p.m. You check the reservation and everything is ready: the Quique Lacosta restaurant, awarded with three Michelin stars, confirms why Dénia is one of the best gastronomic capitals not only in Spain, but possibly in all of Europe - it received the designation of Creative City of Gastronomy by Unesco. Dacosta's is a bastion that amplifies the senses and where good food becomes a ritual that is as relaxed as it is exclusive.
01h. It's time to go back to your hotel, although sometimes you doubt if you continue in Alicante or in Greece. This is what happens when you stay at Boho Suites Denia, a secret gate to the Cyclades islands at the very foot of a Montgó massif that promises new discoveries. Only then, you may find that you need a few more hours in Dénia.
