Activities and beaches in Dénia
Discover the best activities and beaches in Dénia: hiking on Montgó, Playa de Marineta Casiana, Las Rotas, villages, wineries and family-friendly outings.
Dénia is the sort of place where you can do something different every day. Beach, town, nature, harbour, mountains, villages, wine, golf, walking, cycling or simply a lovely terrace in the sun: it’s all within easy reach.
From Nido Cálido Denia, you can easily explore the most beautiful spots on the Northern Costa Blanca. And the best part is: you don’t always have to go far. Lots of fun things are just a short walk from our apartment.
Whether you’re coming to spend the winter in Dénia, looking for an active holiday by the sea, or want to get out and about with the family: below, we share our favourite activities, beaches and day trips.
Discover Dénia: the town, castle and harbour
Dénia itself has a surprising amount to offer. It is not a seaside resort that comes to a standstill out of season, but a lively coastal town with a historic centre, charming squares, local shops, restaurants, terraces and, of course, the harbour.
A visit to Dénia Castle is a must. Not only does it offer a glimpse into the town’s history, but also a stunning view of Dénia, the harbour, the sea and the surrounding area. It’s a great activity for children, but also perfect if you simply want to wander quietly through the town.
Afterwards, you can continue your walk through the old town, past narrow streets, picturesque houses, local shops and cosy terraces. That’s exactly what we love about Dénia: it feels Spanish, lively and relaxed all at once.
The harbour is also well worth a visit. It is the beating heart of the town and a lovely spot for a stroll, lunch or dinner with a view of the water. From the harbour, you can also take boat trips, book water sports or even plan an excursion to Jávea or the nearby caves.
Beaches near Dénia
Dénia has beaches for every time of day. From Nido Cálido, it’s about a 500-metre walk to Playa de Marineta Casiana. This beach is located at the start of the Las Rotas promenade and is ideal for a relaxing stroll by the sea.
Looking for wide sandy beaches? Then Playa de las Marinas is a great choice. On this side, Dénia boasts miles of beaches, so there’s always a spot to be found for swimming, walking, sunbathing or playing with the children.
On the other side of Dénia, you’ll find the rocky coastline towards Las Rotas. Here there are smaller, more secluded coves, such as Punta Negra and Cala Dénia. These spots are ideal for swimming, snorkelling or simply sitting on a rock overlooking the sea.
Our tip: take some water shoes with you if you’re heading to the rocky coves. Not very stylish, but very practical. And that’s what we love.
Walking, hiking and outdoor activities
For those who like to stay active, Dénia is a wonderful destination. Particularly in spring and autumn, and even during the winter months, the temperatures are often perfect for walking, cycling or hiking outdoors.
Between Dénia and Jávea lies the Montgó, a 752-metre-high mountain in a protected nature reserve. Here you can go walking, mountain biking and enjoy spectacular views of the sea, Dénia, Jávea and the Northern Costa Blanca. The routes range from easy to challenging. The reward is usually the same: a view that leaves you speechless.
Would you like to go walking or cycling with a guide? Then pop into the Montgó Natural Park Visitor Centre. It’s within walking distance of Nido Cálido Denia, in the gardens of the Bosc de Diana at Camí de Sant Joan 1.
For the real die-hards, there’s also a challenging, rocky trail of around 8.7 kilometres starting from Campo de Tiro Les Planes. Expect to scramble, climb, sweat and then feel very satisfied that you’ve done it.
Another particularly beautiful walk in the area is the route along Las Rotas towards the rugged coast. The walk to or around Cova Tallada is also popular. Do check accessibility and any booking rules in advance, as this area is sensitive and may be subject to restrictions during busy periods.
Cycling, mountain biking, padel and golf
Dénia and the Northern Costa Blanca are also ideal for active guests. You’ll see plenty of cyclists, walkers and winter visitors here who love to get out and about during the milder months.
Mountain biking is possible in and around the Montgó Nature Park, amongst other places. For regular cycle rides, the area around Dénia, the coast and the inland villages are lovely to explore. Do bear in mind the changes in elevation as soon as you head towards the mountains. The Costa Blanca is beautiful, but not entirely flat. You’ll notice that for yourself.
Padel is also popular in Spain, and there are several places to play in the Dénia area. Ideal if you’d like to stay active during your stay without having to climb a mountain straight away.
For golfers, the region is absolutely lovely. The Costa Blanca is known for its many golf courses. Near Nido Cálido you’ll find, among others:
• Club de Golf Jávea in Jávea, on the other side of the Montgó, about 18 km away
• Oliva Nova Beach & Golf Resort, close to the beach, about 21 km away
• Golf Ifach, with stunning views over the coast, about 31 km away
You could play a different course here almost every day. Not that you have to, of course. A day of doing nothing is an activity in itself.
Towns and villages on the Northern Costa Blanca
Dénia is an excellent base from which to explore the Northern Costa Blanca. The surrounding area is home to many towns and villages, each with its own unique atmosphere.
Jávea, also known as Xàbia, has a laid-back, Ibiza-like atmosphere with beautiful bays, restaurants and viewpoints. Moraira is small-scale, well-kept and perfect for a day at the coast, lunch or a walk. Calpe is recognisable by the impressive Peñón de Ifach rock and its promenade. Altea is one of the most beautiful white villages on the coast, with narrow streets, steps, art shops and sea views.
If you head inland, you’ll discover a completely different side of the region: quieter, greener and more authentic. Think of villages, markets, valleys and routes where you’ll almost automatically stop somewhere for a coffee along the way.
Larger cities are also easily accessible. Valencia and Alicante are a convenient distance away via the AP-7 for a day trip. Valencia is ideal for culture, shopping, cycling through Turia Park and, of course, the huge Gulliver Park, which is often a big hit with children too. Alicante is compact, sunny and great for a combination of city, castle, promenade and beach.
Out and about by tram
Fancy leaving the car at home for a day? The tram stop is about a 15-minute walk from Nido Cálido. From there, you can travel via Calpe and Altea, amongst other places, towards Benidorm. In Benidorm, you can change to the tram to Alicante.
This makes the tram a lovely way to explore the coast at a leisurely pace. No hassle with parking, but plenty of views along the way. It’s a great option, especially for a day trip to Altea or Calpe.
Winegrowers and bodegas in the Jalón Valley
Wine lovers are also in for a treat in this region. In the Jalón Valley, also known as Xaló, there are around twenty winegrowers nestled between the Sierra Bernia and El Montgó mountain ranges. You’ll find a wine museum, bodegas and beautiful routes through the countryside.
We highly recommend the wine route that takes you past various winegrowers along the coast and inland. In Jesús Pobre, just outside Dénia, lies the Les Freses winery. There you can take a guided tour of the vineyard and cellars, followed by a tasting. A special feature is that you can also combine a visit to l’Alt de Benimaquia, an ancient archaeological site, with a tasting.
In Xaló itself, you’ll find Bodegas Xaló, known for its moscatel and giró, among other wines. Their tour is a lovely way to get to know the local grape varieties better. Bodegas Riko is also a big name in the Spanish wine world. The excursion begins in the vineyard, after which you visit the winery and finish with a tasting of characteristic wines, paired with local produce.
In short: it won’t be a dull day.
Activities with children
There’s plenty to do in and around Dénia, even with children. The beach and the swimming pool are often enough to make for a great day out, but there are also some lovely day trips in the surrounding area.
Dénia Castle is surprisingly enjoyable with children, particularly because of the views, the walls, the staircases and the feeling that you’ve stepped back in time. On the other side of the harbour, you’ll find a water park in the sea. Great for children, teenagers and anyone who still feels young enough to climb, jump and fall as if that were the whole point.
About a 45-minute drive away is Terra Mítica, a large theme park for the whole family with various themed areas and attractions for all ages. Safari Aitana is also highly recommended. You drive right past the animals in your own car or in jeeps. The drive there alone is beautiful.
For even more ideas, the Costa Blanca Kids website is a useful resource. There you’ll find plenty of inspiration for family outings in the region.
For active winter visitors
Are you coming to Dénia between October and March to spend the winter? Then this might just be the best time to enjoy the great outdoors. It’s quieter than in summer, the temperatures are often pleasant, and the area remains lively enough to keep you entertained at all times.
From Nido Cálido, you can walk to the sea, the harbour and the town centre. You can go hiking on Montgó, cycle through the countryside, play golf, visit wineries, explore markets or drive to discover the villages and towns in the region.
Dénia is a particularly lovely winter destination for active over-60s and couples: sun, outdoor living and relaxation, but without the hustle and bustle of the high season.
For families and holidaymakers
In spring and summer, Dénia is all about the outdoors. Swimming, the beach, ice creams, boat trips, tapas, the pool, day trips and a quick visit to the town in the evening.
Nido Cálido is a great base for families and holidaymakers who don’t just want to lie on the beach, but also want to explore the surrounding area. You can easily combine a morning by the sea with an afternoon by the pool, a trip to a village or dinner in the harbour.
And let’s be honest: when the children are happy, the holiday becomes just that bit more relaxing for everyone.
Welcome to Nido Cálido Denia — your cosy nest close to the beach, town, nature and the most beautiful spots on the Northern Costa Blanca.
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