Picture yourself starting the day with sea salt on your skin and finishing it inhaling the aroma of pine trees and fresh‑baked bread. Within just thirty minutes of Dénia lies a necklace of villages so varied that you can gaze over a turquoise cliff in the morning and toast with a muscatel wine at sunset. This timeless guide distils their essence: the most photogenic corners, the history beating inside their walls and the secrets they only whisper to travellers who aren’t in a hurry.
1. Jávea (Xàbia)
Distance from Dénia: 10 km · 15 min
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Jávea is a mosaic of three worlds: the old town built in golden “tosca” stone, the fishermen’s quarter by the harbour, and the lively Arenal beach strip. Sheltered by the Capes of Sant Antoni and la Nao, its coves hold some of the clearest water on the Costa Blanca.
Must‑see highlights
Calle Mayor and the church square, whose doorways tell of days defending against Berber pirates.
The Cabo de la Nao viewpoint, the grand finale of the 15‑viewpoint scenic route.
Cala Granadella: an amphitheatre of limestone and pines tailor‑made for snorkelling.
Flavour to try
Order arròs a banda with day‑boat fish or a tomato “coca” from any of the old‑town bakeries.
2. Calpe
Distance from Dénia: 25 km · 30 min
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The 332‑metre Peñón de Ifach juts into the sea and dominates Calpe’s skyline, turning it into a Mediterranean icon. At its foot lie a colourful old quarter and a salt lagoon where flamingos feed.
Must‑see highlights
Hike up the Peñón (reserve in advance and wear sturdy shoes) for a bay‑wide panorama.
Dawn stroll around Las Salinas when the low light sets the birds’ plumage aglow.
The Ricard Bofill‑designed Muralla Roja, visible from La Manzanera beach.
Flavour to try
A paper cone of freshly fried fish from the harbour stalls right after the daily fish auction.
3. Moraira
Distance from Dénia: 17 km · 25 min
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Once a little fishing port, Moraira has grown into an elegant coastal refuge. Set between muscatel vineyards and pebble coves, it keeps an unhurried rhythm that invites aimless wandering.
Must‑see highlights
Short, view‑packed hike up to Cap d’Or watchtower.
Whitewashed old town around the castle, dotted with blue‑potted balconies.
Weekly market in neighbouring Teulada, famed for its muscatel grapes, cheeses and cured meats.
Flavour to try
A tapa of flame‑seared dried octopus with a chilled Marina Alta white wine at a harbourfront terrace.
4. Xaló (Jalón)
Distance from Dénia: 25 km · 30 min
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In the heart of the Pop Valley, Xaló smells of wine, almonds and antiques. Mountains ring it like an amphitheatre and the Jalón river waters its muscatel vines.
Must‑see highlights
Saturday flea market—a treasure hunt for vinyl, syphon bottles and ceramics.
Guided tasting at a family‑run winery: mistela, fondillón and extra‑virgin olive oil.
River walk among almond trees, spectacular in February’s blossom.
Flavour to try
Hot, sugar‑coated almonds and a thimble of golden mistela.
5. Benissa
Distance from Dénia: 25 km · 30 min
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Benissa is twofold: a medieval stone old town perched on a hilltop and, below the cliffs, secluded coves linked by a wooden coastal path.
Must‑see highlights
The Coastal Ecological Walk connecting Baladrar, Advocat and Pinets coves.
Desamparados street and the Puríssima Xiqueta church, nicknamed “the cathedral of the Marina”.
The Hermitage Route, a loop linking tiny rural chapels among almond and olive terraces.
Flavour to try
A hearty putxero de polp (octopus stew) and almond pastries from a central bakery.
6. Gata de Gorgos
Distance from Dénia: 11 km · 12 min
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Capital of wicker, palm and esparto, Gata lives with open doors: its shops display baskets, lamps and cane furniture like an open‑air folk‑art gallery.
Must‑see highlights
La Bassa Street and the old N‑332, a living showcase of natural crafts.
The Riurau cultural centre, devoted to the Raisin Route and the architecture of drying sheds.
Pedestrian river walk along the Gorgos at dusk.
Flavour to try
Drop into a tapas bar for sobrasada topped with local honey or a mini “bull amb ceba” (blood sausage with onion).
7. Altea
Distance from Dénia: 33 km · 35 min
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Altea climbs in white and blue up the hillside to the enamelled domes of the Consuelo church. Its bohemian air, artists’ studios and flowered balconies have made it a muse for photographers and painters.
Must‑see highlights
Scale the cobbles to the church square and peer from the viewpoints over the bay.
Wander the Fornet lanes, discovering pottery workshops and galleries.
Waterfront stroll from the fish market to Altea la Vella, with terraces facing the sunset.
Flavour to try
Artisanal almond ice cream or an arròs del senyoret with a Mediterranean view.
8. Vall de Ebo
Distance from Dénia: 38 km · 45 min
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Cradled by mountain ranges, Vall de Ebo is the gateway to gorges, karst caves and mastic‑covered hillsides. Silence rules here, broken only by mountain goats and the whisper of the Girona river.
Must‑see highlights
The Cova del Rull and its stalactites and stalagmites.
The Barranc de l’Infern circular hike, famous for its thousands of dry‑stone steps.
El Xap viewpoint at sunrise, gazing over a sea of peaks.
Flavour to try
Hearty olleta de blat (wheat stew) after the walk, and sweet pastissets filled with sweet potato.
From Benissa’s medieval lanes to the crystal‑clear waters of Granadella, every village encircling Dénia plays its own melody. Take your time: rise early, park far, roam without GPS, smile at the craftsperson, savour the wine the waitress recommends and, above all, leave room for surprise. Because the real treasures—a nameless cove found down a narrow path or an old man gifting you a story beside the fountain—never appear on any map.
Final tip: save this guide and make it your go‑to route. When you’ve ticked off every spot, head back to Dénia and celebrate with a grilled red prawn. Safe travels and unquenchable memories! 🦐
