A Tourist Guide to Plans, Rituals & Practical Tips

Why spend Sant Joan Night in Dénia?

Fine sand, warm sea and the shortest moonlit night of the year: that’s the setting on 23 June for Sant Joan Night in Dénia. Since 2022 beach bonfires have been banned, yet the city has reinvented the celebration with music, food and water rituals that keep the solstice magic alive. This concise guide helps you plan a perfect evening—where to dine, which rituals not to miss and how to move around hassle‑free.

Contenido

1. Essential 2025 timetable (provisional)

Time	What’s on	Where
19:00	Sunset vibes with DJs & cocktails	Beach bars, Punta del Raset
20:00	Picnic dinner / special set menus	Les Marines beach & seafront restaurants
22:30	Free “Pop & Fire” concert	Harbour stage (Moll de la Pansa)
23:55	Countdown + 7‑wave jump	Entire urban shoreline
00:15	Small cold‑fire firework display (TBC)	Harbour basin
00:30–02:30	After‑beach electronic session	Zensa beach club or Nomad rooftop
07:00 (24 Jun)	Pilgrimage to Sant Joan hermitage	Start: Plaça Jaume I

2. Detailed plans for every taste

2.1 Chic picnic on the sand

Order a picnic hamper (from Ca La Marina or Bodega Casa Benjamin): local cheese board and Moscatel wine included.
Arrive before 19:30 to claim a front‑row spot; best stretch: central Les Marines (kilometre 1–2).
Open flames and candles are forbidden—swap wax for rechargeable LED fairy lights.

2.2 Special menus with a sea view

Restaurant	Sant Joan menu	Approx. price
El Raset	Arroz a banda, glass of cava, coca de llanda dessert	€32
Republic Gastro	Bluefin tuna tartare, seafood fideuà, premium G&T	€38
Helios Surfing	Black Angus burger, tropical shake, “Solstici” cocktail	€25
Book at least 48 hours ahead.

2.3 Seven‑wave jump — a must‑do ritual

Wade in barefoot just after midnight and jump seven small waves, making a wish with each leap.
Tip: wear swimwear under your clothes and pack a microfibre towel; the night breeze can feel cool.

2.4 Night‑time catamaran cruise (limited seats)

Special departure at 22:00 from Marina Dénia; glass of cava included.
Premium view of the illuminated coast and, if confirmed, the fireworks.
€45 per person; book online with Mundo Marino.

2.5 Cultural alternative: Sant Joan hermitage

23 Jun 22:00: festive mass with free tramussos (lupins) and mistela wine.
24 Jun 07:00: pilgrimage up Montgó; spectacular sunrise views.
Perfect if you prefer a traditional, family‑friendly atmosphere.

3. Handy tips for visitors

Topic	Quick advice
Parking	Skip the car: blue zone until 21:00 and usually full. Use out‑of‑town car park (Nou d’Octubre) + free shuttle every 15 min.
Public transport	Tram Line 9 to Dénia station + urban bus C2 to Les Marines (last return 03:00).
What to bring	Swimwear, light towel, thin hoodie, power bank, small rubbish bag.
Safety	Local police & Guardia Civil patrol with drones; glass bottles banned.
Environment	Free cardboard beach ashtrays; deposit waste in extra bins provided.
Health	Free drinking‑water fountains every 200 m along the promenade.

4. Where to stay: strategic hotels & apartments

Hotel El Raset ★★★ – opposite the harbour, 5 min walk to the beach. From €140/night (double).
Soul Beach Hotel ★★★ – suites with hot tubs, 200 m from the sand. From €165/night.
Buenavista Apartments – ideal for groups; shared terrace with views. €120/night (sleeps 4).
Book a month ahead; average occupancy hits 85 % for these dates.

5. Express FAQ

Can I light a small bonfire? No. Beach by‑law 2022, art. 57 forbids it; fines up to €750.
Will there be fireworks? The council is considering a cold‑fire display in the harbour; confirmation due mid‑June.
What if it rains? The event goes ahead unless a red alert is issued; pack a light rain jacket just in case.

6. Final checklist

✔ Book catamaran / restaurant✔ Reusable bag & LED lights for picnic✔ Arrive before 20:00 for parking or shuttle✔ Swimwear + towel✔ Enjoy the most magical night of the year!