The Creative City of Gastronomy

Located halfway between Valencia and Alicante and facing Ibiza, Denia is a diverse town with a population of at least 40,000 residents.

Denia has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Valencian Community for more than 20 years and was recognised by UNESCO as the Creative City of Gastronomy in 2015. The local cuisine continues to be one of the most celebrated across Spain, especially renowned for its rice dishes and seafood.

Throughout history, the town has centred around marine life; today, the fish market opens regularly from Monday to Friday at 5pm as the local fishermen present top-quality products.

The municipal market and the annual Gastronomic Festival of Denia also serve to highlight the town´s excellence in gastronomy and agriculture, following the tradition of using local resources and homemade recipes throughout centuries.

Denia is also the home of three Michelin Star Chefs, which contributes greatly to the tourist appeal and its fame across the Valencian region.

Diversity plays an integral role in Denia´s appeal; its roots were influenced by Iberian, Greek, Roman, Islamic, Napoleonic and Christian civilisations. In 2023, a study from the City Population statistics website revealed that Denia currently homes more than 4,000 European residents, as well as registered citizens from Africa, America, Asia and Oceania.

Denia´s intercultural history can be experienced in the town´s Castle, built between the 11th and 12th centuries, where an archaeological museum holds Iberian, Roman and Muslim artefacts.

Denia´s old town with its narrow streets and speciality restaurants maintains the town´s historic image, emphasised by the ancient Montgo rock which visitors can explore following Via Verde and Les Rotes trails.