A guide to moving to

Denia

Browse properties in Denia

Why move to Denia

Denia offers the very best of this popular coast line, whether you want to explore rocky coves and mountains or revel in sand, sun and amazing seafood.

Overview

On a stretch of coast where tourism dominates, Denia is a breath of fresh air. It has beaches, hotels and restaurants but this working city has also maintained its character. A major passenger port serving the Balearic islands, Denia feels different from some of the resorts further south. The city bustles with life both day and night – from the narrow shopping streets of the Moorish old town to the lively beach bars and restaurants. Once you’ve had your fill of incredible freshly caught seafood, move on to paella which is among the best in the region thanks to the proximity of the nearby rice fields.

Denia is separated from the rest of the coast by the Montgó natural park, a humped peak packed with rare plants. On either side of the harbour you’ll find two distinct flavours of beach – long and sandy Las Marinas to the north and rocky Las Rotas to the south.

The city is steeped in several millennia of history; the first thing you’ll notice is the tumbledown Moorish castle which contains an archaeological museum. Tradition is important here and it’s impossible not to get sucked into the excitement of its fiestas, like fiery ‘Fallas’ in March where giant statues of famous figures are burned to the ground.

Community

Denia is home to 42,000 people, a fifth of whom are from other countries, including Britain, Germany, Holland and France. Many more move here from all over Spain. You’ll find a warm welcome in this cosmopolitan community.

Property

There’s no denying that Denia is one of the more attractive areas for house hunters, so expect to pay a little more than in some of the resorts further down the coast. However it’s well worth it. You’ll find a range of apartments, villas and rural homes along the coast and in the historic town centre. If you want a truly spectacular view (and if money’s no object), look for something on the slopes of Montgó mountain.

Schools

You can choose whether to send your children to one of the ten Spanish schools in Denia or follow the British curriculum at one of the two nearby international schools in the Javea area.

Amenities

As a working city, Denia is well served by shops, including an outdoor market on Mondays, and you won’t want to miss the spectacle of the La Lonja fish market where the very freshest red shrimp – a local delicacy – can be found. Leisure activities include water sports and a golf course, Oliva Nova, designed and built by the legendary Seve Ballesteros.

Transport

Separated from the main road by the positioning of the Montgó natural park, Denia feels like its own separate kingdom. Should you need to get anywhere there is a good bus service and a ferry if you want to get away to Ibiza – just 55 miles out at sea!

Health

You’ll find a range of health care providers here including dentists and a well-equipped new public health hospital (Marina Salud) on the way out of town.

Employment

The majority of work in Denia is to be found in the tourism and the services industries. If you’re looking for something office based then you’re at a commutable hour’s drive in either direction to Alicante and Valencia.

Cost of Living

Denia is a popular place to live and so things are a little pricier than you’d find further south on the Costa Blanca. However it offers a slightly cheaper alternative to its near neighbours of fashionable Altea and Javea.