Denia
Denia is located in the North of the Costa Blanca along the boundary with the province of Valencia in an area also known as the Marina Alta.
The Montgo Mountain and Nature Reserve are on the south side of the city on the shores of the Mediterranean and these along with the beaches form part of the main attraction of this area as well as its proximity to the Balearic Islands.
The Montgo reaches a modest height of 760mts but attracts many to the area . It was declared a Nature Reserve in 1987 due to its flora and fauna as well as its beautiful scenic value.
The port of Denia and the Cape of San Antonio are the closest points to the Balearic Islands from the mainland so many make the journey across to the islands.
Denia is also the capital of the Marina Alta, a region along the coast with wide sandy beaches and beautiful rocky coves, which lead down to the cliffs of the cape. The CV736 that connects Javea and Denia runs through the reserve and can be accessed from the AP7 motorway and the N232. The Montgó Nature Reserve encompasses 2150 hectares around the mountain which is approximately 5312 acres.
Various settlements have been found there from the Iberians, Romans and Arabs and when the area was conquered by the Christians it became a County.
Denia houses an archaeological museum which preserves the remains of these four cultures. It also has an interesting ethnological museum with samples of clothing and costumes of the bourgeoisie and the workers from those times. There is also a toy museum, with toys made from wood, which was very much appreciated in those days.
Denia has conserved some beautiful buildings over the years for example the convent of San Antonio de Padua Nuestra Señora de Loreto or the Augustines as well as the Saint Mathew the Apostle Church and some small chapels.
Another important building is Les Drassanes; originally a warehouse in the port over the years it was partially destroyed. Today due to various constructions added to the original building, it still stands.
The Tower Gerro is a renaissance watchtower used to guard the coastline from the Berber pirates during the XVI and XVII Centuries.
These are only a few of the notable parts of the city but the beauty and richness of the surrounding area is much more extensive.
The port, centre of activity for various sized vessels is one of the most popular due to its proximity to the Balearic Islands. Large passenger and car ferries depart daily to
Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera.