Denia, on the Costa Blanca of Spain has always been strategically located on the skirt of the Montgo hills, dominated by a castle which was once an Arab fortress, right on the Mediterranean Sea. Dianium was its first name given to it by the Romans owing to the fact that there was a temple nearby which had been dedicated to Diana.
The Greeks seem to be the first tourists in 6 B.C. and staying for a while because of its climate, very similar to that of Greece, giving it the name of Hemeroscopeion. But the Arabs were the ones who stayed the longest and who really populated the area, converting it in the capital of the region of the Caliph of Cordoba.
After the expulsion of the Moors, this city suffered terribly both economically and in population. But it made its comeback with the production and exportation of raisins, mainly to England. But unfortunately this has decreased considerably both in Denia as well as in Javea. But a city does not die out that easily and it has made itself into an important tourist area.
Dianium, better known as Denia
Denia still has conserved its old quarters and neighbourhoods such as Les Roques found at the bottom of the castle, The Baix la Mar (near the sea) located in the fishermen's neighbourhood or the Cross Square ( Plaza de la Creu) where you can rest for awhile to have a snack, lunch or dinner while you glance at the Mediterranean Sea.
Along the Cervantes Promenade you can find terraced cafeterias or restaurantes where it is very typical to eat 'tapas' or small portions of seafood, ham or different omelettes and refresh your dry mouth with cold Spanish beer or delicious wines. You can even try typical dishes from other cities or surrounding towns like Torrevieja, Altea, Murcia and Calpe.
Back to the old quarters where the Mayor and Loreto streets are, you will see pretty neo-classical buildings which belong to the upper Valencian class people. The Town Hall dates to the 17th century and the Saint Mary Assumption Church on Vila Vella street goes back to the 16th century.
There are also two museums- The Archaeological Museum which has a great number of remains of all the different cultures which invaded the area. The Ethnological Museum on Cavallers Street no. 1 deals with the times when the raisin business was at its best.
Fun in the Sun in Denia
Some of the most popular areas of this big town is its beaches and coves. Heading toward the south to a rocky coastal area called Les Rotes, there is a group of small coves where scuba-diving and fishing fans hang out. To the north of the town, the there are sandy beaches like Els Palmars or las Marinas and not very deep waters- ideal for family outings.
Other than the well known Fallas and the Moor and Christian parade, Denia has a very original feast honouring its patron saint ( Santisima Sangre ) the first 15 days in July called 'Bulls into the water'. Where else can you become a bullfighter overnight? Denia like many other coastal towns can give you full satisfaction with all your holidays needs.
Robert Carlton released a lot of articles for www.alicante-spain.com a website on the spanish Costa Blanca and Alicante region. Amongst his works he is publishing about topics from Denia www.alicante-spain.com/denia.html to local spanish cuisine and travel tips.
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