Dénia, the capital of the Marina Alta region, is a beautiful coastal city located in the province of Alicante, in the Valencian Community. Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and watched over by Mount Montgó, its charm lies in the harmony between its rich historical and cultural heritage, its privileged natural surroundings, and its outstanding cuisine, which has earned it recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Its extensive sandy beaches and beautiful rocky coves coexist with areas of remarkable biodiversity, such as the Montgó Natural Park and the Cape San Antonio Marine and Nature Reserve. Its ports—fishing, leisure, and maritime connections to the Balearic Islands—bear witness to a way of life closely linked to the sea and to a deep-rooted seafaring tradition.
Dénia thus reveals itself as a city with a unique identity, where the past lives on through its heritage, culture, and a way of life inseparable from the sea, fine food, and the enjoyment of the great outdoors.
| Joining the Smart Destinations project |
Dénia joined the Smart Tourism Destinations Network (DTI Network) in October 2024 and, in spring/summer 2026, carried out the Diagnostic Report and Action Plan for its transformation into a Smart Tourism Destination.
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| Key initiatives
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- Dénia is currently driving its development through the implementation of the 2030 Urban Agenda, aimed at diversifying the local economy, promoting digitalisation, and creating a more resilient and sustainable municipality.
- Recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy since 2015, when it joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
- Recognised as a City of Science and Innovation in 2026, joining the Innpulso Network.
- Child-Friendly City since 2021.
- Member of the Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities since 2020.
- In 2026, Dénia signed the “Turtle Alliance” with the Costa Rican National Parks Foundation to support turtle conservation.
- Active protection of Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows,
- Research and monitoring of the presence of cetaceans and sea turtles, together with annual volunteering campaigns.
- Renaturalisation of the port through the installation of biomimetic micro-reefs, resulting in a significant increase in local marine biodiversity.
- In 2026, the Les Rotes coastal promenade received the Blue Trail distinction, awarded by the Spanish Association for Environmental Education and Consumer Affairs (ADEAC).
- In 2026, the Museo de la Mar de Dénia received the Blue Centre distinction, awarded by the Spanish Association for Environmental Education and Consumer Affairs (ADEAC).
- All beaches hold the international ISO 9001 certification (quality management of services) and ISO 14001 certification (environmental management), both renewed annually. Many beaches also receive the Blue Flag, Qualitur Flag and SICTED distinctions each year.
- Eco-park and Circular Economy: implementation of mobile eco-park services and local recycling drop-off points funded by the European Union.
- Dénia is a benchmark destination for tourism quality, thanks to the implementation and consolidation of the Integrated System of Tourism Quality in Destinations (SICTED), which includes a large number of local tourism businesses and services.
- Creation and launch of the “Bancalet” territorial brand, promoting products and services linked to the food and gastronomic culture of Dénia and the region.
- In 2026, Dénia carried out the Diagnostic Assessment and Action Plan to promote the transition towards a circular tourism sector, in collaboration with SEGITTUR.
- In 2026, Dénia achieved the Infoparticipa Seal for the sixth consecutive year, recognising the transparency and quality of local public communication by municipalities.
- Strategic Tourism Plan 2026–2030.
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Technical data
VAT number:
P0306300E Address: Plaça de la Constitució, nº 10 Postal code: 03700 Telephone: 96 578 01 00 Region: Comunitat Valenciana Province:
Alicante/Alacant Population:
Denia Country:
España Local entity type: Ayuntamiento Date of membership:
10/11/2024 Diagnosis: Sí Diagnosis date:
25/08/2026 Destination Type:
Urbano marítimo Population:
41,733 Area (km²):
66.40 Density (inhab/km²):
716.00
Level in the Network: Nivel 3
