Category: Denia

  • Best Hikes in Cap de Sant Antoni from Denia & Javea

    Best Hikes in Cap de Sant Antoni from Denia & Javea

    Hiking in Cap de Sant Antoni

    Most of the hiking routes listed in this article are just sections of the PR-CV 355 hiking trail between Port Javea and El Montgo Peak. You might as well just do it, but for those less fitted, or not being able to spare a day for such a trail, there are more accessible options. Actually, everything except getting the names right is easy Cap de Sant Antoni.

    This natural marvel is named after the same saint as a famous city in Texas San Antonio, which is the Spanish name. The most common name – Cap Sant Antoni – is in the local Valenciano language, but it is also known in English as Saint Anthony’s Cape or Cape San Antonio, and in Spanish: Cabo San Antonio). In case you get confused it is all the same thing. The good part, as I said, everything else is simple, especially, getting good vistas with little to no effort. Though some cliffs of the Cape rise about 150 m / 500 ft above the sea level, the Cape is very flat. Walking here is a breeze, especially if you start hiking from one of the parking spaces on top of Cap de Sant Antoni.

    Cap de Sant Antoni Details

    Map with Hiking Routes in Cap de Sant Antoni

     

    Javea Bay from Cap Sant Antoni, Spain
    Javea Bay from Cap de Sant Antoni – the view one can hardly get enough of. Photo by Alis Monte [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Connecting the Dots

    Molins Circular Hike

    Situated on the plateau of Cap de San Antoni, this circular hike suits almost everyone. Given the easy access via Denia-Javea CV-736, it offers almost free exceptional vistas that would otherwise require a steep climb. Molins Circular Hike offers amazing views towards both sides of the cape, with its crown jewel being the mesmerizing view towards Javea from the windmill area. 

    Pro tip: Make a small detour on Denia’s side to a beautiful viewpoint: Mirador del Cuni.

    Hike Details

    • Distance: 5.5km / 3.4mi
    • Duration: 1h30-2h00
    • Difficulty: Easy
    • Color: Yellow
    • Type: Circular
    • Route: Aparcamiento Merendero – Mirador del Cuni – Els Molins – Santuario de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles
    • Coordinates: 38º80’54 ″ N – 0º17’69 ″ ° W

    Aparcamiento Merendero - Cap Sant Antoni Hike Views towards Javea, Spain
    Javea area from Cap Sant Antoni. Photo by Alis Monte [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Connecting the Dots

    Aparcamiento Merendero – Cap de Sant Antoni

    Not really a hiking trail but rather just a section of it, but arguably the best part of it. Especially if you add a little twist to it and walk off the main road to an unnamed viewpoint, which offers the best views of the tip of Cap de Sant Antoni itself I’ve managed to find so far. The quality of the road is not as good as Molins Circular Hike which could be done from the same parking, but it is flat, thus suitable for most of people. If you don’t have much time to explore, this might be the route to make a good impression of what Cap de Sant Antoni has to offer in general.

    Hike Details

    • Distance: 1.9 km / 1.18 mi x2
    • Duration: 0h30 x2
    • Difficulty: Easy
    • Color: Yellow
    • Type: Linear
    • Starting location: Aparcamiento Merendero
    • Target location: Cap de Sant Antoni
    • Coordinates: 38º81’75 ″ N – 0º16’74 ″ ° W

    View from Port Javea - Cap Sant Antoni hike, Spain
    The view towards Port Javea from Cap Sant Antoni. Photo by Alis Monte [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Connecting the Dots

    Port Javea – Cap de Sant Antoni

    The signature hike of Javea from the port part of the town climbs Cap de Sant Antoni which is, after all, much closer to Javea than it is to Denia. Many locals and visitors of the town climb the cape each day, and so do the large houses of the super-rich living, or, at least, owning properties in otherwise protected areas. Javea missed the opportunity to preserve its side of the cape but luckily the hike goes through the remote untouched section of the last terrain of the Baetic mountains systems before it sinks into the deep sea and remerges again only in the Balearic Islands. Port Javea – Cap de Sant Antoni is a great nature getaway from an otherwise busy area.

    Hike Details

    • Distance: 1.9 km / 1.18 mi x2
    • Ascend: 154 m / 505 ft
    • Duration: 1h00 x2
    • Difficulty: Easy
    • Color: Red
    • Type: Linear
    • Starting Location: Javea port
    • Target Location: Cap de Sant Antoni
    • Coordinates: 38º80’16 ″ N – 0º19’08 ″ ° W

    Cova Tallada in Cap Sant Antoni, Denia Spain
    Cova Tallada hike is among the top activities in Denia, Photo by Alis Monte [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Connecting the Dots

    Cova Tallada Hike

    Cova Tallada is a cave system by the Mediterranean Sea below high cliffs of Cap Sant Antoni. Might be the crown jewel of the whole area, I even did this hike on my Spain road trip when I had no idea what Denia or Marina Alta is. This rather short hikes is by no means for everyone – being able to tolerate heights and good shoes is the minimum requirement. Nevertheless, the hike to Cova Tallada is a very popular among tourists and locals alike. Due to some people not being able to keep even the simplest safety rules, the access to the hike is limited during peak seasons.

    Pro tip: Cova Tallada is a great snorkeling spot

    Hike Details

    • Distance: 1km / 0.62mi
    • Duration: 30-40min
    • Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Depending on season and experience
    • Color: Yellow
    • Type: Linear
    • Starting location: Les Rotes, Denia
    • Target location: Cova Tallada
    • Coordinates: 38º81’75 ″ N – 0º16’74 ″ ° W
    • Permit: Required between June 15 – September 30
    • More information: Hiking Cova Tallada

    Torre del Gerro Hike

    A small climb from the same location in Les Rotes as the Cova Tallada route starts. This is the shortest hike on the list, though be cautious – even given the wee distance and a relatively good road – it is a steep climb to Torre del Gerro. I wouldn’t suggest attempting the hike on a hot day unless you know what you’re doing. From Torre del Gerro beautiful vistas open towards Denia and its coast. Other hiking trails connect Torre del Gerro with Cova Tallada and Cap Sant Antoni.

    Hike Details

    • Distance: 1km / 0.62mi
    • Ascend: ± 120m / 400 ft
    • Duration: 20-30min x2
    • Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Depending on season and time of date
    • Color: Yellow
    • Type: Linear
    • Starting location: Les Rotes, Denia
    • Target location: Torre del Gerro
    • Coordinates: 38º81’89 ″ N – 0º15’73 ″ ° W
    • More information: Hike on Komoot
    • Download: Hike GPX

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    Torre del Gerro – Cap de Sant Antoni – Altomira

    This hike leads from one area of Denia through Cap de Sant Antoni to another, to be more precise from coastal Les Rotes to the highest part of the Montgo neighborhood. Adding an extra 1 or 2 km it is possible to connect the hike into a full circle. The route includes beautiful vistas of Cap de Sant Antoni, Les Rotes, Denia, and El Montgo. This is not an official hike and runs through sections of Torre del Gerro – Molins, PR-CV 355, and Cami de Colonia in the el Montgo hiking area.

    Hike Details

    • Distance: 4.4km / 2.73mi
    • Ascend: ± 130m / 425 ft
    • Duration: 1h30min
    • Difficulty: Moderate
    • Color: Yellow
    • Type: Linear
    • Starting location: Torre del Gerro
    • Target location: Altomira
    • Coordinates: 38º80’89 ″ N – 0º12’77 ″ ° W
    • More information: Hike on Komoot
    • Download: Hike GPX
    Torre del Gerro in Denia on Cap Sant Antoni, Spain
    All content and photos by Alis Monte. If you want to collaborate, contact me on info@wp.connectingcosta.com Photo by Alis Monte [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Connecting the Dots
  • Guide, Schedule & Burning Times of Fallas Denia 2024 in English

    Guide, Schedule & Burning Times of Fallas Denia 2024 in English

    Fallas in Denia

    Nestled along the Mediterranean coast, the charming city of Denia comes alive every March with the vibrant and fiery festival of Fallas, marking one of Spain’s most unique and spirited celebrations. Inscribed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016, this dazzling event transforms many cities across the region into a canvas of colossal effigies, fiery displays, and communal joy, showcasing a tradition steeped in creativity, satire, and the welcoming of spring. While Valencia may be the heartland of the Fallas festivities, Denia, with its own distinctive charm and fervor, offers a compelling experience that mirrors the grandeur and intensity of its larger counterpart yet maintains an intimate community feel.

    The Fallas in Denia 2024 promises an unforgettable spectacle, inviting locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in a cultural phenomenon that blends ancient customs with contemporary artistry. As a testament to the enduring bond between Denia and its ancestral traditions, the festival not only honors the town’s heritage but also serves as a dynamic platform for social commentary and artistic expression. From the intricate design of the fallas (monumental sculptures) to the exhilarating burst of fireworks lighting up the night sky, every element of the festival is a tribute to the creativity, ingenuity, and spirited communal life of Denia.

    Fallas in Denia has a unique flavor of its own, the festival in the Capital of Marina Alta is a particularly attractive location for the popular Valencian festivity because the sculptures are burned one by one. This way, allows curious people to enjoy the spectacle in all parts of town bit by bit. Whether you’re drawn to the spectacle for its artistic merits, the thrill of the pyrotechnics, or the warmth of community gatherings, the Fallas festival in Denia offers a rich tapestry of experiences that resonate with the essence of Spanish festivity and tradition.

    A Brief History of Fallas Denia

    The roots of the Fallas festival in Denia, much like those in the rest of the Valencian Community, intertwine deeply with the region’s history, blending medieval customs, pagan rituals, and Christian celebrations into a vibrant tapestry of cultural expression. Originally, Fallas began as a feast day for St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, marking the arrival of spring with the burning of waste materials and old wooden items collected during the winter. This act of purification and renewal, over centuries, evolved into the elaborate festival we witness today, characterized by the creation and destruction of fallas – elaborate sculptures that are as satirical as they are spectacular.

    Denia’s adaptation of this tradition has grown in scale and complexity, reflecting both local and global themes through its fallas. These towering figures, crafted with incredible skill and wit, fill the city’s squares and streets, turning Denia into an open-air museum of ephemeral art. Each falla is a marvel of design, engineering, and artistry, representing months of dedication by local artists and communities. They often depict scenes of social, political, and cultural commentary, providing insight into contemporary issues with humor and creativity.

    The festival’s crescendo, the ‘Nit de la Cremà’ (Night of the Burning), sees these magnificent sculptures consumed by flames in a symbolic act of regeneration and rebirth. This spectacular finale, lit against the backdrop of Denia’s historic landscapes and Mediterranean charm, is a poignant reminder of the cycle of life and the impermanence of art.

    Through periods of prohibition and revival, the Fallas festival has persisted, embodying the resilience and adaptability of the Valencian spirit. Even during the Franco regime, when regional languages and traditions were suppressed, Fallas found a way to endure, adapting its forms of expression to ensure its survival. Today, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Fallas festival stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to its cultural legacy, celebrating not just the arrival of spring but also the enduring power of creativity and community. In Denia, the Fallas festival is more than just a series of events; it is a communal act of creation, celebration, and renewal, deeply woven into the fabric of the city’s identity.

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    Fallas Denia 2024 Details

    • Location: Denia, Spain
    • Date: February 8 – March 19
    • Entrance: Free
    • Accommodation: Denia
    • Parade-watching location: Marqués de Campo
    • Main events: The Plantà (March 11-16), La Ofrenda (March 17-18), Nit de la Cremà (March 19)

    Fallas Denia Map

    Where to Stay?

    Having experienced the Fallas festival in Denia, it’s clear the entire city vibrates with the festival’s energy, especially during this period. Your accommodation choice should depend on what you’re looking to get out of your visit. If you’re here to dive deep into the festivities, staying close to the city center will keep you near the heart of the action. For those primarily interested in the ‘Nit de la Cremà’ and don’t mind a bit of travel, options outside the center could also work well. Denia’s local transportation, including buses and taxis, efficiently accommodates the influx of visitors, ensuring you’re never too far from the festival’s highlights.

    Recommended locations: Plaza del Consell, Calle Marqués de Campo, Las Marinas Beach, Near Montgó Natural Park or any other place in Denia for a peaceful retreat.

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    Fallas Denia 2024 Schedule

    The Fallas in Denia 2024 promises an array of events filled with tradition, art, and community spirit. To help you navigate through the festivities, here’s a breakdown of the schedule:

    Week 1

    Thursday, February 8

    • 19:00: Opening of the Fallas clubhouses
    • 19:30: Visit of the judging panel to the clubhouses participating in the decorated clubhouses prize

    Saturday, February 10

    • 18:15: Gathering of the Fallas commissions, Local Fallas Board, major Falleras of Dénia, and courts of honor on Federico García Lorca street.
    • 18:30: Visit of the major Falleras of Dénia, courts of honor, Local Fallas Board, and commissions to the clubhouses of the Fallas Camp Roig, Campaments, Darrere del Castell, Les Roques, and Baix la Mar, and Fallas announcements

    Week 2

    Thursday, February 15

    • 19:30: Visit of the judging panel to the clubhouses participating in the decorated clubhouses prize

    Friday, February 16

    • 10:30 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 19:00: Reception of Ninots participants of the Ninot Exhibition at Casa de la Marquesa Valero de Palma
    • 19:45: Gathering of the Fallas commissions, Local Fallas Board, major Falleras of Dénia, and courts of honor in Valgamediós Square.
    • 18:30: Visit of the major Falleras of Dénia, courts of honor, Local Fallas Board, and commissions to the clubhouses of the Fallas West, Center, Port Rotes, Diana, Saladar, and Paris Pedrera, and Fallas announcements

    Saturday, February 17

    • 17:45: Gathering of the Fallas officials 2024 at the end of Marqués de Campo street
    • 18:00: Parade to the Ninot Exhibition
    • 18:30: Opening of the Ninot Exhibition 2024 at Casa de la Marquesa
    • 20:00: Crida by the major Falleras of Dénia, Mar Moncho Roselló and Candela Marco Jiménez, and proclamation, in Constitució square
    • 21:00: Fallera Gala Dinner with the award of the 2024 Exemplary Fallero distinction and awards of JLF and JCF at L’Androna Multiespai Room.

    Sunday, February 18

    • 18:30: Children’s Fallera Gala with the awards of JLF and JCF. Afterwards, snack for the attending children.

    Week 3

    • Pause

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    Week 4

    March 1 to 14

    • 14:00: Tir de carcasses (firecracker event)

    Saturday, March 2

    • 13:00: Dinar de Germanor (Brotherhood meal) in Torrecremada, and awarding of the Best Fallas Ban, Best Fallas Presentations, Best Showcase, Best Presenters, Best Keepers, Child’s Pardoned Ninot, and Adult’s Pardoned Ninot

    Sunday, March 3

    • 12:00: Concert by the Artistic Musical Group of Dénia, at the crossroads of Saladar Av. and Diana St.

    Week 5

    Wednesday, March 6

    • 09:45 to 13:30 and 16:45 to 20:30: Fallera blood donation in Llunàtics Multipurpose Room.

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    Week 6

    Monday, March 11 to Saturday, March 16

    • La Planta (Eng. Planting of the Fallas)
    Construction of Paris-Pedrera Falla in Denia, 2023
    Construction of Paris-Pedrera Falla in Denia, 2023. Photo by Alis Monte [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Connecting the Dots

    Thursday, March 14

    • 20:00: First Night of Serenades to the major Falleras of Dénia in the following order:
      • Major Falleras of Dénia – Plaza de la Constitució (Constitution Square)
      • Falla Les Roques
      • Falla West
      • Falla Campaments
      • Falla Behind the Castle
      • Falla Baix la Mar

    Friday, March 15

    • 10:00: Breakfast in the Fallas areas
    • 10:00: The FFMM, Mar Moncho Roselló and Candela Marco Jiménez, will welcome visitors at the Tourist Office of Oculist Buigues square
    • 14:00: Tir de carcasses (firecracker event) and Plantà meal in the Fallas neighborhoods
    • 20:00: Second Night of Serenades:
      • Falla Camp Roig
      • Falla Paris-Pedrera
      • Falla Saladar
      • Falla Diana
      • Falla Port Rotes
      • Falla Center

    Saturday, March 16

    • 08:00: Planting of the Fallas monuments in the different districts of the city
    • 10:00: Breakfast in all the Fallas districts
    • 12:30: Planting of the Local Fallas Board’s Falla in Consell Square
    • 14:00: Tir de carcasses (firecracker event) and Plantà meal in the Fallas neighborhoods
    • 18:00: Courtesy visit of the major Falleras of Dénia, Courts of Honor, and Local Fallas Board to the Fallas districts in the following order:
      • Falla Les Roques
      • Falla Baix la Mar
      • Falla Behind the Castle
      • Falla Campaments
      • Falla West
      • Falla Camp Roig
      • Falla Paris-Pedrera
      • Falla Saladar
      • Falla Diana
      • Falla Port Rotes
      • Falla Center
    • 21:00: Plantà dinner
    • 22:00: Announcement rockets for the Night of the Planting

    Denia Fallas Main Event

    Sunday, March 17- La Ofrenda

    • 07:00: Wake-up call in the Fallas areas
    • 08:00: Visit of the judging panel to the Fallas
    • 09:00: Visit of the rest of the juries
    • 10:45: Gathering of all the commissions in the Town Hall Square
    • 11:00: Tribute to the major Falleras of Dénia and to the major Falleras of Les Roques, Behind the Castle, and Baix la Mar
    • 13:00: Awarding of children’s prizes at the Town Hall
    • 14:00: Mascletà in the different Fallas districts
    • 18:15: Gathering of all the commissions on Patricio Ferrándiz street.
    • 18:30: Homages to the major Falleras of Paris Pedrera, Camp Roig, Campaments, and West
    • 20:30: Awarding of the prizes for the big Fallas 2024 at the Town Hall
    • 23:00: Festivals in the Fallas districts

    Monday, March 18 – La Ofrenda

    • 07:00: Wake-up call in the Fallas areas
    • 11:15: Gathering of all the commissions in Consell square
    • 11:30: Tribute to the major Falleras of Center, Port Rotes, Diana, and Saladar
    • 14:00: Mascletà in the Fallas districts
    • 20:30: Mascletà in Jaume I Square
    • 23:00: Festivals in the Fallas districts

    Tuesday, March 19 – St. Joseph’s Day

    • 07:00: Wake-up call in the Fallas areas
    • 08:00: Children’s wake-up call
    • 10:00: Parades in the Fallas areas
    • 11:00: Mass in honor of St. Joseph at the Church of the Assumption
    • 11:00: Flower offering in honor of la Virgen de los Desamparados (the Virgin of the Forsaken). Route: Marqués de Campo St., Diana St., Magallanes, Convent Sq.
    • 14:30: Mascletàs in the Fallas districts
    • 18:00: Parades in the Fallas districts
    • 19:00: Reception for the new presidents for the 2024-2025 period in the Town Hall Square

    Burning Times of the Fallas Dénia 2024

    The times for the Nit de la Cremà (Eng. Burning of the Fallas) are approximate.

    References & Useful Links

    Gallery of Fallas Denia

    2022