Valencia is surrounded by sea and mountains. Nature merges at its feet to offer a wide range of possibilities to do every day. And not only that, you will find the most beautiful and picturesque villages in the surrounding area.
If you are in town, and you have the time, don't hesitate to get a route to Alicante: its beaches are the best in the Valencian Community.
On the Alicante coast you can find marvellous coves, mixed with mountainous massifs for great hiking trails.
And just an hour from Valencia you will find two of the most beautiful towns on the Mediterranean coast: Denia and Jávea.
Today we propose a express route, for those who don't have much time, but also extendable: hey, if you like it, I'd stay more days!
Well, we are going to tell you the must-see places in Denia and Jàvea and why we think they are the ideal couple for a getaway.
We like to say that they complement each other, because they fit together like the pieces of a puzzle.
One has the calm, one has the liveliness, one has the most hidden coves, one has the most beautiful harbour, one is more expensive, one is cheaper, and so on.
Jàvea has the most beautiful coves in Ibiza, with crystal clear turquoise water and dreamlike landscapes. To access the coves you have to go on foot and take a short walk through the mountains, as they are hidden in the cliffs.
The promenade is beautiful, quiet, elegant. The food is good, although at a higher price than neighbouring Denia.
The two peoples are divided by the Montgó, one of the highest mountains near the sea that you will find.
If you arrive at the promenade of Jávea, on the main beach »el Arenal» and going up a little towards the mountain, there is a little hidden house called: Villa DoraThe paradise for those who want absolute tranquillity.
It overlooks the whole bay of Jàvea, but at the same time it is surrounded by pine trees and at a considerable height to get away from the crowds.
Composed of 9 rooms and decorated with objects from other eras. transports you to an island paradise in the 1960s.Your problems end when you walk through the front door. And at the same time you will feel at home, the treatment is very close and the owner, Heidi, is a lovely person who will make your stay warm and comfortable.
Upstairs, the living rooms, chill out area, kitchen and dining area (breakfast is TOP).
Downstairs, swimming pool and suites with private terrace, spectacular.
Once we were settled in this haven for the soul, we went to Denia for lunch.
To get to Denia you have to go by car and it takes about 15/20 minutes. But be careful! It is a beautiful route because you have to cross the Montgó and go down to the bay, the views are amazing.
We decided to go to a legendary place for its cocas: PontSec.
It is located in the orchard roads on the outskirts of Denia, an ideal place to eat on the terrace on a sunny day.
They are famous for their vegetable garden and their "cocas", At PontSec you'll get almost everything you order right, and at a good price.
The vegetable garden is right next to the restaurant, you can go and have a look at it.
The "cocas" are a mix of traditional and modern: the chefs are constantly testing their flours to create better and better doughs and combine cocas with ingredients such as sardina de bota, a classic, with others made with sobrassada and honey or goat's cheese with spinach and pine nuts.
But also, the rice dishes and fideuàs are scandalous, and they have a grill where they cook all kinds of meat and fish.
It is a traditional place, which uses quality ingredients and grandmother's recipes combined with an avant-garde touch.
The coca is the queen of the house, and they make them both sweet and savoury: it's also worth trying the chocolate one, with coarse salt and oil, a real explosion of flavour!
After a good meal, it's best to wash it down with a digestive or gin and tonic, so we headed straight for the seafront promenade to enjoy the sun, go for a stroll and digest the feast.
The port of Denia is sporty, beautiful and quiet. Full of colour, palm trees and beach bars where you can have a drink. It is a pleasure to take a stroll while contemplating the Montgó to your right, so imposing.
One of the most emblematic sites is the Mala Vita: decorated with detail, lights, background music and the sea at your feet.
Next stop: the old town. We had not said anything about it, but it is not far behind the port: Denia is a super complete city, combining more traditional and historical places, with modern areas and wild nature. A stroll through the old part of town as the evening begins to fall is ideal.
The little houses of the old town are the classic two-storey, colourful houses of the Valencia area, similar to the Cabañal neighbourhood in Valencia.
It is full of restaurants and bars and most of them are not just good, they are VERY GOOD!, gastronomy is undoubtedly its strong point: the fresh fish from the fish market, good rice dishes, the "cocas"... nothing fails.
And you can also visit his castle and wander through the streets discovering hippy shops, quaint houses and authentic bars.
Finally, we pass through els Magazinos, which is an area with food stalls from all over the world, music, events... where the atmosphere is very good and you can still enjoy tapas.
In short, the two towns offer enough leisure activities for a day, two, three and a week if you want. Here are the essentials in case you decide to stay longer:
AHHH and don't forget to go on a route through the Montgó Natural Park.
You can't miss Jávea...
-Cala Granadella
-Cala Tangó
-Cala Ambolo
-Portitxol Cove
-Cala Blanca
-Cala Moraig
-Llebeig Cove and the Route of the Cliffs
You can't miss Denia...
