If you're planning a family holiday in Dénia this summer, you've picked one of the best spots on the entire Costa Blanca. I've been living here for ten years, and I genuinely believe Dénia is the most underrated family destination in Spain. It's got calm shallow beaches, a castle the kids will actually want to explore, a working fishing port where you can watch the boats come in, and a compact old town that doesn't exhaust little legs. In May especially, the weather is perfect — warm enough for the beach, cool enough for walking, and the crowds haven't arrived yet.
Here are my honest picks for things to do in Dénia with kids, based on a decade of watching families enjoy this place.
1. Castillo de Dénia — The Castle on the Hill
Every kid I've ever taken up to the Castillo de Dénia has loved it. It's not a polished tourist trap — it's a genuinely ancient Moorish castle with crumbling towers, sweeping views over the marina and the Montgó mountain, and enough open space to run around in. There's a small archaeological museum inside (entry included with the castle ticket, around €3 for adults, under-12s free). The best bit? You can walk up from the old town in about 15 minutes, and the views from the top are worth every step.
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Find rentals →2. Les Rotes — Rock Pools and Snorkelling
Yes, there's a full guide to Dénia's beaches elsewhere on this blog, but for families with kids aged 6+, Les Rotes deserves a special mention. The rocky coves here are calm and crystal clear in May — perfect for snorkelling. Bring a mask and fins from the Decathlon in Ondara (20 minutes inland), pack a picnic, and spend half a day exploring the natural pools. You'll see sea urchins, small fish, and the occasional octopus.
3. Dénia Fishing Port — Morning Fish Auction Viewing
The Lonja de Dénia (fish market) does a late-afternoon fish auction most weekdays, but in the mornings the port itself is magical for curious kids. Watch the fishing boats unload their catch, see the crates of red prawns (the famous gamba roja de Dénia), and grab a coffee at one of the port-side cafés while the kids chase the cats that patrol the docks. It costs nothing and is completely authentic.
4. Montgó Natural Park — Easy Family Hike to the Cova de l'Aigua
The Parc Natural del Montgó is right on Dénia's doorstep, and while the full summit hike is tough for young children, the trail to the Cova de l'Aigua (Water Cave) is very doable with kids aged 5 and up. It takes about 45 minutes each way, passes through fragrant pine and rosemary scrubland, and the cave itself is impressively deep. Park at the Camí del Pou de la Muntanya car park off the CV-736 road.
5. Dénia Aquarium (Centre de Recuperació de Fauna Marina)
This is a hidden gem that most tourists miss. The aquarium at Dénia port is actually a marine rescue centre, and it's small, educational, and completely free. Kids can see sea turtles, rays, and various local fish species up close. It opens most mornings (check current hours at the port tourist office) and is perfect for a quick 45-minute visit before or after lunch.
6. Boat Trip to the Cova Tallada Sea Cave
One of my absolute favourite family excursions from Dénia is the boat trip to the Cova Tallada, a dramatic sea cave carved into the limestone cliffs south of town. Several operators run trips from Dénia marina — look for Mundo Marino or similar, who offer glass-bottomed boats perfect for kids. The caves are genuinely spectacular, and the boat ride along the coastline takes you past hidden coves you can't reach by road.
7. Jet Ski and Pedal Boats at Playa de Las Marinas
For older kids (and the adults who need to look cool), the long sandy stretch of Las Marinas beach has multiple water sports rental spots. Pedal boats are great from about age 4, and the calm waters in May are ideal before the summer swells arrive. Prices are usually €15-20 per half hour for a pedalo, and the beach has good facilities including showers and beach bars.
8. Chocolate Factory Visit — Valor in Villajoyosa
Okay, this one is technically 45 minutes south on the AP-7, but the Fábrica de Chocolates Valor in Villajoyosa is so good with kids that I always recommend it as a day trip from Dénia. Free guided tours of the factory, unlimited tasting (within reason), and a shop that will test every parent's willpower. Book online in advance in summer.
9. Mini Train at Playa de Las Marinas
Every summer a small tourist train trundles along the Las Marinas beachfront, connecting the different beach zones. It's cheap, cheerful, and kids absolutely love it — especially as a way to travel between the beach and the ice cream shops near the port. Check locally for the 2026 timetable as it usually starts operating in June.
10. Local Market — Thursday Dénia Market
The Thursday market in Dénia is one of the best on the Costa Blanca. Set up in the streets around the Plaça del Consell, it's a proper mix of local produce, clothes, toys, and trinkets. Kids inevitably want everything; parents inevitably negotiate. Go early (before 10am) for the best produce and the least crowds.
11. Sunset at the Mirador del Castell
This sounds like a grown-up thing, but kids love it too — watching the sun drop into the sea from the castle mirador while eating a €2 ice cream from the kiosk near the entrance is genuinely one of the best free activities in Dénia. In May, sunset is around 9:15pm, which works beautifully with Spanish dinner times.
12. Day Trip to Benidorm Theme Parks
If you need a full adrenaline day, Terra Mítica and Aqualandia in Benidorm are 75 minutes south by car or about 90 minutes on the TRAM train from Dénia. Both parks are excellent, with Aqualandia being particularly recommended for mixed-age families (it has rides for toddlers and proper slides for teens). Book tickets online to avoid queues.
Where to Stay in Dénia with Kids
For families, staying in a holiday rental apartment gives you the space, kitchen, and flexibility that hotels simply can't match — especially with younger children who need nap schedules and fussy eating phases. Browse our family-friendly holiday rentals in Dénia and book directly with JV Properties.
Booking direct with us saves you up to 18% compared to Airbnb or Booking.com — that's a real saving that can pay for one of those boat trips to Cova Tallada. Search available properties now and get in touch if you need help choosing the right place for your family.
Pro tip: May is genuinely the best month to visit Dénia with kids. The sea temperature (around 19-20°C) is perfect for paddling, the beaches are quiet, restaurants have space, and prices are 20-30% lower than July-August. Don't wait for peak season.
