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More on Denia, Costa Blanca

With an old town dominated by a medieval castle, stone houses and leafy avenues, Denia is one of those Costa Blanca resorts where there’s no mistaking you’re in Spain. Here, sun-dappled plazas, a honey-stoned church and cheerful tapas bars conjure up a genuine Spanish charm that’s light years from neighbouring resorts like Benidorm. Moseying around the old town is a must-do. Tour the castle museum, enjoying sweeping views from its hillside perch as you do. Scout around the weekly market to find jewellery and leather stuff and then chill out over an icy cold wine at an open-air café. Delightfully relaxed, it’s a pretty sure bet you’ll soon end up on the old town beach – a curve of sand curling round to San Antonio headland. Yet Denia has more up its sleeve than its old quarter. Wander along the seafront and a medley of bustling restaurants, bars and shops leads to a gleaming yacht marina. And nearby, a busy port and harbour await, offering a daily fish market, boat trips and watersports like diving and windsurfing. When you’re in lazy mode, there are plenty of beaches to tempt you. To the north, Blue Flag Las Marinas has pristine white sands, whilst elsewhere shingle coves make perfect snorkelling and swimming territory. Alternatively, disappear into the orchard-covered countryside, take the scenic train to Calpe or play a few rounds at a nearby golf course. By night, the waterfront takes centre stage. Here, well-regarded fish restaurants serve up mouth-watering paellas as the lights of tapas and music bars twinkle on the water. Add the moonlight and a dash of sangria … and what more could you want from Spain?