Dénia Castle crowns the hill at the centre of the town, a fortress with layers running from its Islamic origins through medieval and later rebuilding. A walk up through its gates and ramparts is the best way to read the history of Dénia, the northern gateway of the Costa Blanca.
Inside the walls, the Governor's Palace and an archaeology museum tell the story of the site, while the climb itself — partly steep, partly stepped — opens up wide views over the red-tiled old town, the fishing port and marina, and the sea toward the Balearics.
Below the castle, Dénia's old streets, market and seafront make an easy continuation; the town is also the ferry port for Ibiza and Formentera. Early morning or late afternoon visits avoid the heat, as there is little shade on the hill.