Talking about the Rotas Promenade in Dénia means talking about one of the most spectacular coastal walks on the Alicante coastline. Located on the southern coast of Dénia, this path combines accessibility, natural beauty, and a unique marine richness. It is a route that invites you to stroll leisurely, gaze at the horizon, and let yourself be carried away by the sound of waves crashing against the rocks.
This promenade is not just a tourist destination: it is a sensory experience. The views of the Mediterranean Sea, the hidden coves, traditional restaurants with sea-view terraces, and protected natural corners make this route a must-visit for any lover of nature, the sea, and good food.
Les Rotes, as it is known in Valencian, has been declared part of the Cabo de San Antonio Marine Reserve, and it is home to unique underwater flora and fauna. Here, the Mediterranean reveals itself as transparent, vibrant, and almost wild, especially in its less frequented stretches.
- An accessible coastal walk for everyone
- Start of the promenade: from Marineta Cassiana to the rocky coves
- The Marine Reserve and the charm of the fishermen's houses
- El Trampolí: a gem for swimming and seaside dining
- Punta Negra and Snorkelling in the Cabo de San Antonio Reserve
- Les Arenetes, the whale-watching viewpoint and Aigua Dolç naturist cove
- Tips to Make the Most of Your Experience
- Getting Back: Return Options from the End of the Promenade
- Share the Route and Keep Discovering Dénia’s Magical Spots!
An accessible coastal walk for everyone
One of the great virtues of the Rotas Promenade is its accessibility for all visitors. The route is practically flat, making it ideal for casual walkers, runners, cyclists, or anyone who wants to stroll effortlessly.
The path is well maintained in its initial sections, featuring a wide pedestrian area, stairs, and clear signage. Most of the route is pedestrian, with only a few areas where traffic is allowed but very limited, preserving the tranquillity and safety of the promenade. This makes Les Rotes a perfect option for enjoying a family outing, with children, older people, or anyone seeking a relaxing escape without complications.
Start of the promenade: from Marineta Cassiana to the rocky coves
The starting point is the Marineta Cassiana Beach, right next to Dénia’s marina. This small sandy bay marks the beginning of the promenade, and even from here, you can start feeling a special connection with the sea.
The stretch is wide, with open views of the sea and Montgó presiding in the distance. It’s common to see families with children, cyclists, and sports enthusiasts enjoying this friendly section. As you continue, the sand gives way to rocky formations, and the rugged charm of Les Rotes begins.
It is right at the end of this first walk where the rocky coves begin, offering a completely different landscape: intimate, natural, and authentic. Here, nature starts to take centre stage.
The Marine Reserve and the charm of the fishermen’s houses
One of the features that makes this area unique is that from this point, you enter the Cabo de San Antonio Marine Reserve, a protected space that safeguards a valuable marine ecosystem.
Walking along Fénix Street, you pass an old fishermen’s quarter, with low houses by the sea, many lovingly restored but still retaining that authentic maritime charm.
In this stretch, the experience blends with gastronomy, thanks to three of the area’s most emblematic restaurants: El Faralló, Helios (with a sea-view terrace), and El Pegolí, all excellent options for those seeking fresh fish or a good fideuà overlooking the Mediterranean.
El Trampolí: a gem for swimming and seaside dining
The promenade continues and transforms into a more natural stone pedestrian path along the coast. In this section appears El Trampolí, possibly one of the best-known coves of Les Rotes.
El Trampolí is perfect for enjoying the sun and sea; many visitors come for its clean waters and the opportunity to snorkel. There are also nearby facilities and a couple of recommended restaurants: L’Erizo del Trampolí and at the end of Fénix Street, Restaurant Sendra.
Here, the landscape starts to reveal a wilder, more authentic Mediterranean, with small coves and rocky formations shaping a coastline full of corners to discover.
Punta Negra and Snorkelling in the Cabo de San Antonio Reserve
From this point, the promenade becomes even more special. After crossing a small ravine and following Terra Street, you enter the Punta Negra area, considered by many the most beautiful part of the route. By the start of this stretch, you will have already walked around 2.5 km.
This is a 100% pedestrian section, where the stone path continues, winding along rocky coves and pebble beaches. This area is perfect for snorkelling, as the water is clear and the marine biodiversity is very rich. You also get a privileged view of the cliffs of Cabo de San Antonio, a natural spectacle in themselves.
And as a grand finale, if you look to the right at the end of the path, you can see the imposing Torre del Gerro, perched atop the cliff. Everything here invites you to pause, take a deep breath, and enjoy the moment.
Les Arenetes, the whale-watching viewpoint and Aigua Dolç naturist cove
The final section of the promenade takes you to a spot that looks straight out of a postcard. Upon reaching the Mena restaurant, you enter the end of Les Rotes area.
From here, you can access the whale and seabird-watching viewpoint, a perfect spot for wildlife observation, especially during the warmer months. The Barranc del Monyo road —closed to traffic in summer— leads to the Les Arenetes cove, a fantastic place for photography or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Here you will also find the last restaurant, Ca Nano.
And if you still have energy, a small slope leads to steps that provide access to the hidden Aigua Dolç cove, a small naturist beach nestled under the cliff. It is the perfect finale to an unforgettable walk.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Experience
- Best time: early morning or at sunset to avoid the heat and crowds.
- Wear comfortable footwear, especially for the stony sections.
- Water and sun protection are essential, even on cloudy days.
- Snorkel gear if you want to explore the underwater world in coves like Trampolí or Punta Negra.
- Reserve at restaurants, especially during peak season. Places like El Pegolí or Mena tend to get fully booked.
- Camera or phone with battery, because you’ll want to take lots of photos.
Getting Back: Return Options from the End of the Promenade
You’ve reached the end of the route, covering around 4 km. Here are two options:
If you still have energy, walking back allows you to enjoy the scenery from a different perspective. But if you prefer to rest, the local bus connecting Les Rotes with central Dénia is a very practical, comfortable, and affordable option.
Share the Route and Keep Discovering Dénia’s Magical Spots!
If this walk along the Rotas Promenade has inspired you as much as it did me, don’t keep it to yourself 😉.
Share it with friends or on your social media, and encourage more people to enjoy this seaside paradise. Sometimes a simple photo or recommendation is all it takes to push someone to experience something unique.
And if you’re craving more, here are some routes that perfectly complement this experience:
Related Routes You’ll Love:
- Climb to Torre del Gerro: enjoy spectacular views over the Les Rotes cliffs. A short but intense route, ideal for hiking and photography enthusiasts.
- Excursion to Cova Tallada: one of the most impressive routes in the area. You can reach it on foot or by kayak from Les Rotes. A cave carved into the rock just above the sea that seems from another world!
- Beaches and Coves of Les Rotes: discover lesser-known spots, perfect for escaping the crowds and enjoying nature in its purest form.
🔗 Click the links or explore our routes section to keep travelling without leaving your screen.
And remember…
the best adventures deserve to be told and shared!
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Hike to the Torre del Gerro in Dénia: Stunning Views Along the Trail
