Denia, Calp, Altea or Javea?

Denia, Calp, Altea or Javea?

When I was trying to decide where to stay for a few days in the area I knew I wanted to be on the coast and that I didn't want to go to Benidorm but I found it difficult to decide between these four towns as I couldn't really get an impression of them. In the end I just chose the apartment I liked the look of most. If you are wondering the same thing, this post is for you.

 Denia

What I liked 

• A genuine large Spanish town by the sea, going about its business, not just touristy, not much high rise. 
• Les Rotes paseo which goes along the coast for four kilometeres well away from the main road and mostly on a pedestrian/cycle path is very pleasant if you like walking by the sea.

Possible disadvantages

• The old town hasn’t been valorized much, both around the castle and the part between the castle and the sea. 
• Not much sandy beach so maybe not the right destination for a beach holiday in summer. 
• In winter not as sunny as the other destinations

Calpe 

What I liked 

• Sunny in winter.
• View of the Penyal (if you can avoid looking at the highrise)
• Beautiful sandy walkable beach and sea (if you can avoid looking at the highrise).
• Pretty but very small old town

What I didn’t like

• High rise, apart from the small old town, uninspriring, aging and newer apartment blocks and skyscrapers, 
• Lots of traffic and busy (February).

Altea

What I liked 

• Quiet and pleasant as a whole.
• Very pretty old town – a very well looked after pueblo blanco,  fantastic views
• Sunny in winter
• Paseo along promenade and as far as Albir (apparently)

Possible disadvantage

• Pebbled beach

Javea

What I liked 

• A very attractive historical centre
• Not too busy by the sea

Possible disadvantage

• Stony beach without much of a paseo

Conclusions, for us, for a winter stay, main consideration being able to walk by the sea and enjoy the sun and Spanish environment this is our ranking (best first)

• Altea (south facing, nice promenade, pretty pueblo blanco)
• Denia (Spanish feel and Les Rotes promenade walk)
• Javea 
• Calp (did I mention the highrise?)

Altea seafront

Spain in January and February complete trip report

What do you think? Add your opinions below!