Valencia oranges and Dénia by the sea

During the winter at home I was eating Valencia oranges. Every time I got a new batch, I would proclaim with excitement, “Oranges from Valencia!” No doubt my family was tired of my repetitive announcements. 

I can’t help it. This juicy citrus is a delight in the midst of winter. And now, in Spain, I have seen where they originate. Fields and fields of orange trees!

On my bus ride from Dénia to Valencia, for 2.5 hours, all I saw were orange groves. The flat expanse of land between the coast and the mountains was covered with rows and rows of orange trees.

I did not spot many fruits hanging on the trees (as we have been eating them all winter) however I did enjoy the fresh squeezed juice each morning at my hotel in Dénia.

Descending from the tiny villages in the mountains, Dénia was certainly a much larger town. But a very comfortable size and with tons of restaurants. There was a nice preserved old town, built around the city’s castle (Castell de Dénia). My hotel was close to the castle so it was easy to find my way back: just look for the castle on the hill.

I also toured the castle from inside the walls. The grounds were quite extensive. And from this height I had fabulous views in every direction: the mountains, the town, the coast, the large marina. 

Dénia had some great walking paths. Flat and easy. From the central point of the marina you can walk in either direction along the coast. One day, I walked the 4 km promenade along the rocky coastline (a protected reserve). At the end of the path I enjoyed a refreshing orange juice at the restaurant overlooking the sea before heading back. 

In the other direction, a sandy beach stretched on and on. I also walked part of the Via Verde, a walking and biking path inland from the coast. It was a nice easy stroll through the country side. On either side of the path were …. orange groves!

Apologies family, I am still smitten with Valencia oranges. Maybe even more so.