ferry Dénia Ciutat Creativa Balearia
ferry Dénia Ciutat Creativa
âš“ The Dénia Ciutat Creativa is the flagship of the route linking the port of Dénia with Ibiza and Formentera, operated by Baleària. Her name is a tribute to Dénia's status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, a distinction awarded in 2015 that has made this Alicante town a cultural and culinary landmark of the Mediterranean. The ship links northern Alicante directly with the Pitiusas Islands, and is the most natural and best-established connection between the Valencian coast and the Balearics.
The Dénia Ciutat Creativa is a mid-sized conventional ferry carrying both passengers and vehicles, with all the essential comforts on board: a café, an open deck, seat and cabin accommodation, and access for passengers with reduced mobility. Her direct crossing to Ibiza in roughly 2 hours 30 minutes from Dénia makes her one of the fastest and most convenient links between the Spanish mainland and the Pitiusas for travellers along the Mediterranean arc.
A name with an identity of its own
Baleària has a tradition of naming its ships after towns, figures and values from around the Mediterranean. The name Dénia Ciutat Creativa honours the town that hosts her mainland home port and that was recognised by UNESCO within its Creative Cities Network for an extraordinary culinary tradition built on rice, fresh fish and Valencian home cooking. The ship's name also works as a tourism ambassador for Dénia among the thousands of passengers who sail with her every season on their way to Ibiza and Formentera.
History and background of the ship
The Dénia Ciutat Creativa was built between 1991 and 1992 at the Van Der Giessen-de Noord shipyard in Krimpen aan den IJssel (the Netherlands) as the Via Ligure, a ro-ro vessel ordered by the Italian company Viamare di Navigazione for the routes between mainland Italy and Sicily. In 1994 she was chartered by the Greek operator Strintzis Lines, which converted her into a combined passenger and freight vessel at the Perama yards, renamed her Ionian Star and ran her between Greece and Italy. Strintzis bought her in 1996 and sold her in 1999 to the French company Compagnie Méridionale de Navigation (CMN), which renamed her Scandola — after the Corsican nature reserve — and put her on the Marseille–Corsica route until 2011.
Withdrawn from service when the Piana arrived, she was chartered from 2012 by ASA Lines and from 2013 by Acciona Trasmediterránea on routes between mainland Spain and the Balearics. In April 2015 she was sold to Baleària, which renamed her Dénia Ciutat Creativa. She first worked in the Balearics; since 2017 she has covered the routes between southern Spain and Melilla.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Conventional Ro-Pax ferry |
| Length overall | 164 m |
| Beam | 27 m |
| Draught | 5.9 m |
| Service speed | ~20 knots |
| Passenger capacity | 800 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~220 cars |
| Propulsion | Conventional diesel |
| Passenger decks | Several (seats + cabins) |
| Flag | Spain |
| IMO number | 9198387 |
| Former name | Stena Jutlandica (previous operator) |
| Operating company | Baleària |
| Home port (mainland) | Dénia (Alicante) |
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Dénia → Ibiza | ~2 h 30 min | ~07:00 / ~16:00 |
| Ibiza → Dénia | ~2 h 30 min | ~10:00 / ~19:30 |
| Dénia → Formentera | ~3 h 15 min | ~07:00 |
| Formentera → Dénia | ~3 h 15 min | ~19:30 |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. Confirm the exact time in our search engine.
The port of Dénia: getting there and what to bear in mind
The port of Dénia sits right in the middle of the town, barely 10 minutes' walk from the seafront promenade. It lies 100 km from Valencia and 95 km from Alicante, with AP-7 motorway links from both cities. It is one of the best-connected ports on the Valencian coast for reaching the Pitiusas.
If you are driving, arrive at least 90 minutes before departure. As a foot passenger, 45 minutes is enough. In high season (July and August) traffic towards the port can be heavy, so allow a little extra. There is public parking close by.
One advantage of Dénia over other mainland ports is its smaller, brisker scale: boarding formalities are quick and the atmosphere is calmer than at big ports such as Barcelona or Valencia, particularly outside the peak months.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A standard seat from Dénia to Ibiza starts at roughly €35–50 each way in mid season, rising above €80–100 in July and August. Taking a vehicle carries a supplement. We recommend booking ahead, especially in summer, as this route is in high demand.
Available discounts:
- Balearic resident: 75% off the base fare for residents of the Balearic Islands. You must prove residency at boarding with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
- Valencian / Dénia resident: in certain schemes and seasons, Baleària applies special discounts for residents in the port of Dénia's catchment area. Check availability when you book.
- Carnet Joven (youth card): reduced fare for travellers aged 14 to 30. Subject to season and availability.
- Baleària Club: the operator's points scheme. Collect points on every trip and redeem them against future bookings.
You can compare prices and real-time availability directly on I Love Ferry.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Alone or as a couple, looking for the best price | Standard seat |
| As a family with children | Standard seat + quiet area |
| Wanting privacy and rest on an overnight crossing | Inside or outside cabin |
| As a couple on a romantic trip or short break | Outside cabin with window |
| With a pet | Seat + pet place |
| With reduced mobility | Adapted seat / accessible cabin |
ferry Dénia Ciutat Creativa · Accommodations
Seat · Standard
The cheapest option on board. Seats in a shared lounge with access to every area of the ship. Ideal for daytime sailings between Dénia and Ibiza, which take around two and a half hours and do not call for a cabin.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to every area of the ship
✓ Free SmartB WiFi
✓ The most affordable option on the ship
Inside cabin
A cabin without a window, fitted with single beds or a bunk and its own bathroom. It offers complete privacy and proper rest during the crossing. Recommended if you would rather shut out the world and sleep in peace.
✓ Complete privacy with a lockable door
✓ Beds + private bathroom
✓ Individual air conditioning
✓ Free SmartB WiFi
Outside cabin
A cabin with a window or porthole facing the sea. It lets you enjoy natural light and Mediterranean views from the privacy of your own space. The best choice for couples and for anyone who wants to combine rest with scenery.
✓ Window or porthole with sea views
✓ Beds + private bathroom
✓ Individual air conditioning
✓ Free SmartB WiFi
Accessible cabin · Reduced mobility
A cabin adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. Spacious, with step-free access, an adapted bathroom with grab rails and enough room for a wheelchair. Designed to guarantee full independence throughout the crossing.
✓ Step-free, barrier-free access
✓ Adapted bathroom with grab rails
✓ Room for a wheelchair
✓ Free SmartB WiFi
ferry Dénia Ciutat Creativa · On-board services
Café and catering on board
The Dénia Ciutat Creativa has a café on board serving hot and cold food and drink throughout the crossing. The menu runs to baguettes, set menus, hot dishes, drinks and desserts. It is a place to relax and take in the Mediterranean views as you sail towards the Pitiusas.
Open deck
The ship has an open deck from which to enjoy views of the open sea and the coastline while sailing between Dénia and Ibiza. On fine days it is one of the spots passengers rate most highly.
Travelling with a dog on board
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Dénia Ciutat Creativa has an accessible cabin adapted for passengers with reduced mobility, with an adapted bathroom fitted with grab rails and enough room for a wheelchair. The ship's access routes are designed to make boarding and disembarking easier for passengers with reduced mobility. If you have particular accessibility needs, we recommend telling Baleària when you book so that the best possible assistance can be arranged.
Connectivity and digital entertainment — SmartB
On board the Dénia Ciutat Creativa you have Baleària's SmartB platform, the operator's digital entertainment and connectivity system:
- Free WiFi throughout the crossing
- Completely free WhatsApp without using your data allowance
- On-demand series and films on your smartphone or tablet
- Digital magazines and newspapers through the entertainment platform
- Free Spanish and international press via PressReader
- Digital boarding pass with seat assignment online
- Real-time trip information on your phone
Frequently asked questions about the Dénia Ciutat Creativa
Which routes does the Dénia Ciutat Creativa ferry operate?
She works mainly the Dénia–Ibiza and Dénia–Formentera routes for Baleària. It is the most direct link between the Alicante coast and the Pitiusas Islands.
How long does the Dénia Ciutat Creativa take from Dénia to Ibiza?
The Dénia–Ibiza crossing takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. It is one of the shortest crossings between mainland Spain and the Pitiusas.
How long does the ferry take from Dénia to Formentera?
The Dénia–Formentera crossing takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The route usually calls at Ibiza on the way.
Does the Dénia Ciutat Creativa carry cars?
Yes. She has a vehicle hold for around 220 vehicles. If you are travelling by car, arrive at the port at least 90 minutes beforehand. In July and August, allow more time.
What accommodation does the Dénia Ciutat Creativa offer?
Four types: standard seat, inside cabin, outside cabin (with a sea-facing window) and an accessible cabin for passengers with reduced mobility.
Is there free WiFi on the Dénia Ciutat Creativa?
Yes. Baleària's SmartB platform includes free WiFi, WhatsApp that uses no data, on-demand series and films, and digital newspapers with PressReader.
Is there a Balearic resident discount?
Yes. Residents of the Balearic Islands get a 75% discount on the base fare, on production of a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
Are pets allowed on the Dénia Ciutat Creativa?
Yes. She accepts pets in a dedicated area. You need to book a pet place when you buy your ticket.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
Yes. She has an adapted accessible cabin with an accessible bathroom and room for a wheelchair, plus barrier-free access routes. Do let the operator know about any particular needs when you book.
How much does a ticket on the Dénia Ciutat Creativa cost?
A standard seat starts at roughly €35–50 each way in mid season. In July and August it can exceed €80–100. Balearic residents pay 75% less. Compare real-time prices here.
Why is the ship called Dénia Ciutat Creativa?
The name honours Dénia's recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, awarded in 2015. The ship acts as an ambassador for the town among the thousands of passengers who pass through its port every season.
Where is the port of Dénia and how do I get there?
The port of Dénia is in the town centre, 100 km from Valencia and 95 km from Alicante along the AP-7. There is public parking close by.
How early should I get to the port to board?
By car: at least 90 minutes. As a foot passenger: 45 minutes is enough. In high season (July and August) allow more time, as the approach roads to the port get busy.
