This Mediterranean coastal town has a 12th-century Santa María cathedral with Velázquez paintings and a historic center of narrow streets. Its beaches draw many Spanish tourists in summer.
Gandia sits 65 kilometers south of Valencia on Spain's Mediterranean coast. Walk through the rooms of the 15th-century Ducal Palace where the powerful Borgia family once lived, swim in the clear waters of North Beach, or taste fideuà, the local seafood noodle dish that originated in the fishing ports of this region. Orange groves line the roads leading into town, and local farmers sell their fruit at street markets throughout the year.
Getting Around Gandia
Two distinct areas make up Gandia: the city center and the beach zone. Regular buses run between both areas every 15 minutes. Two train lines connect to Valencia, with trains departing hourly. Local buses also run to nearby villages like Daimuz and Oliva every 30 minutes during peak hours.
Beaches and Swimming
North Beach extends for five kilometers with calm Mediterranean waters and a wide sandy shore. The beachfront promenade has water sports rental shops where you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and sailing equipment. L'Ahuir beach stretches for two kilometers north of the main beach, with natural dunes and fewer visitors. This beach allows optional clothing.
Historical Buildings
Inside the Ducal Palace, you can visit the Salón de las Coronas with its pointed Gothic arches and the Galería Dorada, where ceiling murals depict scenes from Greek mythology. The palace sits on the site of a former Arab residence. At the Collegiate Basilica of Santa María, look for the Door of the Apostles with its carved stone figures. The Archaeological Museum displays tools and everyday objects from the Palaeolithic period.
Local Food Scene
Try fideuà at restaurants throughout Gandia - this local dish uses short noodles instead of rice, mixed with fresh seafood and fish stock. Many bars serve lunch menus with three courses and wine. In the morning, watch fishermen sell their catch at the local market, or buy oranges directly from farmers at street stands.
Natural Areas
Walk or cycle through the Marjal de La Safor wetland, where white water lilies (Nymphaea alba) and duckweed (Lemna minor) float on the water's surface. The wetland covers 1.2 square kilometers. In the surrounding mountains, you can follow marked hiking paths ranging from short 2-kilometer walks to full-day 15-kilometer treks.
Festivals Throughout the Year
During Las Fallas (March 15-19), artists display large paper-mache sculptures throughout the city before burning them on the final night. Easter brings processions through the medieval streets. The San Francisco de Borja festival (September 29-October 3) fills the streets with music performances and regional dances. In April, the Cortoons festival screens animated short films from international artists.
