Gandia, two hours from Valencia, is a very popular destination. Thousands of tourists arrive in the summer, almost doubling its population. This gives you an idea of how interesting and beautiful this place is and why you should keep Gandia on your list.
Not only beautiful Mediterranean beaches await for you. Did you know that the Borgia family lived in Gandia and left a Palace, which you can visit? Find out this and more here!
Recommended Hotels for Your Stay
1. VS Gandía Palace Hotel (4*)
2. Senator Gandía Spa Hotel (4*)
3. TU&ME Resort – Adults Only (3*)
4. Hotel Cibeles Playa (3*)
5. Hotel Safari (3*)
How to Go From Valencia to Gandia
By Car:
There are 73 km between both cities. Taking the A-7 highway (Autovía del Mediterráneo) south from Valencia, you will reach it in approximately two hours, depending on traffic and specific starting and ending points.
By Bus:
Almost every hour, buses of ALSA leave from the Estación de Autobuses de Valencia. It takes one hour, and the average price is €11.
By Train:
There is a daily direct train between both cities. The train departs from Valencia Nord Station at 14:37 and takes 1.5 hours to arrive in Gandía. The ticket is €4 when bought in advance.
What to Do in Gandia
Gandia is great for a two-day getaway. You will have time to stroll the historic center and visit its Mediterranean beaches. Here are the most interesting things to do and see in Gandia.
1. Visit the Center
The Borgia’s Ducal Palace
Rodrigo de Borgia, the future Pope Alexander VI, bought this land in 1485, becoming the first Duke of Gandia. This palace was one of the most important mansions of the Crown of Aragon.
Over the centuries, the Borja family (the Spanish version of Borgia) expanded and modified the building, leaving their mark in the 15th and 16th centuries. In the Baroque era, the Duke and Duchess of Borja undertook renovations, including the Eagles’ Hall and the Golden Gallery.
After the eleventh Duke’s death, the property passed through noble families until 1890 when the Society of Jesus acquired it, initiating a significant restoration. The Neo-Gothic Chapel and the Holy Chapel of the Doge’s Palace were notable additions during this period.
This palace is the most important monument of the city. It has been designated as a Site of Cultural Interest, and was also the birthplace of the Spanish saint San Francisco de Borja. Visiting hours: Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday mornings only.
I recommend to get a Palace Entry Ticket with Audio Guide. This way you won’t miss any historic detail of the different rooms in this spectacular mansion, such as the Hall of Crowns, the Neo-Gothic Chapel, the Oratory, the Golden Gallery, the Chamber of the Duchees and the Parade Ground.
On one side of the Palace, in the Carmelites street you can admire a huge mural art. If you are a street art lover you will find Gandia is a very good place to discover beautiful art murals all over the city.
The Main Square and the Town Hall
As in most cities, the Town Hall is the central building in the main square. In Gandia, the Town Hall dates back to the 18th century and was built in Neoclassical style. Look at the four stone busts at the top. They represent the four cardinal virtues according to the Catholic religion: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance.
The square itself was designed in the 13th century. It’s the meeting point of locals who sit in the nearby outdoor terraces to have a drink while looking at people passing by.
The Santa Maria Church
This Gothic-style temple is one of the most important religious buildings in Gandia. You will find it in the main square next to the Town Hall.
The daughter-in-law of the Borgia Pope, Alexander VI, promoted this church, which was elevated to the rank of Collegiate Church by a Papal Bull.
A great part was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) when a significant portion of its treasures also disappeared. After the war, restoration works were initiated.
The bell tower is visible from nearly every corner of the city and served as a guiding landmark when designing the entrance road from the beach to Gandia. If you look closely, coming from the beach, once you have passed the Bayren castle, the road goes straight in the direction of the Collegiate Church.
Convent and Museum of Santa Clara
Near the Santa Maria church, you will come across this convent from the 15th century. Since it is a cloistered convent inhabited by the nuns of the order of the Poor Clares, there are no photos and no idea of how it looks inside today. Many of the women belonging to the Borgia family spent their lives enclosed here.
Visitors can only enter the Gothic church next to the convent. If you are interested in seeing the treasures, visit the Santa Clara Museum close to it. It holds a collection of paintings, jewels, goldsmith artistic pieces, and sculptures. It opens from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10:00 to 17:00. Admission fee: 2,50 €. Children up to 6 yrs: Free.
Casa de la Marquesa
Just a 5-minute walk from the Town Hall, you will arrive at the Casa de la Cultura Marqués González de Quirós, known locally as La Marquesa. It was built by two French brothers at the end of the 19th century.
The house looks like a fortified mansion with a defensive palatine structure. The first floor is used as an exhibition hall, and on the second floor, they present books. Outside, there is a garden with a large variety of plants and a curious sculpture of a French general represented with a big red nose, as he was reputed to be an alcoholic.
The house is open from Monday to Saturday, from 10:30 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 20:30. However, the garden is usually open, so you can enjoy it at any moment and sit to have something at the café inside.
2. Enjoy the Beaches
Gandia enjoys more than 7 km of white sandy beaches bathed by the Mediterranean. You can choose from urban, semi-urban, and even a secluded beach like L’Auir.
Nord Beach is a 3-kilometer urban beach with 30+ years of BLUE FLAG awards for safety and environmental commitment. It has fine sand and is fully equipped. The scenic promenade offers opportunities for walks, runs, skating, and cycling, making it an attractive year-round destination.
L’Auir Beach, north of Nord Beach, is a pristine Mediterranean gem with BLUE FLAG status, enjoying the highest protection level in the community. Spanning about two kilometers, it features dune ridges, native vegetation, fine sand, palm trees, and the backdrop of Mondúver mountains. It’s also an authorized nudist beach.
Venice Beach, situated between the port and the Serpis River mouth, is a popular 50-meter-wide urban beach cherished by locals for its natural harmony. Bordered by dune cord and vegetation, it boasts fine golden sand, breakwaters for wave protection, and a tranquil atmosphere. Easily accessible on foot, by bus, or car.
Marenys de Rafalcaid Beach is a serene 800-meter stretch of golden sand and clear waters, perfect for a relaxing swim. It offers a range of amenities including restaurants, hotels, and shops along the port. Bordered by small dunes, it’s an ideal spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. There are nearby clubs to join.
Daimús Beach, boasts fine golden sand and shallow waters, making it perfect for a relaxing family day out. With a length of 1,020 meters along the Valencian coast, it’s just 7 kilometers from Gandia. Despite its smaller size, Daimús offers services comparable to larger beaches.
3. Visit the Grao (The Maritime Neighborhood)
The Grao de Gandia is not just any neighborhood; it’s a fishing neighborhood with a deep connection to its maritime past. People here feel like they belong to a close-knit community.
From the center of Gandia, there are 3.5 km, which you can cover in about 10 minutes by car or bus. You can also make it by foot in about 50 minutes.
The heart of this neighborhood is the Church of San Nicolas and the Plaza de la Virgen. You can easily reach the beach from here through Avenida de la Pau and Moll dels Borja, a place with lots of culture, shops, and fun activities in this special maritime area.
It’s interesting to visit the Museum of the Sea, which has a large collection of more than 150 boats. You can also walk along the breakwater to the Gandia Lighthouse.
Another interesting thing to do in El Grao is a visit to the Lonja, the market where the fish auction takes place.
4. Explore the Marjal
The Marjal is a protected wetlands area near Gandia, renowned for its ecological and botanical significance. It is close to the center and easily accessible by car; you can park at the Alquería del Duc.
The Alquería del Duc is a former fortress built in the 14th century, which was the summer residence of the Borgia family. Although you cannot visit it, you can start a walk from here along dirt and wooden paths through l’Ullal de L’Estany and La Perla wetlands, observing the diverse flora and fauna in this natural haven near the city center and beach.
5. Visit the Museo Fallero
According to a widely accepted version, Las Fallas, a traditional Valencian festivity, originated from an ancient Valencian tradition. In this practice, the city’s carpenters would burn discarded materials the day before Saint Joseph’s Day (March 19), honoring the patron saint of carpenters.
Every year on this day, the streets of Valencia and its towns celebrate the Fallas. Gandia belongs to the province of Valencia, so they also burn “ninots”. These are big dolls with different representations. The event is preceded by a fireworks display.
If you want to learn more about this tradition, I suggest you visit this museum, which exhibits original pieces such as traditional costumes. The Fallas have been designated as Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
4. Try the Traditional Food of Gandia
Here people love rice in many forms: soupy, baked, or in paella, with a diverse range of ingredients. Gandia, known for its rich culinary tradition, boasts the famous Fideuà de Gandia – a paella with noodles, fish, and crayfish.
Rice takes the spotlight in various dishes like figatells, shrimp amb bleda, pebres farcits (stuffed peppers), and all i pebre, showcasing the region’s diverse gastronomy. Fresh fruits, especially oranges from the orchard, are a delight.
Desserts include local treats like peanut nougat, Easter cakes, pumpkin fritters, and the Gloria crown. Gandia’s special sweet, La Delicà, crafted by local pastry chefs, is a palate-pleasing experience. It’s named after a Gandia legend.
Where to Stay in Gandia
Mid-Range Hotels (4*)
VS Gandia Palace Hotel is located 820 feet from the beach. It offers an outdoor swimming pool, gym, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel’s popular facilities include 2 swimming pools, non-smoking rooms, facilities for disabled guests, a fitness center, free WiFi, private parking, family rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
Book your stay at VS Gandia Palace Hotel here
Senator Gandia Spa Hotel is a 14-minute walk from the beach. It offers 4-star accommodations with a seasonal outdoor pool, private parking, terrace, and restaurant. The hotel’s most popular facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, spa, room service, free WiFi, private parking, two restaurants, a bar, and a very good breakfast.
Book your stay at Senator Gandia Spa Hotel here
Budget Hotels (3*)
TU&ME Resort-Adults Only offers rooms with pool views and access to a seasonal outdoor pool surrounded by tropical gardens. The resort has 2 in-house restaurants serving Mediterranean cuisine, and guests can enjoy a continental and buffet breakfast. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi, free parking, a restaurant, and a bar.
Book your stay at TU&ME Resort-Adults Only here
Hotel Cibeles Playa is a 5-minute walk from Gandia Beach. It offers air-conditioned rooms with private balconies, a 24-hour front desk, and an outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy international cuisine in the buffet restaurant, and there’s a terrace bar for relaxation. Situated next to the marina and close to the Real Club Nautico de Gandia Sailing Club,
Book your stay at Hotel Cibeles Playa here
Hotel Safari offers simple, air-conditioned rooms with TVs and fully equipped bathrooms. Guests can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine in the buffet restaurant, and the hotel features three lively discos in tropical gardens. The hotel is conveniently located near the center of Gandia Beach, with shops, bars, and cafés just 600 m away.
Book your stay at Hotel Safari here.
