Gandia is the southernmost resort on the Costa del Azahar which is situated in the Valencia region. This is still very much a working town, unlike many of the resorts on the Costa Blanca to the south, although it does boast around 12 miles (20km) of sandy beaches. The most popular beach is the 2-mile section, Gandia Playa Nord, which is notable for its fine, golden sand. Alongside it runs a promenade lined with apartment blocks, small hotels, bars, restaurants and gardens. The beach boasts some excellent facilities including showers, lifeguards and even a sailing club.
Another well-known beach in Gandia is the Playa Alhuir which
extends from the River Vaca. Part of this beach is used by naturists.
There are many water sports on offer in Gandia, including windsurfing,
kite surfing and sailing. There are also boat trips along the coast to the
resorts of Denia, Javea and Calpe. The surrounding area boasts some lovely
scenery and there is a good choice of walking and cycling trails. Gandia's
tourist information office can provide you with maps. Some of the walking
trails take in the nearby villages of L'Orxa and
Vilallonga. For those
who love mountain scenery the area inland from Gandia is worth exploring.
The highest point is Mount Monduvar whose summit is about 840 metres above
sea level.
The actual town of Gandia is situated on the River Serpis and is also about a mile inland. During the 14th and 15th centuries it was an important university city and cultural centre. Many of the Gandia's important historical monuments date from that time. The biggest attraction in Gandia is the Palau Ducal, a splendid Gothic palace that was the birthplace of Saint Francisco de Borja. Dating back to the 14th century, the palace boasts some sumptuously-decorated apartments. The highlight is the Baroque-style Golden Gallery with its beautiful mosaic and gold leaf decorations. There is also a neo-Gothic private chapel and an exhibition which shows the history of the dukes of Borja. In the centre of the palace is a handsome Gothic courtyard.
The medieval Hospital of St Marc,
founded by the Duke Alfons de Vell, now houses Gandia's Archaeological Museum which traces
the
prehistoric origins of the
area. Another of the town's attractions is the Gothic style church of
Santa Maria, built during the 14th and 15th centuries. The church was
badly damaged by fire during the Spanish Civil War, but restored in the
1940's. Look out for the highly unusual nave which is made up of five sections.
In the heart of the town is the tree-lined avenue of Passeig de les Germanies, where locals often come to meet up for a chat. The busy Saturday morning market is held not far from here. For more shops and cafes, head to the pedestrianised calle Major which is often lively during the mornings.
Gandia's railway station is situated at Parc de l'Estacio next to the tourist information office. There are regular trains from Gandia to Valencia which is around 40 miles (65km) to the north. Alicante is about 60 miles (100km) south of Gandia.