This page is all about the Spanish coastal town of Gandia on the Costa del Azahar. It contains useful Gandia tourist information for people intending to visit or holiday in Gandia.
In this tourist guide to the tourist resort of Gandia in Spain we help visitors who are planning a trip with useful and practical advice on many tourism related subjects such as Gandia car hire, accommodation, hotels, hostels, villa rental, apartments to rent, Gandia map, sightseeing, Gandia weather, where to go, where to stay, travel information and what to see and do in Gandia.
To make the best of your visit and holiday we cover everything you need to know about Gandia. We also have photos, picture galleries, views, videos and webcams Gandia.
Gandia is a large town at the southern tip of Spain’s Costa del Azahar in the Valencia region. In actual fact Gandia actually has two separate areas from each other.
There is the working town of Gandia which is about 5 km from the coast and then there is Gandia’s beach resort which is of course the area which most people reading this page on Gandia’s tourist information will want to visit.
The working town of Gandia is fairly unspectacular but it does have a pretty and attractive tree-lined central area the main road is called the avenue of Passeig de les Germanies, where locals often gather and socialise.
Most shops are situated on the pedestrianised Calle Major, always a very busy area of Gandia. The popular Saturday morning market is held near here.
Gandia’s beach resort is comprised mainly of high-rise apartments. There are fewer restaurants and bars than you would expect in such a large tourist resort. However all is forgiven when you see the sandy beach – this stretches for 20 km and is very wide with huge areas for beach volleyball and beach football.
Obviously the beaches are the principal reason for Gandia’s popularity as a tourist destination but the surrounding countryside is also worth a visit. The scenery is lovely because in the background of Gandia are mountain ranges and huge stretches of orange groves and vineyards. This area is great for walking and climbing. The highest mountain is Mount Monduvar which reaches a height of 840 metres above sea level.
Little villages in the countryside such as L’Orxa and Vilallonga are quiet and unspoilt and give you a flavour of the real Spain. Jativa is also a nearby town worth visiting for its castle.
Getting to Gandia
By Air: Gandia is close to Valencia airport which is approximately 45 minutes drive away. Also consider Alicante airport approximately 100 km to the south although it is about an hour and a half drive.
Once at the airport you have a range of different airport transfer options to Gandia including private shuttle buses, taxis or Gandia car hire.
By Rail: Gandia’s railway station is located at Parc de l’Estacio which happens to be handily placed next to Gandia’s tourist information office. There are frequent trains from Gandia to Valencia which is only about 65 km to the north.
Gandia Beaches
Gandia City is the 2nd largest city in Valencia and is less than a kilometer to the beaches and marina. The sand is white and very good quality. The waters are shallow and clean. Facilities are excellent, there are many volleyball nets and room for beach football. There is a pedestrianised promenade great for strolling in the evening.
The main beach centrally located is the Gandia Playa Nord. Behind the beach are many apartment blocks, hotels, cafes, bars and good restaurants.
The beaches in Gandia are so big that they are never truly overcrowded but if you do want to get away from it all – especially if you want to sunbathe nude (naturists) – then head for Gandia’s Playa Alhuir next to the Rio (river) Vaca.
Of course water sports are very popular in Gandia, you can sail, windsurf and kite surf. There are boat trips going down the coast stopping at the resorts of Denia, Javea and Calpe.
The photo below is of Silencia Beach (playa) which is near Tavernes/Xeraco just to the north of Gandia.
History and Sights
As we have already stated, the actual main town of Gandia is situated about 5 km inland from the coastal resort of Gandia next to the Rio (River) Serpis.
In the 14th and 15th centuries Gandia was an important cultural centre in the area and because of this many historical monuments were built. The main tourist attraction for history lovers is the Gothic Palace called the Palau Ducal. This was the birthplace of the famed Saint Francisco de Borja.
The Palau Ducal was built during the 14th century and is lavishly decorated. Look out for the neo-Gothic private chapel and the Baroque Golden Gallery with its pretty mosaic and gold leaf decorations. In the middle of the palace is a handsome Gothic courtyard.
There are of course many churches in Gandia – look out for the Gothic church of Santa Maria with its unusual nave made of five sections. The church was started in the 14th century and finished in the 15th century, badly damaged by fire in Spain’s civil war it was restored to its former glory in the 1940’s.
The Duke Alfons de Vell founded the medieval Hospital of St Marc. This is now an important historical attraction of Gandia. It is now a Archaeological Museum which traces the prehistoric origins of the area.
See the best sights and photos of Gandia in the video below:
Excursions and Places to Visit Near Gandia
If you are staying in Gandia or going on holiday to Gandia then do consider these ideas for excursions so you make the most of your trip to Spain’s Costa Azahar:
1. Trip to the glamorous big city of Valencia which is only 45 minutes drive away
2. The smaller beach resort of Oliva which has fantastic sand dunes and is very different to Gandia.
3. Inland from Gandia in the countryside are orange groves, peace and tranquility and the lovely town of Jativa (Xativa).
4. Go into the mountains and go skiing just two hours drive away at either Javalambre or Valdelinares.
Moving to Gandia
If you are thinking of moving to Gandia, then you must read our expat interview with Vanessa Crocker-Dean of Hello2Spain below:
Vanessa, can you tell us how we can get to Gandia?
Gandia Spain lies just over 100 km north of Alicante and 90 kilometers south of Valencia along the Costa Blanca and Costa Azahar Gandia is one of the largest cities around the area. You can take the Autopista or National road up or down from Alicante or Valencia to Gandia by car, or take a bus from Alicante bus station or the train from Valencia.
What would you say would be the advantages to living in Gandia compared to other Costa Blanca towns?
With near endless fields of orange trees around, Gandia is somewhat the centre of agriculture for the area. Together with a large fishing business due to its harbour, the city also offers very interesting places to visit. Due to the fact that most of Gandia’s city centre is full with palm tree promenades with bars, restaurants and shops along, it is also a wonderful place for a shopping tour.
Are there many facilities such as doctors and dentists, shops etc?
Being one of the largest cities around, Gandia attracts many tourists just for shopping. With a huge shopping mall area outside of Gandia, major supermarkets and stores can be found. (Mercadona, Carrefour or Aldi just to name a few.).
Apart from shopping for daily needs, Gandia is also an interesting place for sightseeing holidays. One major tourist attraction is the Palace of Santo Duque just at one end of the old city centre. The building, with many different influences over the past centuries, is famous for its patio de las armas and a huge stairway. It has been declared a Spanish national monument.
In addition, while you are in Gandia, you might want to visit the church La Colegiata at the plaza de la constitucion and the old university building Antigua Universidad. A little bit to the south of Gandia you find the city of Oliva with a beautiful old town centre, which you should also visit.
Are there beaches nearby?
Gandia has many beaches 11 km to choose from, the sand is golden and the sea is beautiful and clear they have been awarded BLUE FLAG status for many years.
The beaches have various activities, such as San Juan in July one of the most spectacular fiestas I have seen, the whole city and generations of people from babies to great great grandparents all attending the bonfire night on the beaches (the only night of the year your allowed to have a bonfire on the beach) This is a night of party, fireworks, feasting and families coming together to enjoy life the Spanish way.
What are the fiestas/festivities in Gandia?
In March, they have the “burning of the Fallas (failures)” which is just one of the many fiestas held in the city. It features enormous paper mache statues which are displayed around the city for approximately one week before they are burned. Prior to burning, they build these statues all year round and have competitions for the best designed statue. Normally, the burning is held on the 19th day of March.
What are your favourite things to do in the area?
Theatre Serrano in Gandia offers many different productions throughout the year including Russian Ballet every December.
Walking and hiking are two great activities in this area, beautiful mountain walks or a stroll through the orange groves, a great place if you have pets and enjoy the countryside way of life.
Casa de Cultura – holds many cultural events all year – exhibitions, lectures and summer concerts held in the beautiful gardens in July and August (many are free)
Cycling is another big activity in Spain with plenty of cycle routes in and around the region and in the mountains an array of mountain biking paths.
Water Sports. There are a huge selection of beaches to choose from, Daimus, Grau de Gandia are the closest beaches, jet skiing, wind surfing, dinghy sailing from the marina, kite surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking basically anything you can think of is just 15 minutes’ drive away. Also there is a yacht club called Club Nautica.
Equestrian Centre. There are 3 main centres where you can have lessons, a hack out or show jumping.
Tennis Club is situated near the Grau de Gandia and is not just for tennis but Padel courts too. Lessons are available for all ages and abilities.
Golf Club in Ganida is situated between Gandia and the beach of Grau de Gandia. 9 Holes with a putting green and practice range.
Shopping. Gandia is a city and has all the shops expected of a city, indoor shoping complexes with cinemas, Calle Major and streets off have around 800 different shops, Grau de Gandia for beach shopping and on the outskirts are the DIY shops, car showrooms, garden centres basically various industrial estates have everything you need.
What places of interest can we find in Gandia?
Royal Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba Alfauir in a neighbouring village with the building dating back to 1388 it is one of the most prestigious Monasteries in the Valencian region. It is now open to the public through an agreement with the Valencian government.
Collegiate Basilica of Santa Maria of Gandia, also known as La Seu, was built starting in the 14th Century. It is Gothic style and well worth a visit.
Borja Palace. This is a beautiful example of a palace. It shows the grandeur and simplicity of the lifestyle of the royal Borja’s. There is a full tour of the Borja footsteps of plenty of places to visit and see. Dates back to 15th century.
When is market day in Gandia?
Gandia has a variety of markets throughout the year. Medieval market is normally around the latter part of the year and a great time to go shopping for Christmas presents. They have a typical market on Saturday mornings at the bottom of the Passeo.
What are the nearest international schools and how good are they?
There are several schools in and around the area but the nearest International School is the British School Gandia which offers the following:
Complete language immersion from Pre-Nursery to Year 13 (0 to 18 years of age)
Personal and individualized education, with continuous supervision and curricular adaptation to each pupil’s needs.
A comprehensive education which covers learning in all curricular and extra-curricular subject areas designed for artistic and physical development: judo, ballet, tennis, violin, etc.
Teaching values that are reflected in our pupil’s behaviour and attitude.
Continuous contact with our pupils’ parents, informing them of all aspects relevant to their child’s education.
Vanessa, thank you so much for taking the time to help our readers with your experiences in Spain. If you want to contact her, you can find her details below.
Marques de Campo, 6, 03700 Denia
Tel. +34 672 208 879
Email: info@hello2spain.com
Website: www.hello2spain.com
Gandia Tourist Office (Oficina de Turismo)
In Gandia you will find an official tourist office providing tourist information and assistance for visitors to Gandia. The staff there will be able to help you with your questions about: local events such as fiestas, places of interest, things to do and see, accommodation, leisure, free maps, entertainment and local transport.
Gandia Tourist Office
Address: Avenida Marqués de Campo S/N, 46701, Gandia.
Telephone: + 34 962 877 788
Email: gandia@touristinfo.net
Opening Times: Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 13:00 and 15:30 to 19:30 h. Saturdays from 09:30 to 13:30
Gandia Tourist Office (Playa)
Address (Dirección): Paseo Neptuno S/N, 46730, Gandia.
Telephone: + 34 962 842 407
Website: www.visitgandia.com/
Email: gandiaplaya@touristinfo.net
Opening Hours (Horario): Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 to 14:30 hors. Friday: 9:30 to 14:30 and 15:30 to 18:30. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 9:30 to 13:30 h. Summer hours (July 1 to September 15): Monday to Saturday from 9:30 to 20:30 hours. Sundays: from 9:30 to 13:30.
Contact us to be featured – we want more expat interviews for our newsletter and website. You don’t need to be an estate agent, we want to hear from anyone who lives in Spain whether you are working or retired.
Page Summary – If you are visiting Gandia on holiday, if you live in Gandia or are thinking of moving to Gandia we hope this page on Gandia tourism information has been useful.
Related Gandia Pages…
Nearby Towns & Resorts to Gandia…
Haidie Tuazon says
Here’s an excerpt from this article:
The working town of Gandia is fairly unspectacular but it does have a pretty and attractive tree-lined central area the main road is called the avenue of Passeig de les Germanies, where locals often gather and socialise.
Gandia has rich culture and history. As mentioned in the article, there are several historical buildings, a marketplace and a variety of places to go shopping. I do not think “unspectacular” is the word that should be used here. Just because tourists love to go to the beach does not mean an old town with a variety of things to offer is unspectacular. In fact, everything is relative: since I grew up in California, sand and water for me is unspectacular!