Gandia City Guide What To Do and See

Gandia Gandia is the second largest city in the province of nestled on the Costa del Azahar. It has been a hotspot for Spanish tourists (mainly from ) for years, but is becoming more popular with foreign visitors as its charms become better known.

Situated around two kilometres from the beach, the town of Gandia has successfully managed to separate its tourism- side from daily life. The city is amongst ’s main orange growing region and produces some of the most delicious oranges in Europe.

Getting Around the Area By bus: La Marina Gandiense (tel. +34 962 871 806) operates seven bus routes within Gandía and connecting the city to the surrounding pueblos. L2 and L6 connect the train station directly to the city beaches. A single journey costs €1.50- €1.80, depending on the route, and is payable directly to the bus driver on entry.

By taxi: Radio Taxi Gandia, (tel +34 962 843 000) runs a Daily 24 hrs. service. There is also a taxi stand in front of the train station.

Beaches Gandia has a coastline which is longer than 7 kilometres and 700,000m2 of beach.

The little city is known for its beaches that are of high quality and been recognised by several certificates like the famous Blue Flag. Besides the big amount of space, you will also find many services and activities without any problem. In Gandia you have the luxury to choose among 4 beaches, and other water activities that are perfect for enjoying the sunny weather.

Below you will find information about each of the 4 beaches.

La Playa Norte is the most important beach of Gandia, since it probably has the most facilities and services.

It is a lovely, big beach which is more than 3 kilometres long and 150 metres wide. Along the whole length of the beach you will also find a beautiful promenade.

The golden sand is perfect for both sun bathing and being active. The quality of this clean beach and water have been rewarded with a Blue Flag. You can find areas for, for example, beach volleyball and lots of activities like aerobic during summer.

This is also the perfect beach for doing activities and sports in the water. For kids you can find play grounds and animation programs, while for grown-ups there are nice chiringuitos (beach bars) to have a refreshing drink on a warm summer day.

Besides all this, the beach is also perfectly accessible in a wheelchair. So basically, this beach is great for everybody! La Playa de l’Ahuir is the most northern one of Gandia, it’s located between the urban part and the Vaca river. It is very spacious and its sand is in perfect condition.

The beach is more than 3 kilometres long and alongside the whole length you will find beautiful dunes. At the start of the beach you can find a surf school, in this school you can also rent kayaks,catamarans and more equipment for water activities.

A little bit of beach for nudists On the northern side of La Playa de l’Ahuir you can find a part where nudists are allowed to stay. For the past couple of years there are also beach watchers on this part of the beach! Playa Can, a beach where your dog also can have a great time Playa Can is a part of the Playa de l’Ahuir that has been adapted for pets. This is the perfect place for people to enjoy the beach and the sea together with their dog!

Playa de Venecia: small but lovely. This sand beach is located on the southern side of the harbour and the Club Náutico of Gandia. It’s a quiet, little beach with a length of 330 metres and it is just 50 metres wide. Even though it is smaller, all the facilities for a nice beach day with the whole family are present.

This is the place where the River flows into the sea and the beach is surrounded by dunes with green vegetation, which gives a pleasant feeling of being outdoors and relaxation. There is also a breakwater to defend the beach against the northern wind.

Playa Rafalcaid: This golden, sand beach is located on the southern side of the river mouth of the Serpis, and is also surrounded by dunes with Mediterranean vegetation.

You can also find some old and more recently constructed fisherman houses, which make this beach more attractive and picturesque.

In summer the beach is cleaned daily and there are beach watcher from 10.20 a.m. until 7.00 p.m, (in August they stay until 8.00 p.m.

On the beach you can also find a Red Cross, first aid stand and restrooms. The flags that are placed on the beach represent the situation of the sea. A green flag means that it is perfectly safe to enter, a yellow flag means that you should be rather careful, and when you see a red flag you should not go into the water. Due to the wind and the sea, this beach is perfect for people who like kitesurfing!

Plus….

Playa Varadero. Are you not a person who likes going to the beach every day? Then do not worry. The Valencian people like to be elegant and they love to enjoy the in style.

Playa Varadero is called a beach, but it is more like a big sun porch, and thanks to its location, facing the south, it can be used all year around.

During the days and at night you can relax at this sun porch in the harbour. You can either take it easy in a sun bed, have a drink in the chiringuito (beach bar), or you can even take sailing classes!

More about Gandia Gandía is right on the Costa de Valencia, in a beautiful section of the Mediterranean coast where the mountain landscape reaches almost down to the sea. The good climate this city enjoys all year and the quality of its beaches attract those looking for sun, sea and the chance to practice all kinds of sports.

In the harbour area, a deep-rooted seafaring tradition exists alongside the most modern facilities, among them a sailing club, which will delight all devotees of windsurfing, sailing or diving. Restaurants, discotheques and terraces give the place a great atmosphere, especially on summer nights. The historic centre of Gandía If Gandía's coast offers many charms, its historic centre has no fewer. The noble buildings that emerge at every step reflect the splendid past of this ducal city, a title obtained thanks to Alexander VI, the Borja pope.

From the 15th and 16th centuries onwards, the city developed an intense court life at the same time as flourishing economically and culturally, as the creation of Gandía university demonstrates.

Beside the course of the River Serpis, the Ducal Palace stands on the remains of a large old house of Arab origin. Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, it has a clear Italianate influence.

The collegiate church of Santa María is another of Gandía's symbolic buildings.

Its construction, faithful to Gothic rules, was carried out between 1250 and 1520. In it, the Door of the Apostles which originally had carvings by Damià Forment, is outstanding.

The tour continues to the convent of Santa Clara, the hermitage of Santa Ana, the city hall and the hospital of San Marcos. In the latter building is the Archaeological Museum, where the area's important prehistoric finds are brought together.

Amusement Parks in the Area

Froggy Park (2.4km from central Gandia) FroggyPark is a playground where the little ones will learn and have fun through their facilities. T

hey can let their imagination run wild and develop their ingenuity, sharing the best moments with their parents or friends.

Both adults and children will have fun, finding leisure areas for all members of the family. They can jump, run, scream and sing; while you rest and enjoy a pleasant time in the cafeteria, knowing that they are in the best hands. Gandilandia - Parque de Atracciones (6.1km from central Gamdia)

This is a cozy fairground, close to Gandia. The park is open on Friday-Sunday from 19-00 or 20-00.

You buy tickets “in bulk” - 10, 20 and 30 pieces. A pack of 20 tickets costs € 15.

Each attraction ‘costs’1 ticket, except for the trampoline and a couple of others ‘costs’ 2.

There are two Ferris wheels, one for the little ones and one for everyone else, “Madagascar” - a kind of roller coaster, two or three auto dromes for different ages, various trampolines for different age and various small entertainment.

Shopping Being one of the largest cities around, Gandia attracts many tourists just for shopping. With a huge shopping mall area outside of Gandia, where major supermarkets and stores can be found. (, or Aldi to name a few.).

The main shopping streets in town are Calle Mayor and Avinguda de la Vital, which is the commercial centre of Gandia, and features La Vital shopping centre. It is not huge but has many nice and typical shopping malls: clothes, decoration, books, toys ... It has attractions for children, cinemas and a restaurant offering varied food for any taste: Mexican, American, Italian, Spanish ...

Along with La Vital there are other shops, supermarkets, restaurants, gas stations and supermarkets: Carrefour, Outlet del Corte Ingles, Woks, McDonalds, Mini Couper Dealer, Vidal, Media Markt .

There is a bus stop in front of Carrefour. Buses from there go to other parts of Gandia as well as the beach.

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.

Restaurants in Gandia As with most places in Spain Gandia offers a great mix of restaurants, so regardless of the sort of food you are looking for (Chinese, Mexican Italian, etc.) There will be quite a choice. Here are some of them…

Il Borsalino C/ de la Rábida, 3 46730 Gandía What is your favorite type of cuisine? Surely the Italian! Nobody has ever rejected a good pasta dish or a pizza cooked in the wood oven of this restaurant. Check for yourself the genuine taste of Mediterranean and Italian cuisine next to the port, the Hotel Riviera and the beach!

This restaurant has traditional decoration it is warm, pleasant and very bright with the kitchen in sight so you can see how they prepare irresistible delicacies such as their shrimp lollipop, boscaiolla spaghetti or the sweet white lady. With more than 15 years of experience Their slogan defines them perfectly: "A passion turned into tradition". Il Borsalino, your corner of Italy on the coast of Gandia! El Taponet Carrer Magistrat Català, 35 46701 Gandía El Taponet restaurant is a gastronomic refuge that is located in the centre of Gandía and expresses its culinary experience with the unmistakable honesty of home cooking and Mediterranean flair that pay homage to the local cuisine.

Servings such as pork trotters, gizzards, fried fish and mini burgers and tapas of the day such as meat in sauce, fried egg and loin with caramelised onion are an exquisite preview of what you can eat in the restaurant El Taponet. They also prepare all kinds of rice, Fideuá, (Gandía’s most typical speciality, a dish made in the same way as paella, but with noodles instead of rice) Rabbit to the Ajillo on request.

The Taponet is also a good place to eat a good sandwich. Breakfast, daily menu, weekend menu and an outdoor terrace during the hottest months are other reasons to try this place.

Riviera Maya 2 Calle Beniarjó, 2 46702 Gandía The Riviera Maya 2 restaurant is located in the heart of Gandia. It is an international cuisine establishment specialising in Mexican and Latin American cuisine and located near Plaça de la Alqueria Nova.

The colourful atmosphere and the warmth of its people make the Riviera Maya restaurant 2 a very pleasant place. To open your mouth, let your Patacones, Nachos with melted cheese and Mexican chicken wings delight your palate. The Bolivian male piqui, shrimp with diable and assorted Mexican tacos stand out .

Do not forget to leave a space for their surprising and delicious homemade desserts, such as Pastel de tres leches, Banana fried to cognac and Cheesecake with wild berries, and accompany them with some of their exotic cocktails.

Ca Marc C/Arquebisbe Polou just off the 'Carrer Major' shopping area of Gandia. This is a restaurant NOT to miss.

They serve an amazing menu del dia at lunch. The food is absolutely amazing. They serve 6 courses of the very best cuisine, it just keeps coming. The service is exemplary and so is the ambience and decor, spotlessly clean.

The weekend lunch menu with five different starter plates all outstanding and full of flavour as good as any taster menu in the UK put after you are presented with a rice dish with lobster and prawns the flavour of the rice is outstanding in a city famous for rice,

The desert is a very smooth chocolate moose with an almond centre stunning this is an outstandingly good restaurant, a must for anyone who enjoys exceptional food and service

Fast Food Restaurants Like everywhere in the World Gandia has its share of fast food restaurants. On Avinguda de Blasco you will find, amongst others, McDonalds, Burger King and KFC. But if you want to try something different, on the same road is a fast food restaurant called Pans and Company. Here they serve a variety of sandwiches such as Chicken Brest, British Bacon, Serrano Brie, Tuna and Salmon as well as Salads, Sides and deserts; think of them as Subway plus!

Nearby Places To Visit If you are staying in Gandia then 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 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).

Valencia There are few cities like Valencia, able to harmoniously combine the remnants of its farthest past, dating to the year 138 BC, with the most innovative and avant-garde buildings from the new millennium. Valencia is trade and culture, cinema, theatre, museums, magic, business. It is the centre of international and avant-garde design, and one of the most active cities in Europe regarding fairs and conferences.

The tourist bus is an excellent way to introduce newcomers to Valencia. The bus passes all the major attractions in the old town before heading out to the impressive City of Arts and Sciences (or Oceanografic). You can hop on and off at any of the stops, and partake of three routes: historic Valencia, maritime Valencia, and Albufera Natural Park.

Thanks to its location, Valencia has historically been Spain’s Mediterranean port and has that special charm of cities that are also seaports.

The fine sand and clean water, make the Valencian coast uniquely attractive.

Within the city of Valencia, the beaches of La Malvarrosa and Levante offer a wide variety of places to dine and enjoy a quiet evening by the sea.

The Gothic Cathedral is Valencia’s most important religious building, and its tower, “el Miguelete”, is one of the symbols of the city.

The Cathedral was built from the 13th to the 17th Century on the site of an earlier mosque. It combines several architectural styles, with Gothic clearly predominant.

The place of honour goes to the relic of the Chalice or Grail, a 1st- century cup once thought to have been used by Christ at the Last Supper. Striking features of the cathedral’s exterior are the Puerta del Palau, its oldest entrance and the Puerta de los Apóstoles (14th century). This is where the Water Tribunal takes place every Thursday at noon.

The institution was established by King Jaume I: every two years, eight representatives are chosen from the irrigation districts around Valencia to form the Tribunal and rule on irrigation matters and the distribution of water from the river Turia.

Its procedures are oral, in the , and its rulings cannot be appealed.

The Water Tribunal still meets and dispenses justice today. In 2009, UNESCO granted it Intangible Cultural Heritage status.

El Miguelete Tower is a Gothic- style tower adjoining the cathedral. From the top it offers outstanding views over Valencia. It has an octagonal floor plan and a solid appearance. The top floor has ogive windows and is crowned with an 18th century belfry.

The City of Arts and Sciences is one of the largest scientific and cultural complexes in Europe. It is made up of impressive buildings such as the Hemisfèric and Oceanogràfic, and stands out because of its avant-garde architecture.

It is situated on the old Turia River bed and is made up of six large elements: the Hemisfèric (IMAX Cinema and digital films) the Umbracle (landscaped vantage point), the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum (an innovative interactive science centre), the Oceanogràfic (Europe's largest aquarium with over 500 marine species), the Reina Sofía Palace of the Arts (dedicated to opera), and the Ágora (a multipurpose space in which concerts and many activities take place).

The different centres organise guided tours and workshops related to science, technology, nature and art, designed to stimulate curiosity and learning.

Located near the Cathedral in Plaza del Mercado, Mercado Central is one of Europe’s grandest and largest markets.

Its 400 or so traders sell a variety of food products from fresh fish, meats, and produce to olive oil, cheese, and other gourmet delights.

The lovely historic building makes the market an architectural gem as well as a gourmet paradise.

Olivia Oliva is located on the Costa del Azahar as well as being called the Costa Blanca North in this region. It has a 10 km long sandy coast line with beautiful blue flag beaches. The promenade is called the Passeigruns located in the centre of the town. The town is surrounded by miles of citrus orchards and it runs the economy mainly on this and business like banking, shops and tourism.

Beaches & Leisure The beaches at Oliva have attained blue flag status for their excellence in cleanliness and facilities; all of them are wheelchair friendly. Many of the beaches have sand dunes, perfect for a little bit of isolation.

There are also a variety of water sports at your fingertips. Oliva Nova Golf is a beach & golf resort, offering 18 holes of pure golfing paradise.

Culture & History In the old town there are two churches: Sant Roc and Santa Maria la Major. Sant Roc dates from the 18th-19th centuries and Santa Maria from the 17th-18th centuries. At the top of the hill in the old town is Santa Anna Castle, built in the 16th century. There is also an ancient Roman kiln in the heart of the city.

Cuisine Oliva local cuisine is rich, traditional and wholesome, specialities include: Coques a la Clafó (oven-baked maize tarts), La Espardenyá (Eel Stew), Pebreres Farcides (Rice Stewed Peppers), Figatells (Grilled Meatballs), La Pilota (stew), Shrimps with Beet. The deserts are just as divine: Els Rosegons, Pacencies and Mantecados (shortbread). Enjoy the taste of Oliva in one of its many charming bars and restaurants. Jativa (Xativa) The town of Xativa is located in the autonomous community of Valencia on the right bank of the River Albaida, about a a 30 minute drive inland from Gandia.

As you approach the handsome Spanish town you are immediately met with the magnificent medieval castle, and on arrival you find yourself in authentic Spain, rather than what one becomes used to with so many of the coastal towns.

The castle itself is a mix between an Iber-Roman fortress and a Moorish stronghold; with its 30 towers and four fortified gateways, it is magnificent, yet foreboding at one.

Xativa is famous for being the birthplace of the Spanish painter El Espanoleto and two popes from the Borgia dynasty.

Around town The town itself is delightful with its charming boulevards and streets lined with lush trees providing a natural canopy for the numerous fashionable shops, cafes and bars.

There are a wealth of historical attractions around town, and one should definitely visit the Seu Cathedral, the churches of Sant Feliu and Sant Pere, the Palace of the Marquis of Montortal and the Alarco palace, as well as stopping to admire the many ancient fountains dotted around the town.

Take a trip to the Almodi Museum to see the upside down portrait of King Felipe V, which is hung upside down as tradition, because after the king won the battle of Alamansa in 1707, he expelled the townsfolk and set a torch to the town.

Just outside of town you will find the Cova Negra (Black Cave), which when unearthed revealed relics from over 30,000 years ago. Getting There We don't book flights instead we pass your details on to a company called AVIATE GROUPS who are specialists in obtaining the best group flight prices out there. They use their experience of the market and relationships with major airlines to guarantee you the very best fares. If you would like us to get a quote from Aviate on your behalf please ask.

If you want to book your own flights you are more than welcome to do so. The nearest airport to Gandia is Valencia which is 51 miles away. Here are the airlines that fly there from the UK and Ireland.

British Airways from London-Heathrow. easyJet from London-Gatwick and London-Luton. Ryan Air from Bristol, Dublin, London-Stansted and Manchester.

The other airport that you can fly into is which is 78 miles away. Here are the airlines that fly there from the UK and Ireland.

Aer Lingus from Dublin. British Airways from London-Gatwick. easyJet from Belfast–International, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, London–Gatwick, London–Luton, London– Southend, Manchester and Newcastle upon Tyne. Flybe from Doncaster/Sheffield, Exeter, Norwich and Southampton. Jet2 from Belfast–International, Birmingham, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds/Bradford, London–Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle upon Tyne. Norwegian Air Shuttle from London-Gatwick Ryan Air from Aberdeen, Belfast-International, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cork, Dublin, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds/Bradford, Liverpool, London-Gatwick, London-Luton, London-Stansted, London-Southend, Manchester, Newcastle, Newquay, Prestwick, and Shannon. TUI from Birmingham, Cardiff, Doncaster/Sheffield, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London-Gatwick, Manchester and Newcastle. Vueling from Cardiff and London-Gatwick

Know before you go Voltage in Spain is 220 AC, 50 Hz. Plugs are two pin.

In a real emergency, dial 112, this is the equivalent of 999. You will then be immediately connected to an English speaking operator. Here are some other useful telephone numbers.

How can I make a phone call to, or from, Spain? If you wish to make a phone call to Spain from abroad, dial the international access code of the country you are calling from, then 34 (Spain's country code), and the phone number, which should have 9 digits. If you wish to call abroad from Spain, dial 00 + country code + the phone number. You can place international calls from a public phone. Phone booths use coins or cards, which can be purchased at tobacconists' shops.

If you wish to make a phone call within Spain, just dial the number with no prefixes. The phone number always has 9 digits, whether it is a cell phone or a regular phone. If you wish to use your mobile in Spain, you should contact your service provider to make sure you will be able to use your phone in Spain (some carriers will have to activate international service for your phone). Once those steps are taken at the country of origin, use your mobile in Spain as if you were calling from a Spanish line. That is, you will need to dial 00 + country code + phone number to make international calls.

Is smoking prohibited? In Spain, smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public areas (including public transportation vehicles and buses). It is also not permitted to smoke in health facilities (including outdoor areas that are part of its premises), any educational or training centres (except in outdoor spaces in universities and adult education centres) and playgrounds or play areas (outdoor spaces equipped for children).

Other than cash how else can I pay? With credit cards: Payment using recognised international credit cards is also commonly available in Spanish shops. They usually have signs indicating this option at the entrance to the establishment. When you make a payment you should show your passport or ID card.

With traveller's cheques: Traveller's cheques, accompanied by a passport, are also accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shops.

Where can you change foreign currency? You can change currencies in bureaux de change and some banks. This service is also available in many hotels and travel agencies.

Is tipping mandatory? No; in every single establishment in Spain, service is included with the price of the meal or drink. However, tipping is a common practice at bars and restaurants, hotels, and taxis, depending on the total price for the service, and on the generosity of the client. It is usually around five to ten percent of the total price.

Public Holidays 2020 15 Aug Sat Assumption of Mary 1 Jan Wed New Year's Day 6 Jan Mon Epiphany 12 Oct Mon Columbus Day 1 Nov Sun All Saints' Day 10 Apr Fri Good Friday 13 Apr Mon Easter Monday 6 Dec Sun Constitution Day 8 Dec Tue Immaculate Conception 1 May Fri Labour Day 25 Dec Fri Christmas Day

How can you go online and check your emails? If you want to connect to the internet, numerous establishments in Spain offer free WiFi connections: cafes, restaurants, kiosks… You'll also find it in a number of airports, train and bus stations, and some shopping centres and hotels. You may sometimes need to ask for the password. What's more, many venues offer free WiFi in public spaces like parks or squares.

Remember that WiFi connections have a maximum speed limit, so they're mainly useful for finding specific information. You can also connect to the Internet via your mobile device. Another advantage is that in Spain you can enjoy extensive 4G mobile coverage . Remember to check your usual mobile phone operator's conditions and rates before you travel.

How can I send a letter or a postcard? You can send a letter from anywhere in Spain. In order to do it, you need to find stamps, which you can buy at any tobacconist's shop or "Estancos". To send your letter, put it in a mailbox.

Mailboxes are yellow, and they can be found in the street, at railway and bus stations, and at the airports.

It is also possible to leave your mail in the reception of your hotel, if it offers that service, for the staff to take care of the mailing for you.