Gandia

Gandia is the least attractive of the resorts of the northern Costa Blanca as far as foreign tourists are concerned. Its wide golden beaches to the north of the main town are first class, the rest of the resort is very much geared to Spanish tourism with little in the way of foreign owned bars and restaurants. Burger King and McDonalds have raised their ugly heads if you do feel the need to get away from the multitude of 'Buffet Libres' (eat all you can fixed priced buffet lunches) that have cropped up all along the Playa Nord.

Gandia Town

The town of Gandia isn't a tourist destination but is a lively, working town. It's well worth a few hours away from the beach to take a stroll around as it does have a few interesting things to see. The 14th century Palacio Ducal de los Borja is its number one tourist attraction but you can only take guided tours in Spanish with a printed explanation in English. The tours are every half hour with a break for lunch between 1pm and 4pm in winter and 5pm in summer.  The church in Placa Major is also worth a visit.

A particularly interesting part of town is Passeig de les Germanies, a tree lined promenade with fountains and benches where the local pensioners gather to put the world's problems to right. The bridge at the eastern end of this street crosses the dry river bed and takes you over to the weekly Saturday morning market. For more shopping opportunities wander along the lively c/Major where there are plenty shops and cafés keeping the pedestrianised street abuzz with locals most mornings.

The train station at Gandia is right in the centre of town at Parc de l'Estacio opposite the tourist information office. It provides regular services to Valencia.

Gandia Beaches

Gandia Playa Nord is its northern beach which stretches for 3.5km from the sailing club. The quality of its fine, golden sand is second to none in Spain. This whole stretch is lined with medium rise hotels and apartment blocks interspersed with eateries and bars. There aren't all that many Gandia Hotels as apartment blocks seem to be the chosen accommodation of most visitors. Take a look at our Gandia Villas and Gandia Apartments pages. Various campsites serve the resort though these are packed during the month of August when it's best to avoid them. The most convenient for proximity to the town and beaches is La Naranja but a better quality one is L'Alqueria.

Things to Do in Gandia

All in all Gandia is not a pretty destination and the resorts of Denia and Javea to the south will prove more appealing to the foreign visitor. If you do stay there it is the excellent beach which will prove the main attraction. Also if you head south to Oliva and cut across to the coast you'll come across more superb beaches such as Platja Pau Pi and Aigua Blanca which are long stretches of unspoilt golden sand with little commercialism in sight apart from the odd 'chiringuito' (beach bar shack). Just the place to get away from it all.

You should eat a fideua which is a version of paella which uses noodles rather than rice.

There are boat trips which run from Gandia along to Denia, Javea, Calpe and Altea.  Alternatively you can go to Ibiza for the day from Denia.  The boat leaves Denia at 8am and returns at 10pm.  For more information about this you can call 902 44 00 94.

For day excursions take the train up to Valencia or go for a drive in the mountains and visit the town of Xativa. For the kids head south to Benidorm and the Benidorm theme parks.