Gandia is the southernmost resort for villas in Costa Azahar that is situated inside the Valencia region. This is still a working town unlike a lot of the resorts across the Costa Blanca, even though it boasts around 12 miles or 20 kilometres of sandy beaches. The most famous beach will be the two-mile section Gandia Playa Nord which is notable because of its fine golden sand. Alongside it runs a promenade lined with rental properties, small hotels, bars, restaurants and gardens. The beach boasts some excellent facilities including showers, sun beds and a sailing club.
Another well-known beach in Gandia is the Playa Alhuir which stretches along the River Vaca. This beach is used by naturists though which is worth bearing in mind. If you enjoy water sports they are very accessible in Gandia, including windsurfing, kite surfing and sailing. You will also find boat activities on the coast in the resorts of Denia, Javea and Calpe. The nearby area boasts some lovely scenery and there is the best choice of walking and cycling trails. Gandia's tourist information office can provide you with maps. A few of the walking trails take in the nearby towns of L'Orxa and Vilallonga. For those who love mountain scenery the place inland from Gandia is worth exploring. The best point is Mount Monduvar whose summit is about 840 metres above sea level.
Gandia is situated on the River Serpis which is a mile inland. In the 14th and 15th centuries it had been an essential college city and cultural centre. A lot of Gandia's important historic monuments date after that. The best attraction in Gandia is the Palau Ducal, an excellent medieval palace which was the birthplace of Saint Francisco del Borja. Dating back to the 14th century, the dwelling boasts some sumptuously decorated houses. The highlight may be the Baroque-style Golden Gallery with its beautiful variety and gold leaf designs. There is in addition a pre-medieval private chapel along with an exhibition which shows a brief history about the Dukes of Borja. In the centre of the structure is a handsome medieval courtyard. All this can be easily visited when you stay in villas in Costa Azahar in the area.
The medieval hospital of St Marc, founded during the time of Duke Alfons dell Vell, now houses Gandia's Historic Museum which traces the prehistoric roots in the region. Another of the town's sights is the medieval style chapel of Santa Maria which was built during the 14th and 15th centuries. The chapel was badly damaged by fire during the Spanish Civil War but restored in the 1940s. Consider the highly intricate nave which consists of five sections.
In the heart of the city is the tree lined avenue of Passeig del Germanies where locals frequently get together for a chat. There, life is simple with the enjoyment simple pleasures. For more shops and cafes and bars, head for the pedestrianised Calle Major that is always lively in the morning. Gandia's railway station can be found at Parc del l'Estacio near to the tourist information office. You will find regular trains from Gandia to Valencia that is around 40 miles or 65 kilometres to the north. Alicante is about 60 miles or 100 kilometres south of Gandia.
Martin Wynn
