Introduction

You're thinking of buying in Spain and you read on all the real estate blogs that Gandía is THE most profitable city in Spain? Well, it is. But knowing this is not enough to convince you to invest there. Here's a little advice we give our customers: go there for a weekend and you'll see, your doubts will melt away. 

Welcome to Gandía

In short, Gandía is a small town of 80,000 inhabitants, located an hour's drive from Valencia on the Mediterranean coast, opposite the islands of Ibiza and Formentera. It is the capital of the comarca of La Safor. The town is bathed in sunshine more than 300 days a year, its waters are crystal-clear, the people are friendly, the atmosphere peaceful and more and more foreigners (tourists and expatriates) are attracted. That's the summary, now what can you do in Gandía? 

A long weekend in Gandía, day 1: Playa Norte, lazing around and strolling along the seafront

Gandía, the softness of fine sand

It's impossible to imagine a stay in Gandía without starting with its number 1 asset: Playa Norte. Located just 5 kilometers from the city center, it is the city's tourist landmark. It's a deep, immense beach with 3 kilometers of fine sand. One of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa Valenciana. With its calm waters and top-quality facilities, it has everything to seduce tourists, locals and children alike.

Terreta explorers' tip: start your stroll along the beach from the tourist office - a building easily recognizable thanks to its blue-and-white lighthouse shape - to the famous photo call with its giant letters forming the word "Gandía". Installed in 2020 roughly in the middle of the beach, they're perfect for a souvenir photo. If you send it to us, we'll be sure to include it in this article. 

El paseo marítimo Neptuno

Stroll along the paseo marítimo Neptuno. This stroll along the beach is ideal for slackers who don't like walking in the sand (we're not aiming for anyone), cyclists, families with strollers or hardy joggers out for an early-morning stroll. With palm-shaded benches, souvenir stores, ice cream parlors and an infinite number of bars, restaurants and chiringuitos, the beach has it all. 

Once launched, walk to the harbor lighthouse, the Faro Grao de Gandía. 

Legend: Gandía lighthouse

Source : Google Maps

Once you've enjoyed the day, there are several options: 

• Dinner on the harbor to enjoy the illuminated docks.
• If you're not seasick, don't miss out on a sunset boat trip.
• And why not enjoy a meal with your feet in the sand at the Beach Club Bahia (orange on the map above). 

Visit Gandía, day 2: Meet the Borgias 

A medieval heritage worth discovering

It's a little-known fact, but Gandía has a rich and fascinating past. A medieval city founded in the 13th century, it was bought in 1485 by Cardinal Roderigo de Borja, the future Pope Alexander VI, for his son Pedro-Luis. 

The Borja family (or Borgia in Italian, yes, the ones from the Showtime series), originally from Aragon and later settled in the Valencia region, left their mark on Spanish history by participating in the Reconquista of territories occupied by the Moors. Her influence on Gandía's development was considerable, particularly in the economic, educational, political and religious spheres.

To discover this fascinating past, there's nothing like following the famous " Ruta de los Borja ", an itinerary of around two hours that takes you from monument to monument through the historic heart of the city, including :

• Palacio Ducal de Gandía: a must-see starting point, this Gothic-Renaissance palace is home to such marvels as the Courtyard of Arms, the Crown Room, the 15th-16th-century azulejo-decorated gallery, and the neo-Gothic chapel with its sublime midnight-blue starry ceiling.
• La Seu de Gandía (collegiate church of Santa María): this former mosque converted into a Catholic church is one of the city's oldest religious buildings.
• The Mirador del Serpis: an ideal place to stop and enjoy an unobstructed view of the Serpis river and the palace.
• The Escola Pia (former university): here you'll discover superb sculptures paying tribute to the most eminent members of the Borja dynasty.
• The convent of Sant Roc, the convent of Santa Clara and Gandía's archaeological museum: these last milestones on the route offer further insights into the city's religious and social evolution.

At the end of the day, enjoy a well-deserved drink on a terrace on the Passeig de les Germanies, the Ramblas de Gandía, the city's central and most emblematic thoroughfare. You'll come across old-timers catching up on old times on the benches, families out for an ice-cream, young people gathering for a drink, and shopping enthusiasts.  

It's the lively heart of the city, a must if you want to feel the local atmosphere and access all the center's services. 

A tip for the end of the day: end your stroll by crossing the Puente de la Feria, which overlooks the Serpis river, to admire a panoramic view of the city, its rooftops, historic buildings and surrounding nature.

Day 3: Green escapade in Marjal de Gandía

Discovering a preserved wetland

No weekend in Gandía is complete without a trip to the Marjal, a unique and little-known natural area in the immediate vicinity of the city. 

Simply enter "Centro de interpretación Marjal de Gandía" in your GPS, and you'll have easy access to this protected area.

In just a few minutes from the beach or the historic center, you'll go from an urban environment to a 100% rural setting. It's the perfect place for a nature day out. Bring a picnic, a well-stocked cooler and some bocadillos.

Protected flora and fauna 

The Marjal is made up of marshes fed by natural freshwater springs called ullals, of remarkable purity. The landscaped paths and wooden walkways allow you to wander around the site without disturbing the local wildlife.

Don't miss :

• L'Ullal de l'Estany 
• L'Ullal de la Perla. 

Two natural lagoons offering a rare glimpse of Valencian ecosystems. If you'd like to extend your adventure, a nearby equestrian center also organizes horse and pony rides in the heart of the Marjal. 

Legend: Ullal de l'Estany and Ullal de la Perla

Source : Google Maps

The alternative: hiking in the surrounding area

If you're a sporty type, the alternative is within easy reach. Gandía is ideal for hiking enthusiasts. The city is wedged between the sea and the mountains (Sierra de Montdúver and Sierra de la Falconera). We've provided links to the official trails. 

Here are our top 3 hikes not to be missed if you visit Gandía : 

• Mollo de la Creu Via Cova Xurra, 2 hours through holm oak and pine forests.
• Gandía-Barx, 27 kilometers of pure beauty in a natural park with mountain views. Perfect for mountain biking. 
• Via verde del Serpis, a fairly easy but long hike (just over 10 hours if you do it from start to finish), punctuated by caves that are a must-see. 

Practical info 

How to get to Gandía: our practical tips

1. By plane

• Nearby airports :

• Valence (VLC) approx. 65 km away (40-50 min by car or train).
• Alicante (ALC) approx. 110 km away (1h15-1h30 by car).
• Transfer :

• From Valencia, take a direct train from the Joaquín Sorolla or Nord station (Valencia Nord station) to Gandía (approx. 40 min). 
• From Alicante, car rental or long-distance bus (several options with changeover in Valencia).

Don't forget to check train timetables in advance, especially during evenings and weekends.

2. By train

• Valencia-Gandía line: frequent, fast (40 min), comfortable.
• Tickets: can be purchased online (Renfe) or at the station.
• From Madrid: high-speed train (AVE) to Valencia, then connection to Gandía.

3. By car

• From Valencia: take the AP-7 towards Alicante, exit at Gandía. 

Our preferred option for being efficient and free to visit the surrounding area. 

• From Alicante : AP-7 direction Valencia, exit Gandía.
• Parking: several public parking lots in the center and near the beach.

Don't forget that traffic can be heavy in summer, so choose off-peak hours.

4. By bus

• Several regional lines serve Gandía from Valencia, Alicante and other cities in the region.
• Companies : ALSA, Avanza.

The best time to travel? 

Off-season, around mid-June or late September. The beach is quieter.

Getting around the city

Get around by bike. Gandía is bike-friendly, with some 20 kilometers of cycle paths. If you're in good shape, you can reach the city center in 45 minutes.

• Gandía is considered a pioneer of soft mobility on the Costa de Valencia.
• Trails are generally separate from motorized traffic, safe and suitable for both daily use and leisure.
• There are also tourist cycle routes linking Gandía to the Safor green route and nearby beaches.

Where to sleep?

• Hotel la Gastrocasa, on Gandía beach, adults only
• Hôtel RH Riviera, a hotel ideally located on the beach with surprising architecture.

Where to eat?

• Telero, one of the best paellas in Gandía. 
• Ca Miquel, a great compromise between location and food quality. A reference among locals.
• Casa Rosario. Typical Spanish, near the port.
• Beach club Bahia for a festive atmosphere and a beach that's just waiting for you. 

Bonus: what to do after 3 days in Gandía?

After 3 days, if you're lucky and have a little time left over, head off to Denia (accessible in 30/40 minutes by car) and Javea (an hour's drive away), two Mediterranean gems. 

Restaurants not to be missed : 

• Cala Clemence, in Javea, on the bay of Portixol. The setting, food and service are faultless. 
• Escondida, on los Bovetes beach, Denia. Very well located and very good. 
• Els Magazinos, Denia's gourmet market, right next to the (superb) marina. 

To find out more, read our article: Gandía, the n°1 destination for your profitable investment in Spain. 

If you want to invest in Gandía, contact our team, who know the city and its real estate market inside out. 

Conclusion 

By the end of the weekend, you should be convinced. Our teams are waiting for your call... Contact us by clicking here.