Introduction
Are you planning to buy in Spain and reading on all the real estate blogs that Gandia is THE most profitable city in Spain? It's true. But just knowing it isn't enough to convince you to invest there. A little tip, the one we whisper to our clients: go there for a weekend and you will see, your doubts will fly away.
Welcome to Gandia
In short, Gandia is a small town of 80,000 inhabitants, located an hour's drive from Valencia, on the Mediterranean coast, facing the islands of Ibiza and Formentera. It is the capital of the comarca of La Safor. The city is bathed in sunshine more than 300 days a year, its waters are crystal clear, the people are kind, the atmosphere is peaceful and foreigners (tourists and expatriates) are increasingly seduced. That's the summary, now, what to do in Gandia?
A long weekend in Gandia, day 1: Playa Norte, relaxation and stroll by the sea
Gandia, the softness of fine sand
It is impossible to consider a stay in Gandia without starting with its number 1 asset: Playa Norte. Located only 5 kilometers from the center, it is the tourist emblem of the city. It is a deep and immense beach of 3 kilometers of fine sand. One of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa Valenciana. Calm water, quality equipment, it has everything to seduce tourists, locals and children.
Terreta explorers' tip: start your walk on 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 are perfect for a souvenir photo. If you send it to us, we will not hesitate to put it in this article.
El paseo marítimo Neptuno
Stroll along the paseo marítimo Neptuno. This promenade along the beach is ideal for lazy people who don't like walking in the sand (we're not targeting anyone), cyclists, families with strollers or valiant joggers who go out in the early morning. Benches shaded by palm trees, souvenir shops, ice cream parlors, an infinite number of bars, restaurants and chiringuitos, you can find everything there.
Once launched, walk to the port lighthouse, the Faro Grao de Gandía.
Legend: the lighthouse of Gandia
Source: Google Maps
Once you have enjoyed the day, several options:
- A dinner on the port to enjoy the illuminated docks.
- If you don't get seasick, don't miss a little boat trip at sunset.
- And why not a meal with your feet in the sand at the Beach club Bahia? (in orange on the map above).
Visit Gandia, day 2: Meeting with the Borgias
A medieval heritage to discover absolutely
It is not widely known, but Gandia is a city with a rich and fascinating past. A medieval city founded in the 13th century, it was purchased 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 established in the Valencia Region, marked the history of Spain by participating in the Reconquista of territories occupied by the Moors. Its influence on the development of Gandia was considerable, particularly in the economic, educational, political, and religious fields.
To discover this fascinating past, there's nothing like following the famous "Ruta de los Borja", a route of approximately two hours that takes you from monument to monument through the historical heart of the city, among which:
- The Ducal Palace of Gandia: an essential starting point, this Gothic and Renaissance palace houses marvels such as the courtyard of Arms, the Hall of Crowns, the gallery decorated with azulejos dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, or the neo-Gothic chapel and its sublime starry midnight blue ceiling.
- La Seu de Gandia (Collegiate Church of Santa Maria): this former mosque converted into a Catholic church is one of the oldest religious buildings in the city.
- The Mirador del Serpis: an ideal stop to enjoy an unobstructed view of the Serpis River and the palace.
- L’Escola Pia (former university): here you will discover superb sculptures paying homage to the most eminent members of the Borja dynasty.
- The Convent of Sant Roc, the Convent of Santa Clara, and the Archaeological Museum of Gandia: these last milestones on the route offer additional insight into the religious and social evolution of the city.
At the end of the day, have a well-deserved drink on the terrace on the Passeig de les Germanies, the Ramblas of Gandia, the central and emblematic axis of the city. There you will come across the elders who are redoing the world on the benches, the families out for an ice cream, the young people who gather around a drink, the shopping enthusiasts.
It is the living heart of the city, a must to feel the local atmosphere and access all the services of the center.
One tip for the end of the day, end your walk with a crossing of the Puente de la Feria, which overlooks the Serpis River, to admire an overview of the city, its roofs, its historic buildings and the surrounding nature.
Day 3: green getaway in the Marjal de Gandia
Discovering a preserved wetland
No weekend in Gandia is complete without a getaway to the Marjal, a unique and little-known natural area, located in the immediate vicinity of the city.
By simply entering "Centro de interpretación Marjal de Gandía" into your GPS, you can easily access this protected area.
In just a few minutes from the beach or the historic center, you will go from an urbanized environment to a 100% rural setting. It is the perfect place for a nature day. Plan a picnic, a well-stocked cooler and some bocadillos.
Protected fauna and flora
The Marjal consists of marshes fed by natural sources of fresh water called ullals, of remarkable purity. The developed paths and wooden walkways allow you to walk around the site without disturbing the local fauna.
Not to be missed:
- The Ullal de l’Estany
- The Ullal de la Perla.
Two natural lagoons that offer a rare glimpse of Valencian ecosystems. If you want to extend the adventure, an equestrian center in the area also organizes horse or 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 athletic, the alternative is within easy reach. Gandia is ideal for hiking enthusiasts. The city is nestled between the sea and the mountains (Sierra de Montdúver and Sierra de la Falconera). We have included links to the official trails.
Here is our top 3 hikes not to be missed if you visit Gandia:
- Mollo de la Creu Via Cova Xurra, allow 2 hours through forests of green oaks and pines.
- Gandia-Barx, 27 kilometers of pure beauty in a natural park with mountain views. Perfect for mountain biking.
- Via verde del Serpis, a rather easy but long hike (a little over 10 hours if you do it end-to-end), punctuated with must-see caves.
Practical information
How to get to Gandia: our practical advice
1. By plane
- Nearby airports:
- Valencia (VLC) about 65 km away (40-50 min by car or train).
- Alicante (ALC) about 110 km away (1h15-1h30 by car).
- Transfer:
- From Valencia, take a direct train from Joaquín Sorolla or Nord station (Valencia Nord station) to Gandia (approx. 40 min).
- From Alicante, rent a car or take a long-distance bus (several options with a change in Valencia).
Don't forget to check train schedules in advance, especially in the evening or on weekends.
2. By train
- Valencia-Gandia 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 transfer to Gandia.
3. By car
- From Valencia: take the AP-7 towards Alicante, Gandia exit.
Our preferred option for efficiency and freedom to visit the surrounding area.
- From Alicante: AP-7 towards Valencia, Gandia exit.
- Parking: several public car parks in the center and near the beach.
Remember that traffic can be heavy in summer, so avoid peak hours.
4. By bus
- Several regional lines serve Gandia 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. Gandia is bike-friendly and equipped with about twenty kilometers of cycle paths. They allow you to reach the center in 45 minutes for those in better shape.
- Gandia is considered a pioneering city for soft mobility on the Costa de Valencia.
- The lanes are generally separated from car traffic, secured, and suitable for both daily commutes and leisure activities.
- There are also tourist cycle routes connecting Gandia to the Safor green route and neighboring beaches.
Where to sleep?
- Gastrocasa Hotel, on Gandia beach and reserved for adults.
- RH Riviera Hotel, an ideally located hotel on the beach with surprising architecture.
Where to eat?
- Telero, among the best paellas in Gandia.
- Ca Miquel, a great compromise between location and meal quality. A local favorite.
- Casa Rosario. Typical Spanish, near the port.
- Beach club Bahia for the festive atmosphere and the inviting beach.
Bonus: what to do after 3 days in Gandia?
After 3 days, if you are lucky and have some time left, head to Denia (accessible in 30/40 minutes by car) and Javea (located an hour away by car), two Mediterranean pearls.
Restaurants not to be missed:
- Cala Clemence, in Javea, on the bay of Portixol. Setting, food, service, flawless.
- Escondida, on Los Bovetes beach, in Denia. Very well located and very good.
- Els Magazinos, the gastronomic market of Denia, very close to the (superb) marina.
To go further, discover our article: Gandia, the number 1 destination for your profitable investment in Spain.
If you want to invest in Gandía, contact our team; they know the city and its real estate market inside and out.
Conclusion
By the end of the weekend, you should be convinced. Our teams are waiting for your call... Contact us by clicking here.
