Discovering Gandia: A Hidden Treasure on the Coast of Valencia
Introduction
Gandia, located on the east coast of Spain in the province of Valencia, is a tourist gem that perfectly combines history, culture, and natural beauty. With its impressive historical heritage, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife, Gandia offers something for all tastes.
Historical Heritage
One of the main attractions of Gandia is its rich history, visible in its numerous monuments and historical buildings. The Ducal Palace of the Borja, former residence of the infamous Borja family, is one of the most prominent. This impressive 15th-century building offers a fascinating insight into the life of Spanish nobility in the medieval era.
Another point of interest is the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria de Gandia, a 14th-century Gothic church that houses an impressive collection of sacred art. Not far from there, is the Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba, a 14th-century monastic complex that combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Neoclassical styles.
Beaches and Nature
Gandia is famous for its beautiful beaches, with Gandia Beach being the most well-known. With its golden sand and crystal-clear waters, it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean sun. In addition, the beach offers a wide range of services, including restaurants, bars, and a variety of water sports.
For nature lovers, the Marjal de Gandia Natural Park offers a unique opportunity to explore the local wetlands and their diverse flora and fauna. The well-marked trails make it easy for visitors to explore the park at their own pace.
Nightlife and Gastronomy
The nightlife in Gandia is vibrant and exciting, with a plethora of bars, nightclubs, and music festivals held throughout the year. The city is also famous for its delicious cuisine, which includes traditional dishes such as paella, fideuá, and cuttlefish tapa.
Surroundings
In addition to everything Gandia has to offer, the city is also an excellent starting point for exploring the province of Valencia. Nearby cities like Valencia, with its impressive City of Arts and Sciences, and Alicante, with its historic Santa Barbara Castle, are easily accessible for day trips.
Gastronomic Products of Gandía
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Fideuà of Gandía
The Fideuà is one of the most emblematic dishes of Gandía and the entire Valencian Community. It is a seafood dish made with pasta noodles, fish and shellfish. The ingredients are cooked in a paella pan and served with alioli. The Fideuà of Gandía is so popular that an international Fideuà competition is held in the city every year.
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Baked Rice
Baked rice is another traditional dish of Gandía. This dish is made with rice, pork ribs, black pudding, tomato, chickpeas and potatoes. All the ingredients are cooked in a wood-fired oven, giving the dish a unique and delicious flavor.
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Traditional Sweets
Gandía is also famous for its traditional sweets. Some of the most popular are the "fogaseta" and "the Easter cake". The fogaseta is an almond and sugar cake that is usually consumed during Holy Week. The Easter cake is a cake with egg that is consumed during Easter.
Gandía's Notable Gastronomic Spots
From charming taverns to high-end restaurants, Gandía offers a wide variety of places to enjoy its rich cuisine. Below, we present some of the most notable:
Telero Restaurant
Located in the heart of Gandía, Telero Restaurant is recognized for its excellent Mediterranean cuisine. Here you can taste traditional dishes such as paella, fideuá, and suquet de peix. In addition, the cozy atmosphere and friendly service make this place a perfect option to enjoy an unforgettable meal.
La Taska Tavern
If you are looking for a place with charm and good prices, La Taska Tavern is an excellent option. This cozy establishment offers a wide variety of tapas and typical Valencian dishes, such as esgarraet, coca de mollitas, and grilled cuttlefish. In addition, its extensive wine list will allow you to pair your favorite dishes with the best selection of wines from the Valencian Community.
Casa Manolo Restaurant
Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Casa Manolo Restaurant is a reference point in Gandía for lovers of high-end cuisine. Its chef, Manolo Alonso, has earned a Michelin star thanks to his innovative gastronomic proposal based on local products. Among his most notable dishes are the arroz a banda with lobster and the confit suckling pig.
El Mosset Tavern
In the old town of Gandía is El Mosset Tavern, a place with a great tradition and an incomparable atmosphere. Here you can enjoy a wide variety of tapas and typical dishes from the area, such as all i pebre, Gandía's red shrimp, and Jijona's nougat. In addition, its wine list includes a careful selection of local and national references.
Sports Activities in Gandía
Windsurfing and Kitesurfing
Thanks to the excellent wind conditions offered by the Mediterranean Sea, Gandía is an ideal place to practice windsurfing and kitesurfing. There are several schools that offer courses for all levels.
Hiking
The Sierra de Irta, close to Gandia, offers hiking routes with stunning views of the sea and mountains. You can also explore the Safor Natural Park, with its diversity of flora and fauna.
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Cycling
Gandia offers cycling routes for both mountain lovers and those who prefer the road. The Safor Greenway is one of the most popular routes, which follows old train tracks.
Impulsa la pasión por la aventura en los más jóvenes con la Schwinn Remix, una bicicleta de montaña infantil diseñada específicamente para niños entre 5 y 8 años. Con ruedas de 20 pulgadas y un marco SmartStart en acero ligero, esta bicicleta combina durabilidad con un manejo óptimo adaptado a los pequeños ciclistas. La suspensión frontal y las 6 velocidades ofrecen una experiencia de conducción suave y adaptable a diversos terrenos. Perfecta para exploradores en ciernes, la Schwinn Remix en su vibrante color azul, es la compañera ideal para aventuras inolvidables. Fomenta el amor por el ciclismo desde temprana edad; elige la Schwinn Remix para el próximo gran viaje de tu pequeño.
Golf
If you love golf, Gandía has the Gandía Golf Club, a 6-hole course perfect for enjoying this sport surrounded by a natural environment.
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Water Sports
In addition to windsurfing and kitesurfing, in Gandia you can practice other water sports such as paddle surfing, kayaking or diving. Gandia Beach has several companies that rent the necessary equipment and offer courses.
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Places near Gandía
If you are in Gandia and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences: