A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

Denia, a coastal gem of Spain, offers stunning beaches, a historic castle, and a vibrant culinary scene. Recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy, it is famous for its delicious local cuisine, especially its fresh seafood and traditional paella.

Xativa, a historical gem of Valencia, Spain, fascinates visitors with its impressive medieval castle, charming streets and exquisite local cuisine, featuring dishes such as "arròs al forn" (oven-baked rice) and "arnadí", a traditional dessert.