Gandia combines urban appeal with laid-back beach vibes. Most visitors head to Playa de Gandia, the lively beach district six kilometres east of the city centre. Soft sand, crystal-clear water and plenty of facilities make it one of the top beaches on the Balearic coast.
Things to do in Gandia
The sugar-white stretch of sand at Playa de Gandia is dotted with colourful beach umbrellas and deck chairs. Bask in the sunshine and take a stroll along the palm-lined promenade, then cool off with a glass of fruity sangria at a local bar.
Built in the early 1300s, Palacio Ducal dels Borja once housed Italian dukes. Today the palace has been reimagined as a local history museum. Guided tours take you into the palace and showcase highlights such as the magnificent Salón de las Coronas. Galería Dorada features stunning ceiling murals and intricate mosaic floors.
The Archaeological Museum of Gandia showcases a treasure trove of historic artefacts, including Palaeolithic tools found in nearby Cueva del Parpalló. Day trips to Parpalló-Borrell Natural Park are a great chance to visit the cave and learn more about ancient Palaeolithic civilisations. Just west of the city, the Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba is set in serene Mediterranean gardens.
Gandia is brimming with bistros and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious Valencian cuisine. Try specialty dishes such as seafood paella with local prawns, eel cooked with garlic and “esgarraet” grilled red pepper salad. For dessert, indulge in crispy “bunyol” donuts dusted with sugar.
Getting around Gandia
Gandia is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, while local buses ferry passengers between the city centre and Playa de Gandia. Gandia is a one-hour drive from Valencia and two hours from Murcia. Ferries depart from the main port and connect Gandia with the Balearic Islands. Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport is a four-hour drive inland.