This small holiday resort which is popular amongst the Spanish, hasn't yet gained such popularity amongst the British.  It is located in the heart of the Safor district, 65km from Valencia and 116km from Alicante. It boasts miles of clean easily accessible beaches and a promenade that puts Benidorm to shame. It offers a peaceful destination for a short break throughout the summer or winter.

Gandia was a small prosperous medieval town with its economy linked to agriculture (sugar cane), trade and craft. In 1399 this small town was elevated to the status of Royal Ducat and the new Duke of Gandia, Alfons El Vell, commissioned the building of the Ducal Palace which remains the city’s most well known monument. Since the 1960’s Gandia’s main source of income has been from tourism which is supplemented by the production of oranges.

Ducal Palace
This is imposing building, situated amonst the narrow streets of the old town, was the birth place of Francisco de Borja and therefore is often referred to as the Borja Palace. It is lavishly decorated in baroque, gothic and renaissance styles and yet retains many of it’s original 15th century features. The best way to see the entire building is to take one of the guided tours.

Saint Marc's Hospital
In addition to instructing the building of the palace, Alfons El Vell is also credited with the founding of the hospital at the end of the 14th century. This building now houses the Archaeological Museum of Gandia

Town Hall
This building was originally constructed in 1778 as an angry reply to the old centre of power, the Ducal Palace. It is crowned by 4 stone busts representing the four virtues that should be considered by a governor. Unfortunately, when it was reconstructed in 1982 very little of the original building could be preserved. However the square is picturesque and makes a pleasant location to stop for lunch.

The Beaches
with 5.8km of coastline and 700,000 sq. metres of sand you have the space to enjoy the best beach on the Mediterranean coast. It's a beach of varying characteristics so you can choose the one that suits you.

L'Ahuir Beach
On the Valencia side of Gandia there lies a beach of fine golden sand, flanked by sand dunes. An ideal beach for lovers of tranquillity. There is also a restricted section which is designated and signposted as a nudist beach

North Beach
This is the main Gandia beach. It comprises of 3km of golden sand with an abundance of children’s play areas, volleyball, football and basket ball nets available for public use and is accessible to people with limited mobility.

If you don’t fancy getting sand between your toes, fear not there is a beautiful promenade to stroll along complete with a cycle lane for those who are so inclined (don’t worry if you forgot your bike you can hire one while you are here). There are also surf board and pedalo rental outlets on this beach.

Venecia Beach
Located to the south of the yacht club and the port this small, peaceful beach is sheltered from the swells and the northern winds by a breakwater. It is bordered by a line of fixed sand dunes with Mediterranean vegetation.

Rafalcaid Beach
If you prefer a beach that is not overlooked by high-rise apartments this would be better for you. It is a beach of fine golden sand limited by a line of fixed sand dunes with Mediterranean vegetation.

Final note: because this is not a resort geared around the British holiday makers please be aware that few cafe, restaurant or shop staff speak English so go prepared to practise your Spanish!