Gandia
With about seventy-five thousand citizens, the population of Gandia is larger than Benidorms. Thanks to its rich history, however, it does not only attract sun craving beachgoers.
One of the most illustrious historical families, the Spanish-Aragonese Borgias, have resided here for centuries. The family, that was prominent during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, produced as many as two popes: Alfons de Borgia as Pope Callixtus III (1455-1458) and Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia as Pope Alexander VI (1492-1503). With the arrival of the first Duke of Gandia, Pedro Luis de Borgia, the City Palace became not only the residence of the Dukes of Gandia, but also the home base of the Borgias.
The Palau Ducal dels Borja (City Palace), that is located in the historic center of the city, was originally constructed in Valencian Gothic style. Today it is a mixture of different architectural styles. Would you like to visit it? An audio tour takes approximately forty minutes and is available in English, German, French and Spanish.
Do you have time left after the audio tour of the palace? The coastal strip extends over seven kilometers and consists of four beaches. Do you want to avoid the masses as much as possible? Then instead of Playa Norte, where you will find the promenade full of hotels and accommodations, you should go and visit Playa de l’Ahuir.
Are you not bound to visit in a specific season? Then it is wise to avoid Gandia as much as possible during the high season in the summer months.
Shopping
With the exception of Mondays and Wednesdays, there is a market in a different part of the city every day between 08:00 and 14:00. During the high season you can also choose to visit the night market at the beach.
Food and drinks
Would you like to try a traditional dish? The ‘fideuà’, which is made with fish and seafood, is inspired by the paella. However, in this Gandian dish, the rice is replaced by a type of durum wheat pasta.