Wondering if Gandia is worth visiting and what to do in the area? Gandia is a fantastic destination, known for its historical sites related to the Borja (Borgia) family, its stunning beaches, and its delicious fideuà, a traditional seafood dish similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice.

• This post contains affiliate links from which I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you). For more info, please read my disclosure. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Is Gandia worth visiting? + Top Things to do

Where is Gandia?

Gandia is conveniently located along the road between Valencia and Alicante, on the eastern coast of Spain in the region of Comunidad Valenciana. It can easily be visited as a day trip from Valencia, with only about 65 kilometers separating the two cities.

Is Gandia worth visiting?

Gandia is definitely worth visiting. As a popular summer destination in Spain, it is known for its historic landmarks and Mediterranean charm. While it may not be as famous as nearby cities like Valencia and Alicante, this makes it an ideal spot to explore if you’re looking for something a bit more off the beaten path. For locals, Gandia is a favorite destination for bachelor parties, especially during the summer when the town comes alive with beach clubs and a vibrant nightlife scene. Outside of the peak summer season, Gandia offers a quieter, more relaxed vacation experience and serves as an excellent base for exploring the Valencian Community, thanks to its convenient location on the route connecting Valencia and Alicante. Additionally, Gandia’s beach is considered one of the best in the Valencian region.

Where to stay in Gandia?

Gandia offers a variety of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. I especially like RH Bayren Hotel & Spa and Senator Gandia.

Best Gandia Tours

• Ducal Palace Entry Ticket with Audio Guide (check availability)
• From Valencia: The Borgia´s legacy and Gandia beach Day Trip (check availability)
• Gandía: History, Beach & Albufera Natural Park Private Tour (check availability)

Cool things to do in Gandia

1. Visit the Ducal Palace of Gandia

The Ducal Palace of Gandia is a must-see on any Valencia day tour. It is also an important stop on the Borgia Route, an itinerary that highlights landmarks associated with the famous Borgia family. The palace served as the residence of the powerful Borgia family since 1485 and was the birthplace of Saint Francis Borgia, a great-grandson of Pope Alexander VI. In case you’re not familiar with the Borgias (or haven’t seen The Borgias, the historical drama starring Jeremy Irons), the House of Borgia was a noble family originally from Xativa. While they were wealthy, their international fame soared when they established themselves in Italy, where they became a significant influence in the Vatican during the 1400s and 1500s. The family was notorious for its power struggles and is often linked to numerous crimes and murders. The House of Borgia produced two popes – Alfonso de Borja, who became Pope Callixtus III, and Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia, who became Pope Alexander VI – as well as many other influential political and religious figures.

You can purchase tickets in advance via GetYourGuide here.

2. Enjoy the beach of Gandia

If you are visiting Gandia in search of unique Spanish beaches, you’ll be happy to find that Playa de Gandia is one of the best along the Mediterranean coast, known for its soft golden sand and crystal-clear waters. The beach is well-maintained, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops along the promenade.

3. Visit the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria

The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria in Gandia is a stunning example of Spanish Gothic architecture, located in the heart of the historic center and dating back to the 14th century. It is a must-visit for fans of Spanish cathedrals and monasteries.

4. Explore the old town of Gandia

Many unique Spanish towns are known for their Casco Antiguo (Old Town), which is always full of charm and history – and Gandia is no exception. Be sure to visit the central square, Plaza Mayor, where you can enjoy a coffee while admiring the local architecture and shops.

5. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Gandia

If you enjoy Spanish history and secret museums, check out the Museo Arqueológico de Gandia (MAGa). Its exhibits showcase artifacts from the prehistoric to medieval periods.

6. Try Fideuà

Just as Valencia is known for having the best paella in Spain, Gandia is one of the top foodie destinations when it comes to fideuà. This dish is similar to paella but is made with noodles instead of rice. Additionally, like most coastal towns in Valencia, Gandia is famous for its tapas, fresh seafood, and locally produced wines. Some of the best places to eat in Gandia are Chef Amadeo, Telero, and Romanova.

7. Experience festivals in Gandia

If you enjoy Spanish festivals and have ever visited Las Fallas in Valencia, you’ll be happy to know that Gandia organizes its own Las Fallas in March. This lively festival features impressive bonfires, fireworks, and parades – but on a smaller scale and with fewer crowds than in Valencia. In September, Fira i Festes de Gandia is another event full of traditional music, dancing, and local food.

8. Explore the region via day trips

If you plan to explore the Valencian Community, check out this post on Valencia’s hidden gems. Popular day trips from Gandia include Valencia, Xativa, Denia, Alicante, and Peñiscola.

9. Visit Museu Faller de Gandia

If you’ve missed the famous Las Fallas celebration in Valencia, the Museu Faller de Gandia is a great place to learn more about the origins of this festival (since Gandia has its own similar celebration to Valencia’s). The entire process of creating the “ninots” is mind-blowing and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage tradition. It’s a fascinating museum that you definitely shouldn’t miss in Gandia!

Is Gandia of Valencia better?

Many travelers compare Valencia and Gandia, as both are located on the Mediterranean coast. If you’re looking for a beach vacation, I would recommend Gandia, as I prefer its beach over Valencia’s. While it becomes popular during the summer months, Valencia, being the third-largest city in Spain, tends to get much more crowded. Additionally, Valencia has a budget-friendly high-speed connection with Madrid, which brings in many travelers for day trips. On the other hand, Valencia offers more things to do for those looking for a sightseeing holiday.

Pin it:

For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.

• Accommodation: For short stays, I usually book via Agoda and Booking
• Tours&excursions: My favorites for guided tours are GetYourGuide and Viator
• Museums&attractions: Get mobile tickets for attractions via Tiqets (use ATC5 code for a 5% discount via this link)
• Semi-private & private tours: LivTours is my favorite place for unique & crafted experiences in Europe
• For Foodies: Eatwith is a unique platform for finding culinary experiences with locals around the world
• Audio guides: Book audio excursions & tours in 35+ countries via WeGoTrip
• Flights: Find the best deals with Skyscanner and Kiwi
• Driving in a new country? – Check out Tripiamo guides (do not miss Tripiamo Driving in Spain Guide)
• Train&bus tickets: Currently, I book via Omio (10% off with code ATC10 for first-time customers)
• Car rental: To find the best deals, I use Discover Cars
• Top E-Sim: To avoid roaming fees, I like Holafly (use ATLIFESTYLECROSSROADS for for a 5% discount)
• Shop My Level8 Suitcase: get 15% off with the code ATC15 here
• Internet Security on the road: Connect safely to public Wi-Fi and bypass censorship with NordVPN
• Transfers: For individual transfer services, I like GetTransfer and Kiwitaxi
• Suitcases&Luggage: Discover where to store your luggage on the go with Radical Storage
• Travel Insurance: Find the best trip insurance plans via VisitorsCoverage and EKTA
• Compensation for delayed/canceled flights: Check out AirHelp and Compensair
• Renting Bikes: To find motorcycles, scooters, quads, and bicycles, I use BikesBooking
• Package Tours: Head to CheapOair and Expedia
• For Bloggers: To monetize my blog, I work with Travelpayouts and Stay22
• Website Owners: For hosting services, I work with and recommend Lyrical Host (get 10% off with my code ATC10)