Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the stunning Xativa Castle on a day trip from Valencia. This charming town, renowned for its ties to the Borgia family and two popes of Rome, is home to a castle that offers some of the most breathtaking views in the region.

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Visiting an epic Xativa Castle near Valencia

Where is Xativa?

Xativa is a historic town located in the Valencian Community of Spain, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Valencia and 90 kilometers (56 miles) north of Alicante.

To reach Xativa, you can take a train from Valencia’s train station, which offers direct routes to Xativa that take around 30-40 minutes – making it a popular day trip from Valencia by train. Alternatively, if you’re traveling by car, you can drive via the A-7 highway, which takes about an hour from either Valencia or Alicante. As a result, Xativa Castle is often included in road trips around Valencia or on the route between Valencia and Alicante.

You may come across Xativa spelled as Jativa online, but keep in mind they refer to the same town. Xativa is the name in Valencian, a local language spoken throughout the Valencian Community, while Jativa is the Spanish version of the name.

Visiting an epic Xativa Castle near Valencia
Castillo Mayor, the castle of Xativa, is one of my favorite day trips from Valencia

What to do in Xativa?

When I first visited Xativa nearly 10 years ago, it was one of those hidden gems of Valencia, though it’s become much more touristy over the years.

Aside from the iconic Xativa Castle, there are several other notable landmarks to explore, such as the birthplace of Pope Alexander VI, the Borgia Palace (Palau de los Borja), the Colegiata Basílica de Santa María, and the Sant Francesc Church. Xativa Castle is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the winter and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the summer, with an entrance fee of €2.40.

There’s also a tourist train that departs from the TouristInfo in Xativa at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Once you arrive, you’ll have an hour to explore (though I personally spent about 2 hours there). The train fare is €4.20.

Castle of Xativa Spain

Visiting the Xativa Castle

Due to its strategic location, Xativa played an important role in the area throughout the centuries. As you approach the city by car, the Xativa Castle is immediately visible. It consists of two parts – Castillo Menor and Castillo Mayor – and from each, you get a wonderful panorama of the other.

Honestly, I expected the castle interiors to be empty. However, in Castillo Mayor, I unexpectedly discovered a few interesting exhibitions dedicated to the life of locals, castle defense, and historical figures of the Valencian Community.

Another fascinating fact about Xativa Castle that surprised me greatly: in 1150, Europe’s first paper mill was founded here, using rice and straw as raw materials. The first paper was brought to Europe all the way from China via the Middle East. It’s incredible that this small city played such an important role in the history of papermaking.

Castle views in Xativa, Spain: A perfect day trip from Valencia
Castle views near Valencia
Visiting Xativa Castle near Alicante
Capilla de San Jorge in Xativa
Capilla de San Jorge

Xativa and The Borgia in Spain

Not only is Xativa often ranked among the top Spanish castle destinations, but it’s also one of the most famous landmarks tied to the scandalous Borgia family (or Borja in Spanish). There’s even a historical drama series starring Jeremy Irons based on their story.

The Borgia family hailed from Xativa and played a significant role in the heart of Catholic Europe. Though they were always wealthy, their international fame soared when they established themselves in Italy and rose to power within the Vatican during the 15th and 16th centuries. The history of the Borgias is marked by intrigue, crime, and murder – all driven by their relentless pursuit of power.

The House of Borgia produced two popes: Alfons de Borja, who became Pope Callixtus III (1455-1458), and Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia, who became Pope Alexander VI (1492-1503), along with numerous other political and religious figures. At Xativa Castle, you’ll find a small exhibit dedicated to the Borgias and their fascinating, controversial legacy.

Despacho Borja in Xativa
The office of the Borgia in Xativa
Jativa is a perfect match for an interesting day trip from Valencia and a part of the Borgia Sightseeing Route in the region. Don´t miss The Jativa Castle, a marvelous castle in the clouds with alluring views and a touch of history. #Jativa #xativa #valencia #spain #castles #beautiful villages #tips #visit
What a castle without stunning Spanish ceramics
Is xativa worth visiting
What´s left from the Xativa governer´s room
What´s left from the Jativa governer´s room: it should have had quite a view…

Other Xativa sites related to the Borgia:

  • Iglesia de Sant Francesc
  • Carrer Montcada
  • Real Monasterio de Santa Clara
  • Fuente de la Trinitat
  • Casa natalicia de Alejandro VI
  • Iglesia de Sant Pere
  • Retablo de casa Artigues
  • Colegiata Basílica de Santa María
  • El Palau
  • Museo de Bellas Artes

What is Xativa known for?

The town of Xativa (also called Jativa) is a popular day trip from Valencia, known for housing one of Spain’s most unique castles. It is also famous as the birthplace of the Borgia family, one of the most influential families of the Renaissance, which produced two popes, including Pope Alexander VI, who played a significant role in Rome’s political life.

The castle is part of a popular route across the region that highlights landmarks connected to the Borgias. Additionally, many overlook the fact that Xativa is also renowned for its paper production, being one of the first towns in Europe to produce paper during the Middle Ages.

Where to stay in Xativa

While most travelers visit Xativa on a day trip from Valencia to explore the castle and the town’s lesser-known landmarks, staying overnight allows you to fully appreciate everything it has to offer. Here are a few places I recommend for a comfortable stay in Xativa: Mont-Sant, LA MOMA Apartments, and Garden Suites.

Parking in Xativa

There are several parking areas in the city, one of which is right by the entrance to the castle (though it is almost always full). Most travelers park at the Parking Subida al Castillo and walk 20 minutes uphill to the castle.

Food in Xativa

Foodies won’t want to miss trying some local dishes in Xativa, like arròs al forn (oven-baked rice), arròs caldós (rice stew), arròs en fesols i naps (rice with beans and turnips), and arròs blanquet (rice with onion sausage). Of course, paella is also a popular dish in Xativa. Overall, the cuisine in Xativa is very much in line with the popular foods and dishes found throughout the Valencian Community.

Spanish baked rice dish Comfort foods
Arròs al forn (oven-baked rice) is one of my all-time favorite Spanish comfort foods

Is Xativa worth visiting?

Xativa is worth visiting if you enjoy exploring castles and charming small towns in Spain. The castle also offers stunning panoramic views of the region, making it a perfect spot for taking photos. Additionally, its historical connection to the renowned Borgia family makes Xativa a must-visit for history enthusiasts in Spain.

Xativa travel guide valencia

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