Free walking tours in Gandía and what to see

Must-sees

Gandía has two sides: the historic town and the beach, a few kilometres apart. In the centre, the main visit is the Ducal Palace of the Borgias, home of the family that produced two popes and a saint, Francis Borgia, who was born in this palace. Close by are the Collegiate Church of Santa María, a large Gothic church, and the old convent of Santa Clara.

Gandía beach is one of the best known on the Valencian coast, wide with fine sand, a long promenade and plenty of life in summer. Next to it is the port, with its fish market. To the north, l’Ahuir beach keeps its dunes and a quieter atmosphere. A few kilometres away, in Alfauir, is the monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba.

Free tours and guided visits

Gandía’s free tours usually cover the historic centre and tell the story of the Borgias, their power in Renaissance Valencia and their rise in Rome. They are tip-based and pass the collegiate church, the palace and the nearby streets. The paid guided visit to the Ducal Palace is worth it, as the interior explains the family much better. Among excursions, the Monasteries Route, linking several monasteries in the area, is a good option on foot or by bike. Valencia and Xàtiva are a short trip away by train or car.

How long to spend

One day is enough for the historic side. Spend the morning at the Ducal Palace and the collegiate church, and the afternoon at the port and on the promenade. With two or three days you can add the monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba, a stretch of the monasteries route and a few mornings on the beach. If you come in summer, keep the middle of the day for the sea and the early or late hours for sightseeing.

Where to stay

If you are mainly interested in the beach, stay in the Gandía beach area, where almost all the hotels are, with restaurants and the promenade on foot. If you prioritise history and lower prices, the town centre keeps you close to the palace, the collegiate church and the train station. Buses run frequently between the two, so either works well.