Posted by The city of Gandia (about 75,000 inhabitants) lies three kilometres west of the Mediterranean Sea (Costa del Azahar), 60 km south of Valencia and 100 km north of Alicante. Gandia has a great old town to offer the visitor. However, tourism is concentrated on the beach suburb of Gandia Platja, a few kilometres outside of Gandia, where there is almost more activity in summer than in Gandia itself.
Places of interest Gandia
The town is a nice small town with an extensive pedestrian zone in the centre and some interesting historical buildings. Gandia seems very Spanish and little influenced by nearby coastal tourism. In the past Gandia was much more important than today. The city had a famous university until the 18th century and was the seat of the important Spanish noble family Borja. There is a lot of information about the city and a free city map in the tourist information (Tourist Information) of Gandia directly opposite the railway station in front of the steam engine.
By far the most important sight in Gandia (see picture below) is the Palacio Ducal (Duke’s Palace). Especially the splendid rooms inside are worth seeing. Opening hours in winter: Daily 10-13:30 as well as 15-18:30; opening hours in summer 10-13:30 as well as 16-19:30 (Sundays all year round only open in the morning). The entrance fee for the Palace of Gandia (2015) is 7 euros per person, reduced admission (children, pensioners, disabled persons, etc.) 5 euros. The Duke’s Palace Palacio Ducal is located almost directly in the center, only about 50 meters east of the pedestrian zone Calle Major (main street).
Palacio Ducal – The Ducal Palace of Gandia
The city’s main attraction is the Palacio Ducal de los Borja, the Ducal Palace. It is located just a few steps from Calle Major, the central pedestrian street.
From the outside, the building appears rather plain, but the interior is magnificently designed:
Salón de las Coronas (Hall of Crowns)
Galería Dorada (Golden Gallery)
Historic furniture, paintings, and colorful ceiling frescoes
Moorish-style courtyards
Admission Prices (2025):
Adults: €7
Reduced: €5 (Children, seniors, people with disabilities)
Opening Hours Palacio Ducal 2025:
Winter: 10:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Summer: 10:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Sundays: Open only in the morning
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Also worth seeing in Gandia are the town hall (picture below) and the Colegiata, a large church from the 15th century (see picture above).
Other Sights in Gandia
Colegiata de Santa María
This 14th-century Gothic collegiate church is centrally located in the old town. Built after the Christian reconquest, it impresses with its simple yet monumental interior and tall bell tower.
Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba
This well-preserved monastery is located about 8 km outside of Gandia, amidst a green hilly landscape. It dates back to the 14th century and combines Gothic, Moorish, and Baroque elements. The cloister, gardens, and views are particularly worth seeing.
Marjal de Gandia & Alquería del Duc Natural Park
South of the city lies the Marjal de Gandia marshland, a tranquil natural park with trails and birdwatching spots. Nearby is the former Alquería del Duc estate, now an event venue and exhibition space.
Museo Arqueológico de Gandia (MAGa)
A small but well-presented archaeological museum with finds from the surrounding area. Particularly interesting are objects from the nearby Cueva del Parpalló, one of the most important sites of prehistoric art in Spain.
Calle Major & Pedestrian Zone
Calle Major is the main street in the center of Gandia. It is largely car-free and invites you to stroll and shop. It is home to many small shops, ice cream parlors, cafés, and restaurants. The Plaza “Plaça del Rei En Jaume I” is also a lovely place to linger.
Mercado Municipal – The Municipal Market
In the covered Mercado Municipal, local vendors sell fresh produce: fish, fruit, cheese, meat, and baked goods. If you want to experience authentic Spain, this is the place to be. You can often sample small dishes right there.
Conclusion: Discover Gandia – more than just a beach destination
Gandia is not just a beach destination, but also a city full of history and culture. The Ducal Palace, in particular, is a must-see for all visitors. The churches, museums, natural parks, and monastery also make Gandia an interesting destination for a day trip or short city break – all without the crowds.
Also worth seeing in Gandia are the Town Hall (pictured below) and the Colegiata, a large church dating back to the 15th century (see picture at the top).
Culinary famous in Spain is Gandia for its local specialty a Paella with noodles instead of rice (Paella Fideua) and this although the largest rice growing area of Spain is only a little north of Gandia!
In culinary terms, Gandia is known throughout Spain primarily for a special version of paella: fideuà – a type of paella with pasta instead of rice. This dish originated in the city’s fishing district and spread from there throughout Spain. Instead of rice, short, thin noodles (similar to soup noodles) are used, which are cooked in a shallow pan with fish, seafood, and broth. Fideuà is usually served with aioli, a rich garlic mayonnaise.
Ironically, the largest rice-growing area in Spain – the Albufera Natural Park near Valencia – lies just a few kilometers north of Gandia. Nevertheless, the pasta version of paella has established itself as a local specialty. Many restaurants in Gandia serve fideuà as a main course, and there are even competitions and festivals centered around the dish.
For authentic food, you should definitely try fideuà – ideally in one of the traditional restaurants in the old town or by the harbor.
Here are some restaurant tips for Gandia where you can enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine, regional specialties like fideuà, and a pleasant atmosphere:
1. Restaurante Casa Jaime
A classic, family-run restaurant in the heart of Gandia. It serves traditional Valencian dishes, including excellent fideuà and paella. The ingredients are fresh, the service is friendly, and the prices are fair. The seafood and its friendly, casual atmosphere are particularly popular.
2. Restaurante La Marina
Located a little closer to the harbor, this restaurant offers fresh fish and seafood dishes. The fideuà here is considered particularly delicious. The terrace overlooking the water is ideal for warm evenings.
3. El Rincon del Faro
A modern restaurant with a good mix of traditional and contemporary cuisine. The atmosphere is relaxed, ideal for a cozy dinner. Fideuà and paella are served here with a creative twist, often using local ingredients.
4. Casa Elena
A popular restaurant near the pedestrian zone. It offers a wide selection of classic Spanish cuisine, tapas, and excellent paella. The value for money is very good, especially at lunchtime with the Menu del Dia.
5. Taberna El Refugio
A small, cozy tapas bar with an authentic atmosphere. Here you can sample a variety of tapas and enjoy a good Spanish wine or beer. Perfect for a relaxing evening in a casual atmosphere.
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Arrival Gandia
Gandia is easy to reach by public transport. In contrast to many other cities in Spain, the train station and bus station are right in the centre of the city and next to each other (even in one building!). There are trains every half hour from Gandia to Valencia (to the main station Estacion del Norte). A ticket costs only 4,40 Euro (end of 2011), travel time for the 70 km about 1 hour. In all other directions there are buses. About 10 buses go daily via Oliva to Denia (3,70 Euro, end 2014), where you can change again to the train direction south. Many of the buses go on to Alicante (bus company Alsa). The buses of the local traffic of Gandia stop outside the station building e.g. very frequently to the beach Gandia Playa
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