The surroundings of Gandia are full of hidden treasures worth discovering.

In this guide, I will introduce you to some of the most beautiful towns near Gandia that you will not want to miss, from charming coastal towns to picturesque mountain villages.

Oliva

Oliva, one of the towns near Gandia

Just 10 kilometres south of Gandia, Oliva is one of the most charming towns in the area. With its well-preserved old town and golden-sand beaches, Oliva offers a perfect combination of history and coastal relaxation.

What to see in Oliva:

  • Santa Ana Castle: a 16th-century fortress offering panoramic views of the city and the sea.

  • Church of Santa Maria la Mayor: an impressive example of Renaissance architecture.

  • Oliva’s beaches: ideal for lovers of windsurfing and other water sports.

  • Ethnological Museum: a place to learn more about local history and traditions.

Food: Do not leave without trying arroz a banda, a typical dish from the area.

Xativa

Visiting Xativa Castle

Although it is a little farther away, around 40 kilometres from Gandia, Xativa is definitely worth a visit. This town is famous for its impressive castle and rich history.

Points of interest:

  • Xativa Castle: an imposing fortress with more than 30 towers.

  • Collegiate Church of Santa Maria: an architectural jewel with Gothic and Renaissance elements.

  • Fine Arts Museum: home to an important collection of religious art and portraits of the Borgia family.

  • La Alameda: a beautiful tree-lined promenade, perfect for a pleasant walk.

Interesting fact: Xativa is the birthplace of the Borgia popes Callixtus III and Alexander VI.

Denia

Denia

If you are looking for towns near Gandia with a beach, Denia is an excellent option. About 30 kilometres to the south, this town perfectly combines a seafaring atmosphere with a first-rate cultural and culinary offering.

Do not miss:

  • Denia Castle: a fortress with spectacular views of the Mediterranean.

  • The fishing and marina port: ideal for a walk and for tasting fresh seafood.

  • Les Marines and Les Rotes beaches: kilometres of golden sand and rocky coves.

  • Ethnological Museum: a place to learn more about the city’s maritime history.

Food: Denia is famous for its red prawn and rice dishes. Do not leave without trying them.

Altea

Altea old town

Although it is a little farther away, Altea is well worth the trip. Known for its whitewashed houses and cobbled streets, this town is one of the most photogenic in the area.

Essential places:

  • The old town and Church Square: a maze of narrow streets and white houses.

  • Church of Nuestra Senora del Consuelo: with its characteristic blue dome.

  • The seafront promenade: perfect for a pleasant walk by the sea.

  • Casa de Cultura: home to contemporary art exhibitions.

Tip: Visit Altea at sunset to enjoy a spectacular view of the sun setting over the sea.

Calpe

Calpe town
Calle Puchalt, the beautiful street in Calpe with the Spanish flag

Located about 60 kilometres south of Gandia, Calpe, or Calp in Valencian, is one of the most spectacular destinations on the Costa Blanca.

Although it is a little farther than other towns near Gandia, Calpe offers a unique combination of dream beaches, impressive nature and rich history that makes the trip worthwhile.

What to see in Calpe:

  • Penon de Ifach: this impressive 332-metre-high rock is the symbol of Calpe and the entire Costa Blanca. You can climb to the top for spectacular panoramic views.

  • The beaches: Calpe has beautiful fine-sand beaches, such as Playa de la Fossa-Levante and Playa del Arenal-Bol.

  • The old town: with its narrow streets and whitewashed houses, Calpe’s old town is perfect for walking and discovering charming corners.

  • Banos de la Reina: a Roman archaeological complex by the sea, including ancient baths.

  • Calpe salt flats: a protected natural area where you can observe flamingos and other birds.

Recommended activities:

  • Practise water sports such as snorkelling, diving or paddleboarding in its crystal-clear waters.

  • Take a trip to the Penon de Ifach Natural Park.

  • Visit the Calpe History Museum to learn more about the city’s past.

  • Enjoy a walk around the fishing and marina port.

Food: Calpe is famous for its seafood cuisine. Do not leave without trying:

  • “Arroz del senyoret”, a rice dish with peeled seafood.

  • “Llauna de Calp”, a traditional fishermen’s fish stew.

  • Sea urchins, very popular in season.

Penon de Ifach Natural Park
Penon de Ifach Natural Park

Interesting fact: The Penon de Ifach is one of the smallest rock formations in Europe, but also one of the most visited, with more than 100,000 visitors a year.

Simat de la Valldigna

Simat de la Valldigna

Just 20 kilometres from Gandia, Simat de la Valldigna is home to one of the region’s most impressive monuments: the Monastery of Santa Maria de la Valldigna.

A must-visit:

  • Monastery of Santa Maria de la Valldigna: a jewel of Valencian Gothic architecture.

  • The town’s old centre: with narrow streets and traditional houses.

  • Hermitage of Santa Creu: offering panoramic views of the valley.

Interesting fact: The Valldigna valley is famous for its orange groves. If you visit in season, do not leave without trying the local oranges.

Pego

Located about 25 kilometres from Gandia, Pego is a town that combines mountain beauty with rice-growing tradition.

What to see:

  • The old town: with narrow streets and stately houses.

  • Church of the Assumption: an impressive Baroque church.

  • Marjal de Pego-Oliva Natural Park: a wetland ideal for birdwatching.

Recommended activity: Follow a hiking route through the Sierra de Mustalla to enjoy panoramic views of the coast and rice fields.

Cullera

Cullera town

Located about 30 kilometres north of Gandia, Cullera is another of the towns near Gandia with a beach worth visiting. This town offers a perfect combination of beach, mountain and history.

What to see in Cullera:

  • Cullera Castle: a 10th-century fortress offering panoramic views of the coast.

  • Cullera Lighthouse: located at the top of the hill, it is an excellent viewpoint.

  • Marenyet Tower: a 16th-century watchtower.

  • The beaches: Cullera has more than 15 km of beaches, from the urban San Antonio Beach to quieter coves.

Recommended activities:

  • Visit the Rice Museum to learn about the importance of this crop in the region.

  • Take a boat trip along the mouth of the Jucar River.

  • Practise water sports such as windsurfing or kitesurfing at Marenyet Beach.

Food: Do not leave Cullera without trying its famous seafood paella or all i pebre, a traditional eel stew.

How to Move Between These Towns

To visit these towns near Gandia, the most convenient option is to rent a car. This gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and reach more remote places.

However, there are also bus connections from Gandia to most of these towns, as well as some train options.

Tip: If you decide to use public transport, check timetables in advance, as some services may be limited, especially at weekends.

When to Visit

The Gandia region and its surroundings enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate, making them pleasant to visit all year round. However, each season has its own charm:

  • Spring (March-May): Pleasant temperatures and flowering landscapes. Ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.

  • Summer (June-August): Perfect for enjoying the beaches and local festivals. Keep in mind that this is high season and coastal towns can be busier.

  • Autumn (September-November): The weather remains pleasant and there are fewer tourists. Ideal for cultural visits.

  • Winter (December-February): Although cooler, it is a good time to enjoy local food and winter landscapes.

Festivals and Events

Many of these beautiful towns near Gandia celebrate festivals and events throughout the year that can enrich your visit:

  • Fallas in Gandia and nearby towns: In March, many towns in the area celebrate this famous Valencian festival.

  • Moors and Christians in Oliva: Held in July, it is one of the region’s most spectacular festivals.

  • Xativa Fair and Festivals: Held in August, with its famous Fira d’Agost.

  • Harvest Festival in Fontanars dels Alforins: Held in September, ideal for wine lovers.

Food in the Region

Food is one of the great attractions of the towns around Gandia. Some dishes you should not miss:

  • Valencian paella.

  • Fideua.

  • Arroz a banda.

  • All i pebre, typical of the Albufera.

  • Coca de dacsa, a corn flatbread.

  • Local oranges.

Food tip: Many restaurants offer set lunch menus at reasonable prices, allowing you to taste local cuisine without spending too much.

Distances and Travel Times from Gandia

To help you plan your itinerary, I have prepared a table with approximate distances and estimated travel times by car from Gandia to each of the towns mentioned in this guide:

Note: Travel times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.

Remember that this guide is only a small sample of what you can discover. There are many more beautiful towns around Gandia waiting to be explored.