Thinking about a beach holiday in Gandía? You are on the right track: Gandía is a perfect choice. This beautiful city on the Valencian coast has beaches for every taste.
Did you know that Gandía has more than 7 kilometres of beaches? From busy beaches full of life to quiet stretches where you only hear the waves, Gandía has it all.
Here is a detailed look at each beach so you can choose the one you like best.
Playa Nord
Playa Nord, also known as Playa Norte, is Gandía’s most famous beach. Why? Imagine a huge beach with soft golden sand and water so clear you can see your feet. That is Playa Nord.
This beach is great because:
-
It is very large, stretching for more than 3 kilometres.
-
It has very soft sand and clean water.
-
It has received the Blue Flag for 36 consecutive years, a sign of very high beach quality.
-
It has plenty of services and things to do.
At Playa Nord you can find:
-
Showers to rinse off after swimming.
-
Areas for beach volleyball, football and basketball.
-
Children’s play areas.
-
Beach bars where you can have something tasty to eat.
-
Places to rent surfboards, kayaks and other water-sports equipment.
-
Parasols and loungers for rent if you want to relax comfortably.
-
Police and lifeguards for safety.
One of the best things about Playa Nord is its seafront promenade, where you can walk, cycle or skate. During the day, you can enjoy the sea and the sun. At night, it fills with lights, music and people strolling. There are shops, restaurants and plenty to see.
Want to check the beach before you go? There is a live webcam showing Gandía Beach, so you can see whether it is sunny and whether the sea is calm before leaving home.
Playa de L’Ahuir
If you like nature, you will love L’Ahuir Beach. This beach is different because it remains close to its natural state, without buildings or heavy development.
What makes L’Ahuir Beach special:
-
It is quiet and natural.
-
It has dunes that make it especially beautiful.
-
The water is very clear and the sand is pale.
-
Naturism is allowed if you want to go without clothes.
-
It is great for kitesurfing.
-
It also has a Blue Flag, so you know it is clean and well cared for.
L’Ahuir Beach is perfect if you want to feel like you are on a deserted island while still being close to the city. It is one of the few places in the Valencian region where you can see such a natural beach.
Playa de Venecia
Venecia Beach feels like a well-kept secret. It is smaller than the others, and that is part of its charm.
Things you will like about Venecia Beach:
-
It is small, only 330 metres long, so it rarely feels too crowded.
-
It has very soft sand.
-
It is surrounded by dunes, which makes it beautiful.
-
The water is very calm because sea walls protect it.
-
It is close to the port and a river, so the views are lovely.
Playa de Rafalcaid
Rafalcaid Beach is great because it has a bit of everything. It is close to the city but still has a natural feel, making it perfect if you cannot decide between an urban beach and a wilder one.
What makes Rafalcaid Beach special:
-
It is 800 metres long and 50 metres wide, so there is room for everyone.
-
The sand is soft and golden.
-
The water is very clear.
-
It has dunes that make it very attractive.
-
It is popular for kitesurfing. If you have always wanted to try it, this is a good place to learn.
Playa de Xeraco
Although it is not technically in Gandía, Xeraco Beach is so close, only about 5 kilometres away, that it is worth mentioning.
Why you will love Xeraco Beach:
-
It is very long, stretching for 3 kilometres.
-
The sand is very soft.
-
The water is turquoise and almost Caribbean-looking.
-
It has held the Blue Flag for many years.
-
It is very peaceful, perfect if you want to relax.
Fun Things to Do on Gandía’s Beaches
Gandía’s beaches are not only for sunbathing, although that is great too. There are many fun things to do:
Water Sports
- You can kitesurf at L’Ahuir Beach.
- You can rent pedal boats at Playa Nord.
- You can also try paddle surfing.
Boat Trips
Companies such as Boramar offer boat trips, so you can see the coastline from the water.
Beach Sports
At Playa Nord there are volleyball nets, football goals and basketball courts.
Walks and Strolls
- You can walk along the Playa Nord promenade, which is attractive and full of life.
- On beaches with dunes, such as L’Ahuir and Venecia, you can enjoy nature walks.
Food
There are many beach bars and restaurants near the beaches. You can try paella, a typical Valencian dish, or tapas, small portions of food made for sharing.
Sunsets
All of Gandía’s beaches are great places to watch the sunset. It is beautiful and free.
Sandcastles
The sand on these beaches is perfect for building castles. See who can build the tallest one.
Useful Tips for Visiting Gandía’s Beaches
When to Go
- If you like busy beaches and a lively atmosphere, go in July or August.
- If you prefer more peace and quiet, June or September are better. The weather is still good, but there are fewer people.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
- The sun in Gandía is strong, especially in summer.
- Do not forget sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
- Bringing a parasol is a good idea if you plan to spend a long time on the beach.
How to Get There
- If you go by car, there are car parks near the beaches, but they fill up quickly in summer, so go early.
- You can also use the bus. There are routes serving the beach areas.
Take Care of the Beach
- Do not leave rubbish on the sand. There are bins on all the beaches.
- On natural beaches such as L’Ahuir, be careful not to step on dune vegetation.
Other Tips
- Check the webcam: before going to Playa Nord, check the webcam online to see the weather and sea conditions.
- Bring water: it gets very hot on the beach, so drinking plenty of water is important.
- Respect the flags: coloured flags tell you whether swimming is safe:
- Green: you can swim safely.
- Yellow: be careful, the sea is a little rough.
- Red: do not swim, it is dangerous.
- Try different beaches: each Gandía beach is different. If you have time, visit several and see which one you like best.
- Bring cash: some small beach bars may not accept cards, so it is useful to carry some cash.
- Learn a few words in Valencian: locals will appreciate it if you say “bon dia” (good morning) or “gràcies” (thank you).
Why Choose Gandía’s Beaches?
Gandía is a special place for a beach holiday, with beaches for every kind of visitor:
-
If you like activity and meeting people, Playa Nord is perfect.
-
If you prefer nature and quiet, L’Ahuir will be your favourite.
-
If you want something in between, Rafalcaid or Venecia are ideal.
Gandía is also much more than beach. The city has history, good food and friendly people. You can spend the day by the sea and explore the city at night.
Best of all, whichever beach you choose, you will find:
-
Clean, clear water
-
Soft, pleasant sand
-
Sunshine for much of the year
-
Plenty of things to do
Coves Near Gandía
Gandía already has postcard-worthy beaches, but there are also coves within driving distance that are well worth a trip, especially around Alicante. Here are a few to consider:
-
Cala Blanca: just over an hour and a half by car from Gandía Beach. It is beautiful, with golden sand and very clear water. Perfect for a swim or some snorkelling.
-
Cala de Moraira: closer, less than an hour away. It has a more polished feel, with a marina and a lovely promenade. Ideal for a relaxed stroll.
-
Cala de la Granadella: my personal favourite, less than an hour away. It is a natural beauty, with crystal-clear water and impressive cliffs. If you like diving or snorkelling, you will love it.
-
Cala del Portitxol: also less than an hour away. It is quieter, perfect if you want to lie on your towel and do very little. Pure calm.
There are more hidden gems too:
-
Cala Ambolo: a hidden gem near Jávea. It is a naturist cove with spectacular views. It takes a little effort to reach, but it is worth it.
-
Cala Sardinera: also in Jávea. A lovely cove with pebbles and turquoise water. It is less known than others, so it is perfect if you want something more intimate.
-
Cala Llebeig: in Benitatxell, a small cove with plenty of charm. Ideal if you want quiet and unspoiled nature.
For me, Cala de la Granadella is the standout. It has everything: a beautiful small beach, water that looks like a swimming pool and pine trees all around.
So even though Gandía’s beaches are excellent, consider a short trip to these coves. You will come back with a camera full of photos and plenty of memories.