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Gandía, a City in the Valencian Province

In 2014, when we first visited Gandía, the place was still a white spot on the map for us. Our first and lasting feeling of the visit was that we had found a hidden treasure, a real gem on the east coast of Spain. Now, several years later, the feeling is the same, but now Sunsation Beach has become a natural part of the city's beach life in the early and late summer. Come and discover Gandía with us!
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Gandía Playa & Ciudad

At 120 meters wide and 7 km long, Playa Gandía is larger than the eye can perceive. The nearly flat, silky smooth, and bright sandy beach resembles Santa Monica, with its palm-lined promenade. During summer, the beach is overcrowded with Spanish tourists seeking out the sea for relaxation and partying.

Gandía town sits along the river, Rio Serpis, about 7 km from the beach. Here you'll find a vibrant and, in many cases, cozy city center. Go for a stroll and perhaps experience the local culture at one of the many bars and cafés. The best time to visit is in the evening, just before the shops close, and then enjoy dinner on a cozy outdoor terrace in our slice of "real" Spain.

Paella!

On the east coast of Spain, it feels a bit like air-dried ham (Jamon Serrano and Iberico), white bread with tomato sauce (Pan con Tomate), and rice dishes (arroz) are considered a human right.

If you ask our Spanish friends, paella is a lunch activity that is shared with many in someone's garden or terrace. Instead of the classic BBQ charcoal or gas grill, the host sets up the giant paella pan on a gas burner (or even open fire if you're lucky). Of course, eating paella at a restaurant, even for dinner, is OK.

Of course, eating paella at a restaurant, even for dinner, is OK. You can bring it back to the apartment, as it's usually available for takeout (in the pan) at lunch and dinner. Paella Valenciana is a regional classic, with rabbit and chicken as the protein. Still, Fideua is the real Gandines specialty where rice is replaced by pasta, and the protein usually comes from the sea.

A different type of breakfast with hearty baguettes, olives, and roasted peanuts accompanied by beer or wine. If you don't mind beer or wine before noon, you should experience an authentic Gandines Almuerzo. The first time it felt a bit like we were having our night snack after a clubbing but for breakfast, an ordinary morning. However, the atmosphere is always good, and you're guaranteed to be one of very few tourists.

We get many questions about where to eat the best Tapas, for the most part, you need to go to downtown Gandía. Maybe stop by La Llimera for a delicious "Pulpo" or Celler Llinares for gourmet products like wines, cured ham, and cheese.

If you want to get the top gastro experience then a visit to Marina Alta is a must. In just 30 min by car, you get to an area that holds an impressive 13 of the 23 Michelin stars in the Valencia Province.

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Of course, eating paella at a restaurant, even for dinner, is OK. You can bring it back to the apartment, as it's usually available for takeout (in the pan) at lunch and dinner. Paella Valenciana is a regional classic, with rabbit and chicken as the protein. Still, Fideua is the real Gandines specialty where rice is replaced by pasta, and the protein usually comes from the sea.

A different type of breakfast with hearty baguettes, olives, and roasted peanuts accompanied by beer or wine. If you don't mind beer or wine before noon, you should experience an authentic Gandines Almuerzo. The first time it felt a bit like we were having our night snack after a clubbing but for breakfast, an ordinary morning. However, the atmosphere is always good, and you're guaranteed to be one of very few tourists.

We get many questions about where to eat the best Tapas, for the most part, you need to go to downtown Gandía. Maybe stop by La Llimera for a delicious "Pulpo" or Celler Llinares for gourmet products like wines, cured ham, and cheese.

If you want to get the top gastro experience then a visit to Marina Alta is a must. In just 30 min by car you get to an area that holds an impressive 13 of the 23 Michelin stars in the Valencia Province.

Fine Dining in Marina Alta

Fine Dining in Marina Alta

If you want a top gastro experience a visit to Marina Alta is a must. In just 30 min by car, you get to an area that includes an impressive 13 of the 23 Michelin stars in the Valencia Province. Now that’s what we call a place with a sense of taste.
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Day off in Valencia

Gandía is a suburb of Valencia, Spain's third largest city. Being a suburb means that public transport comfortably takes you to downtown Valencia by local bus or train. Being a city with over a million inhabitants, it offers most of what you can imagine, but we have chosen to highlight some goodies. Regardless, we think that Valencia is worth a weekend trip of its own if you can't or won't combine it with your volleyball vacation.

A stroll through Old Town

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Stroll through the old streets in search of the Holy Grail, climb the 207 steps of the Miguelete Cathedral Tower, or enjoy an ice cream in one of the world's best heladerias.
Stroll through the old streets in search of the Holy Grail, climb the 207 steps of the Miguelete Cathedral Tower, or enjoy an ice cream in one of the world's best heladerias.

Turia Garden

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The former riverbed is now a 9km long green space full of secrets to explore. Sport, culture and recreation meet here. Jardín del Touria is actually one of Spain's largest urban parks.
The former riverbed is now a 9km long green space full of secrets to explore. Sport, culture and recreation meet here. Jardín del Touria is actually one of Spain's largest urban parks.

Lunchin at Casa Montaña

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In our opinion, Casa Montaña is the best place to eat tapas in Valencia. We first got the tip from our friends from Granada, the tapas capital of Spain. The restaurant, located in the old fishing quarters, serves only the best seasonal ingredients, and the service is always on point. The food isn't cheap, but affordable considering the quality, and worth a visit.
In our opinion, Casa Montaña is the best place to eat tapas in Valencia. We first got the tip from our friends from Granada, the tapas capital of Spain. The restaurant, located in the old fishing quarters, serves only the best seasonal ingredients, and the service is always on point. The food isn't cheap, but affordable considering the quality, and worth a visit.

Experience La Liga LIVE

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Valencia CF and Levante UD are the city's home teams playing in the top football league, La Liga (2021). Valencia CF is usually in the top half of the table, while little brother Levante UD fights to remain in the league. Please take the opportunity to watch a home game and experience Spanish football at its best!
Valencia CF and Levante UD are the city's home teams playing in the top football league, La Liga (2021). Valencia CF is usually in the top half of the table, while little brother Levante UD fights to remain in the league. Please take the opportunity to watch a home game and experience Spanish football at its best!

The Shopping

Closest to our beach arena are several beach and souvenir shops. You'll find everything from the shoe store to the store with everything for a day at the beach, pharmacies, and essential grocery stores. If, on the other hand, you are pumped to get lost in a shopping mall or bargain in one of the city's local shops, you can leave the beach for the city center by bike, bus, or car. You'll find everything from local specialty shops to well-known international brands here. The La Vital shopping mall doesn't close until 22:00, so you can even go shopping after a long day at the beach.
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Spending Money

The Valencia region, which Gandía is a part of, is very affordable in comparison with, for example, Madrid, Barcelona or Mallorca. Much thanks to the fact that Spanish tourists make up the majority of visitors, prices haven't skyrocketed. Of course, there is a wide range of both prices and quality in Gandía as well, but what is certain is that you get more for your money.

Basic Restaurant

Water, 50cl €1-2
Beer, 33cl €1-2
Wine, 25cl €2-3
Today’s lunch €9

Better Restaurant

A beer, 33cl €3
A glass of wine €4
Gin & Tonic €7-12
Today’s lunch €15

Transportation

Train to/from Valencia €15
Taxi, 8 km €10-15
Valencia airport (~ 80 km) €100-150
Alicante airport (~ 140 km) €150-200

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