What should one know about Gandia – the jewel of the Costa del Azahar coast?

Gandia: General Description

Gandia is a beautiful city located in Spain, within the province of Valencia. The population of this municipality is approximately 90,000 people. It is situated on the Costa del Azahar coast, just 65 kilometers south of Valencia and 110 kilometers north of Alicante.

History and culture

The founders of this city were the famous Borgia dukes, and the patron of Gandia is Saint Francisco de Borja. An interesting tradition: the feast day of the saint is celebrated on October 3rd, and this date has become a symbol of the city's day, which is celebrated over several days.

Beaches

The beach of Gandia is the most famous in the area. This outstanding place has been awardedBlue flagThis indicates a high level of cleanliness and ecology. The beach stretches for about 7.5 kilometers. Notably, locals often refer to it as the "Madrid beach," as many apartment owners here are people from the capital.

Climate and comfort for relaxation

Gandia is associated with the same standard of living as the prestigious area of Rublyovka in Moscow. Purchasing an apartment on the front line can cost from 100,000 euros. On clear days, you can see the distant coast of Ibiza from the upper floors of these buildings. The port stretches out on the horizon, and between it and the beach is the residence for students of the University of Valencia, which makes housing in Gandia particularly appealing for tenants studying at this institution.

Tourism and its development

It is also worth noting that historically the city mainly catered to local tourist traffic; however, since the end of the economic crisis in 2008, the authorities have actively started to develop international tourism. The first tourists who appreciated the charm of Gandia came from the UK and Germany. Currently, Russian-speaking travelers are just beginning to discover this amazing resort.

Climate

The climate of Gandia is considered one of the reliable factors contributing to its popularity. The beach is sheltered from cold winds, which makes the winters here very mild. Air temperature is only considered low at 14 degrees, while average winter temperatures hover around 20 degrees. Rain is extremely rare on the coast, adding to the appeal of this place.

The naturalness of the beach

The beach of Gandia also delights with its pristine nature. The sand used here is transported from other places, starting in November, even by barges to Barcelona. The conditions on the beach are perfectly suited for family vacations, as the gentle slope into the sea makes it safe for children.

Cultural events

As for culture, the modern Serrano theater, located in the old part of the city, is just three kilometers from the coast. This cultural space often hosts various performances and concerts, including a recent concert by the famous artist Julio Iglesias. In June, Gandia hosts an international arts festival organized in collaboration with the Eventus Mon agency and the local administration, highlighting the richness of the cultural life in this region.

Real estate

In the historical part of the city, there are no new buildings, and the market for available apartments mainly consists of secondary housing purchased for long-term rental, which indicates a stable interest in this region. Gandia is famous not only for its beaches and wonderful climate but also for the rich cultural experience it offers, providing comfortable living for both tourists and locals.

Real estate in Gandia

In Gandia, if we consider housing options with three bedrooms covering an area of about 90 square meters, prices range from €45,000 to €50,000. Renting similar properties offers a variety of price categories, ranging from €230 to €350 per month.

Historical buildings

A remarkable architectural landmark in the old part of the city is the town hall building, constructed in 1772, which historically served administrative functions. It is designed inneoclassical styleand adorned with an engraving in honor of King Carlos III. In 1982, the building underwent a major restoration, which helped preserve its unique appearance.

Cathedral church

In the old town, you can also see the cathedral dedicated to Saint Mary. This Gothic structure began its existence in 1245 as a simple and unremarkable church. In the 15th century, Duchess Maria Enriquez played a key role in the fate of the temple by obtaining the Pope's blessing. In 1999, a complete restoration was carried out in the cathedral, and since then, services have been held here regularly.

Fish port

Now at the Gandia waterfront, we can see the fishing port, which is not intended for cruise ships. Here is located the so-called“fish exchange”...where fishing boats arrive every morning with their catch.

The origin of the holiday

There are many assumptions about the origin of this wonderful holiday. One of the popular versions is the story of a strange toy that personifies a specific character, which was later burned in the fire. This action somewhat resembles the traditional Russian Maslenitsa and serves as a cultural parallel.

Modern traditions

In the modern world, city dwellers create huge papier-mâché dolls that mock the typical flaws of our society. Just like in ancient times, these dolls are burned, delighting both local citizens and tourists. As part of the celebration, a...queen of fireAnd the girls from the city spend significant amounts on their outfits. The show wouldn't be complete without the magnificent fireworks that create an unforgettable atmosphere. However, getting to this celebration is quite difficult, as local hotels are fully booked, and room prices are rapidly rising, just like in August, which may leave those interested without the opportunity to attend the event.

City Day and its events

The city day starts a few days before.October 3and continues until the very holiday. The drummers become a unique highlight of the event, representing the figure of Fia della Porr, which translates as“Uncle with a stick”This character embodies a playful jester. The celebration lasts for five days and begins with a vibrant parade of drummers in colorful costumes, who march through the streets of the city, visit schools, and congratulate the locals with various performances. Traditionally, the parade starts at the town hall, which is captured in numerous photographs.

Medieval fair

During this same period, an event is taking place in Gandia.medieval fairwhich harmoniously coincides with the celebration of City Day. The fair operates around the clock, offering a wide variety of Spanish souvenirs and products. Here, you can not only purchase unique items but also enjoy street performances by artists and taste local culinary delicacies.

Borgia Palace

Another well-known landmark in Gandia is the magnificent...Borgia PalaceThe Borgia family from Aragon once ruled this city. The construction and subsequent renovation of the palace lasted a full seven centuries, resulting in a building that combines various architectural styles. Here you can see elements of:

• Gothics of the 14th-15th centuries
• Renaissance features of the 16th century
• Baroque of the 17th and 18th centuries
• details related to the 19th-century modernization

Originally, this palace served as the residence of the dukes of the Aragonese kingdom, but since...of 1889It became the property of the Jesuit order, which took on its restoration and arrangement. Today, a museum is located within these walls. Every autumn, the Eventus Mon agency holds a historical ball in this wonderful place, and on City Day, a medieval dinner is organized here, attracting many guests.

Urban architecture

And now we move on to the typical urban architecture. Here you can find an apartment building located right on the shore of Gandia. In this area, there are virtually no new construction projects, which helps maintain the existing architectural style and atmosphere.

Conclusion

In conclusion of my research on Gandia, it is important to highlight the diversity and multifaceted nature of this charming municipality. Gandia is an amazing blend of historical heritage and modern achievements, making it appealing to both locals and foreign tourists.

Despite the fact that this city became more well-known after the economic crisis of 2008, its potential in the field of international tourism continues to grow, attracting more and more visitors.

Cultural life of Gandia

The city, founded by the Borgias dukes, reveals its generosity to participants of its diverse cultural life more and more each year, including:

• An international arts festival that is becoming increasingly popular.
• Bright festivals, such as Las Fallas.
• Local events, such as triathlon competitions, that highlight the local culture.

Housing conditions

From the perspective of living and renting, Gandia offers a variety of options.Cost of housingcompared to other resort destinations, it remains relatively affordable, especially for those who consider this place as:

• The second residence.
• Investment property.

Beaches with clean sand and a mild climate operate almost year-round, making the city ideal for family trips.

Result

These factors, combined with convenient infrastructure and a high standard of living, give Gandia the status of one of the best resorts in both Spain and Europe. I hope that my article will help you better understand and perhaps become interested in this wonderful corner that holds ancient traditions, modern comfort, and the warmth characteristic of true Spanish cities.