Gandia
Gandia: Borja city with kilometres of sandy beach
Gandia lies north of Moraira, in the province of Valencia, and can be reached by car via the AP-7 in about 40 minutes (some 52 km). Strictly speaking Gandia is no longer part of the Costa Blanca, which ends at Dénia. For a day trip from Moraira that distinction matters little: here you combine a historic centre around the palace of the Borja family with one of the widest sandy beaches in the region.
Palau Ducal dels Borja
The ducal palace was the residence of the dukes of Gandia of the Borja family, the same family that produced Pope Alexander VI. You can visit the palace at your own pace with an audio guide (in seven languages) or via QR codes, in about 35 minutes. Guided tours last around 50 minutes, but are only in Spanish and Valencian.
| Palau Ducal (indicative, 2026) | Self-guided visit with audio guide |
|---|---|
| April – October | Mon–Sat 10:00–13:00 and 16:00–19:00; Sun and public holidays 10:00–13:00 |
| November – March | Mon–Sat 10:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:00; Sun and public holidays 10:00–13:00 |
| Admission | € 8; guided tour also € 8, children aged 6–17 € 4 |
Restoration work may mean that some rooms are closed; check this on the palace website.
Palau Ducal dels Borja
Address: C/ Duc Alfons el Vell 1, Gandia
From Moraira: ± 40 min by car
Google Maps
Colegiata de Santa María
The historic centre is also home to the Colegiata de Santa María, known in Gandia as La Seu. The church, in Valencian Gothic style, was begun in the fourteenth century and only completed two centuries later. Thanks to Pope Alexander VI it was granted collegiate status. Look out for the Puerta Sur and the Puerta de los Apóstoles, by the Renaissance sculptor Damián Forment. Much of the rich interior was lost in the Spanish Civil War.
The beach at Gandia
Together the beaches of Gandia stretch some 7.5 kilometres. The beach district sits apart from the historic centre; allow for a short drive between the two.
| Beach | Character |
|---|---|
| Playa Nord | About 3 km long and up to 150 m wide, fine white sand, the Paseo Marítimo Neptuno promenade, all facilities |
| Playa de l’Ahuir | North of the built-up area, with the last of the dunes and a surf school |
| Playa de Venecia | On the south side by the harbour, sand with some rocks, fewer facilities |
For anyone used to the small coves around Moraira the contrast is striking: here you lie on broad, flat sand with room to walk.
Combine it with
Gandia lies on the same stretch of coast as Oliva, with its dunes and quiet beaches, which you pass on the way out or back. From Gandia station the Renfe C-1 commuter train runs to Valencia-Nord in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, so you can also make a day trip to Valencia without having to drive in the city.
Practical information for Gandía
Tourist Info Gandia
Address Avenida Marqués de Campo, 46701 Gandia — by the station
Telephone +34 962 877 788
Email gandia@touristinfo.net
Website visitgandia.com
Open Monday to Friday 9.30 to 14.30 and 16.00 to 20.00; Saturday 9.30 to 13.30
Parking
Free, towards the harbour and beach Parking del Grau on Avenida Europa; Fort Llopis on Avenida del Puerto; Puerto de Gandia on Avenida de la Paz
Paid a blue zone applies in the centre with a maximum of two hours; check the rate on the machine
Free on Sundays and public holidays
Visiting the Palau Ducal
Palau Ducal dels Borja
Address Carrer Duc Alfons el Vell 1, 46701 Gandia
Telephone +34 962 871 465
Email visites@palauducal.com
Website palauducal.com
April to October Monday to Saturday 10.00 to 13.00 and 16.00 to 19.00; Sundays and public holidays 10.00 to 13.00
November to March Monday to Saturday 10.00 to 13.00 and 15.00 to 18.00; Sundays and public holidays 10.00 to 13.00
Price adults € 8; over-65s, students and groups € 7; children aged 6 to 17 and visitors with a disability € 4; children under six free
Guided tours in Spanish several times a day, in Valencian once or twice; same price
Please note the palace is being restored and some rooms may be closed; the opening hours on its own website contradict one another on some pages. Call before you go.
Colegiata de Santa María
Address Plaza de los Apóstoles 3, 46701 Gandia
Telephone +34 962 871 951
Website colegiatagandia.org
Meeting point at the Puerta de los Apóstoles; the visit takes about half an hour
Combined ticket a combined ticket with the Palau Ducal is available; ask for it at the desk
Please note the hours change with the church services; call if in doubt
The beach and the market
Platja Nord a good three kilometres of fine sand with a Blue Flag, boardwalks, showers, lifeguards and parasol hire
Accessible the beach has adapted boardwalks, beach wheelchairs and an adapted bathing zone
Weekly market the town holds markets on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday; the largest is the one on Saturday morning on Passeig de les Germanies
Gandia: city and beach in one
Gandia combines a historic centre with a beach of its own — an easy day trip further north from Calamora.
A maximum of 4 guests may stay here (infants not included).
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Frequently asked questions about Gandía
How far is Gandía from Moraira?
Gandía lies about forty minutes’ drive north of Moraira and has been a fixed summer destination for Spaniards themselves for years.
What is the beach at Gandía like?
The beach runs on for kilometres, wide and with fine sand, and is well equipped with beach bars and showers.
What is there to see in the centre?
The historic centre, a few kilometres inland, revolves around the Palau Ducal, the palace of the Borja family, which can be visited on a guided tour at set times.
Can I combine Gandía with other places?
Yes. A day in Gandía goes well with a stop in Oliva or Dénia on the way back — all three lie along the same stretch of coast towards the north.
Book your dream stay today
Calamora is a new apartment complex in the center of Moraira with a garden and swimming pool.
Calamora is beautifully situated on the central roundabout with the beautiful old olive tree.