Gandia

Gandia is one of the largest coastal towns, thriving centre of commerce and tourism in the region. There are two main zones: Gandia City with many historical monuments, commercial activity, and shopping, and Gandia beach - five kilometers of golden beach with all relax activities such as sport facilities (windsurfuing, sailing, diving), restaurants, bars, nightclubs etc. As is normal for Spain, nightlife does not begin until well after midnight. The beach and town are actually some 2 km apart which succeeds in separating summer tourism from day-to-day living.

The historic centre of Gandia
Noble buildings that emerge at every step reflect the splendid past of this ducal city, a title obtained thanks to Alexander VI, the Borja pope. Beside the course of the River Serpis, the Ducal Palace stands on the remains of a large old house of Arab origin. Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, it has a clear Italianate influence. The collegiate church of Santa María is another of Gandia's symbolic buildings. Its construction, faithful to Gothic rules, was carried out between 1250 and 1520. In it, the Door of the Apostles which originally had carvings by Damià Forment, is outstanding. The tour continues to the convent of Santa Clara, the hermitage of Santa Ana, the city hall and the hospital of San Marcos. In the Archaeological Museum you can find the area's important prehistoric finds.
Gandia cuisine
Gandia's most typical speciality is "fideuà", a dish made in the same way as paella, but with noodles instead of rice. You can also taste recipes that have rice, as the main ingredient, cooked in a variety of ways: "a banda" (cooked in fish stock and served with garlic sauce), "arroz negro" (with squid ink) or the famous paella. For its part, fish is prepared in the oven, stewed or fried. To finish with, there is nothing better than the emblematic orange, either fresh or made into juice. "Horchata" (soft drink made of tiger nuts) and wines from Valencia and Utiel-Requena are drinks that have their own denomination of origin.

Játiva

Xativa or Jativa is a historic town with an imposing castle in a valley inland from the Costa de Azahar not far from Gandia. Most towns in Spain have one fountain, but Xativa is reputed to have a thousand. It is the birthplace of two popes, Callixtus III and Alexander VI, and also the painter José Ribera (Lo Spagnoletto). It suffered a dark moment in its history at the hands of Philip V of Spain, who, after his victory at the Battle of Almansa during the War of the Spanish Succession, ordered the city to be burned. In memory of the insult, the portrait of the monarch hangs upside down in the local museum of L'Almodí. Its collegiate church, dating from 1414, but rebuilt about a century later in the Renaissance style, was formerly a cathedral, and is the chief among many churches and convents. The town-hall and a church on the castle hill are partly constructed of inscribed Roman masonry, and several houses date from the Moorish period. Other interesting sights are for example the Royal Monastery of the Assumption (Gothic and Baroque style, built during the 14th century and renovated in the 16th–18th centuries), Church of St. Felix (13th century), Church of St. Peter (14th century, the interior has a coffer decorated in Gothic-Mudéjar style) or Hermitage of St. Anne (14th century, in Gothic style).

Vall de Gallinera

The lush Gallinera Valley has been cultivated since Arabic times, and the hillsides are still lined with tidy stone terraces full of dusky olive groves and fruit orchards.

Dénia

Former Roman settlement with lofty castle and charming old quarter huddled around the port and with most popular attractions - lenghty beaches. Long, family-friendly sands to the north and a pretty cove-pocked stretch called Les Rotes to the south. The strange bald peak of Montgó above the town is perfect for hiking and picknicking.

Penyal d'lfac

This huge jagged rock emerges from the sea and dominates the entire bay at Calpe. Protected Natural Park with more than 300 species of flora. Connected to the mainland by a narrow sheer, for centuries it was the perfect hideout for pirates. Now it provides the perfect challenge for rock-climbers. There's also hiking route to the top, thanks to a tunnel through the rock.

Guadalest

Perched high on a crag in a sea of mountain peaks, the little whitewashed village of Guadalest is huddled under the ruins of an ancient castle. Once it was a strategic military outpost. Thanks to its stunning location and charm of old-fashioned lanes and squares, Guadalest is now the most visited village in Spain.

Parc de l'Aigüera

Considered to be the ‘lung of the city’, this park is a modern work of art designed by the post-modern Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill. Inside you can find large green areas in which to take a stroll or even do a little exercise, as the park is equipped with an exercise area, as well as boasting two auditoriums and the ‘Plaza de Toros’ – bull ring. It is here where we can see the famous Julio Iglesias Auditorium, located in the very centre of the park, with a capacity for over 5000 people, a venue for many great concerts and events. The other auditorium located in the park is the Óscar Esplá Auditorium, a smaller venue than the first.

Callosa d'en Sarria

The most interesting thing about this modest little village is ouside of it. In a pretty orchard-filled valley are the Fonts d'Algar, a lovely cascade of waterfalls nad natural swimming pools set among shady forest. Several excellent walking trails lead from here to the Sierra de Bernia.

Villena

Villena is an old city crowned by its most symbolic characteristic: an old castle of Arabic origin. At the foot of this fortress was the primitive urban nucleus and around it the town has grown up, surrounded by extensive agricultural fields. The central Plaza de Santiago is surrounded by handsome palaces from 16th century and graceful Renaissance church of Santa Maria. The fines palace on this square is town hall - home to and archaeology museum.