TAKE a look at the sunshine spot that's a hive of culture and the ideal place for a last-minute summer getaway. Gandia is located on the east coast of Spain in the municipality of Valenica and right on the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. The historic spot dates back to the 1400s and its bustling old town is still alive and well today.
It is best known for miles of stunning beaches and thriving market culture, as well as being the perfect mix of old meets new. The sunny spot has temperatures as high as 28C in the summer , and enjoys a warm sea breeze from the east. And the colourful city is just two and a half hours from Dublin , with Ryanair offering flights for €44 on September 25.
The city's nearest airport is Valencia but it can also be accessed by flying into Alicante Airport. A huge draw for the stunning city are the beaches, which line the area on nearly all sides and leave visitors spoiled for choice. Those who enjoy relaxing on soft white sand will be sure to love the city's most famous sunspot, Gandia Beach itself.
The seven kilometres stretch is the ideal place to take a book and a cocktail and set up for the day. It boasts soft golden sand and crystal clear water that's perfect for swimming. And there are plenty of facilities, including sunbeds and umbrellas for hire to create the ideal spot.
Smalls food and drinks spots line the beach as well, so you'll never be far from a tasty snack or delicious cocktail. And for those who want something a little more exciting, water sports are a popular alternative to sunbathing on the hot spot beach. It won't take long to find a water sports enthusiast with a small setup on the sand, who can offer kayaks or paddle boards to hire.
And calm waters with no strong current make this the ideal spot to explore. A less known but no less beautiful spot is Platja de Gandia, a wild and windy beach that's an ideal place for a walk on the shore. It's smaller and less busy than the city's main beach, and has stunning sand dunes for a picturesque spot.
The rugged beach is best known for being a spot beloved by wind and kind surfers, who go there for thrill seeking in the waves. It may not be as relaxing as Gandia Beach, but it's the best spot for adventure. But Gandia is more than simply beaches.
It boasts a stunning old town, the foal point of which is the breathtaking Ducal Palace. The glittering building was constructed in the 14th century but was only officially finished in the 19th century. The exterior and inside of the building are magnificently built, and provide a glimpse into the city's long and fascinating history.
Tours can be booked for as little as €8 and can be guided or self guided, and it's a must-do while in the historic city. And a staple of Gandia are the city's frequent markets, which happen every Tuesday and Thursday. They are a great way to experience the local tastes and scents of the area, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
And at the end of September, the city celebrates one of its most well known events, the Fira i Festes de Gandia. The festival is a celebration of the city's rich culture, history, and traditions, and sees a massive turnout every year. It's a colourful and exciting time to be in the city, and a great thing to align with the dates of your holiday.
When holidaymakers have had their fill of beaches and culture, the city will have plenty to provide you with for a great night out. From delicious food and glamorous cocktails to cheap pints and late night dance spots, Gandia has all that punters need for a memorable night. Rockadelic is a truly unique spot that's well worth a visit - the bar has an average Tripadvisor rating of 4.
5 stars. One delighted visitor posted: "You need to stop there to try something new! "A drink, be adventurous and try the Cocteau molecular! Excellent choice, great service, super propositions!!! Just WOWWWW.".
