Gandia is a Valencian destination that, even though is popular because of beach, it goes further. Also, if you are going to spend some days in the area, we can visit several close towns and do some hiking. In this article, I talk about different places to visit near Gandia, in particular less than an hour by car.

1. Beautiful towns near Gandia

These are some of the towns and villages that worth a visit from Gandia:

1.1 Xàtiva

Xàtiva is 42 km from Gandia, and it stands out because of its historial heritage. At the top of the town, withstanding the passing of the centuries, is the castle. Its origins date back to the Iberians, but the Arabs were the one who gave it the marvellous appearance that it stills have.

Apart from the castle, which takes several hours to go all the way through, you should stroll around the historial centre of Xàtiva, where you will see beautiful buildings such as the Royal Hospital or Hospital Reial. Furthermore, a curious attraction in Xàtiva is the painting of a King, Felipe V de Borbón. And it’s not because of the picture itself, but because this painting is hanging upside down. This is a revenge from the town because this king ordered to burn and destroy Xàtiva.

You can visit Xàtiva in a Tuk tuk tour in English.

1.2 Calpe

Now we go to province of Alicante, but we just drive 53 km from Gandia. Calpe is a coastal town with an old town, amazing beaches, salt flats full of flamingos, and its impressive Peñón de Ifach.

It is possible to reach its top, but be aware that it is an important climb, you must wear adequate footwear. Also, you have to book in advance through the official website of the natural park.

There are several activities you can do in Calpe, here you have the booking links (affiliate links from Civitatis):

• Sunset Catamaran Cruise
• Skippered Boat Rental
• Catamaran Tour + Barbecue
• Catamaran Trip
• Snorkelling Activity
• Beginners Scuba Diving Lesson

1.3 Xàbia

Another town in Alicante I recommend to those who want to enjoy heavenly beaches with beautiful views. In the area of Xàbia/Jávea, that is 44 km from Gandia, there are several amazing beaches and coves, such as Cala Portixol, Cala Blanca, Cala Granadella, Cova Tallada…

However, in summer you have to wake up early to go to them, because they are pretty small and very visited.

Related post: Hidden beaches in Alicante that are a true paradise

1.4 Altea

Altea is a little farer, 63.5 km, but still less than an hour away by car. It is one of the most beautiful villages in Comunitat Valenciana. In the top we find its beautiful historical centre with a Mediterranean style and spectacular views to the sea.

By the way, before you reach Altea, I recommend you to stop in the Orthodox Russian Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, it is very impressive.

1.5 Cullera

Other of the places to visit near Gandia is Cullera. It is just 27 km from Gandia and, other than by car, you can arrive by train. Cullera has great sand beaches and an old castle from the 9th Century. Also, its lighthouse is working since 1858.

2. Hikes and natural places near Gandia

Apart from the beaches, in the surroundings of Gandia there are several mountains and places perfect for hikers and nature lovers. These are some of the hikes you can do:

2.1 Top of Benicadell

This hike has the most amazing views of the surrounding area, even though, obviously, you have to climb quite a lot, but it is not so hard. Top of Benicadell or Cim del Benicadell is 30 km from Gandia.

2.2 Rull Cave

The Rull Cave is in La Vall d’Ebó, 34 km from Gandia. This cave was discovered in 1919 , and it’s opened to the public since the 60s. You visit it with a guide. The tour is round and is just 220 meters where you see a lot of stalagmites and stalactites. I recommend you to check the timetable before going, as it varies along the year.

2.3 Barranc de l’Infern

Barranc de l’Infern (whose name means Hell’s Ravine) is also known as the Hiking Cathedral. It is a hard hike where you walk 14 km and, 6800 steps are climbed up and down. These steps are of Moorish origin, so they have a lot of history. It is around 45 km from Gandia.

2.4 Forat de Bèrnia

This route is more than an hour by car from Gandia, but I had to name it, as it is spectacular. You climb the north face of the mountain and, once you are on the top, you’ll have to go across a hole that is just one meter high and that is getting wider until it becomes in an amazing view point.

2.5 Cova Tallada

To reach Cova Tallada you’ll have to walk around 2 km by a narrow and complicated footpath, or to arrive by kayak, as there is no road to it. This cave was used as a field to extract material used in big buildings such as the Castle of Dénia or the Church of Xàbia. In high season, to visit this place you have to book in advance.

As you can see, there are amazing places to visit near Gandia. Which one would you choose?

Pictures are from my travel blog in Spanish, Meraviglia, so I own the rights to them.