Gandia is the major city on the Costa del Azahar nestling under Mount Monduver. It is surrounded by rich fertile orchard lowlands extending to the banks of the River Serpis and famous for its orange groves The historic town centre is traffic free and has many narrow roads and quaint passageways but it is also sophisticated with boutique shops.

The beautiful tree lined paseo is the perfect place to people watch from one of the many pavement cafes. There is a major supermarket, 10 pin bowling and multiplex cinema. Gandia has a number of historical buildings worth discovering: Ia Colegiata (Collegiate Church) the Convent of Santa Clara, the Hermitage of Santa Ana, the Town Hall building and the Archaeological Museum

Top of the list must be The Ducal Palace which was originally built in the 14C and was once owned by the Dukes of Borja (better known as Borgia). Roderigo Borgia, "became a bishop, cardinal and vice-chancellor of the church and later he was elected as Pope Alexander VI.

Other infamous members of the Borgia family were Lucrezia Borgia and Cesare Borgia, daughter and son of Roderigo Borgia. Among the many accusations against the Borgia family, some are of incest, adultery, murder, and scandal. Francis Borgia, the grandson of Pope Alexander VI was canonized in 1671.

There are two zones Gandia, the city and Gandia Playa. The beach area is a particular favourite of Spanish day trippers or holiday makers from Madrid., even on a fine Winter day Spaniards take in the sea air along the promenade. The beach at Gandia is a little way from the city and is backed by along promenade with plenty of bars, shops and cafes, The beach gently slopes into the sea and has been awarded the Blue Flag for its many facilities. There is also a public nudist beach.

Gandía's most typical speciality is "fideuà", a dish made in the same way as paella, but with noodles instead of rice. It is said that fishermen, out at sea, forgot the rice and so substituted pasta and “fideua” was born.

Article written by Anne Barnett who has an excellent town house available for rent in Gandia