Gandia doesn't see much rain, but if it does happen during your vacation, what to do in Gandia if it rains?
Here, we provide a selection of our favorite plans and visits to enjoy on a rainy day in Gandia.
Ducal Palace of Gandia
We begin with the number one alternative and the most iconic landmark of Gandia, the Palau Ducal, a visit that will take up your entire morning or afternoon.
The Ducal Palace of Gandia dates back to the 14th century. Alfonso "the Elder," the first royal duke of Gandia, shaped the palace's medieval architecture. When the Borja family acquired the duchy, Cardinal Rodrigo de Borja expanded and modified the building. Figures like Pedro Luís, María Enriquez de Luna, and Francisco de Borja left their mark between the 15th and 16th centuries, including the remodeling of the Hall of Crowns. During the Baroque period, the Borja dukes further transformed the building by constructing the Golden Gallery to celebrate the canonization of Francisco de Borja.
How to get there?
Located in the historic center of Gandia, it's about a 10-minute drive from our hotel. You can try free parking near Gandia's sports complex or park at the Serpis lot on Passeig de les Germanies, 3. Alternatively, you can take the La Marina Gandiense bus from stop 19 near our hotel and get off at stop 33 (Renfe station).
Get your tickets to visit the Ducal Palace of Gandia
Here is an Easy Reading Guide to visiting the Palau Ducal dels Borja.
Colegiata of Gandia, Archaeological Museum, and Fallero Museum
Another morning or afternoon can be spent visiting the Colegiata of Gandia, a 14th-century Gothic church in the historic center. It is an impressive Christian temple dedicated to Saint Mary of the Assumption, established after King Jaime I conquered the Bayrén Castle.
Do you know why the Colegiata of Santa María in Gandia has this title?
In 1499, María Enriquez obtained a papal bull from Pope Alexander VI, granting the church collegiate status, meaning it has a chapter of clerics assisting the Abbot.
You can then visit the Archaeological Museum, located in the historic San Marcos Hospital, founded in the 14th century. The museum hosts three permanent exhibitions: Prehistory, the Ancient World, and the Islamic World of the region. These exhibitions explore hunter-gatherer communities, the rise of agricultural societies, metallurgy, and Islamic heritage.
Finally, you can visit the Fallero Museum, which provides an immersive experience into the century-old Fallas festival, recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
Get your tickets to the Fallero Museum.
Air Raid Shelters from the Spanish Civil War
Gandia's underground tunnels were part of a shelter system built in 1938 to protect civilians during air raids in the Spanish Civil War. There are records of 36 shelters with 51 access points, two of which are open to visitors. These shelters provided refuge during the 58 bombings that took place in Gandia and Grau de Gandia.
The two visitable shelters are the Pescadería shelter and the Plaza del Prado shelter. The Pescadería shelter, located near Gandia’s Town Hall, was once a municipal fish market and later a general market. Guided tours can be arranged by contacting 667 697 448.
Torreó del Pi
The Torreó del Pi is a fortified monument built in the 17th century by Duke Francisco de Borja in Gandia. It is one of the few remaining parts of Gandia's medieval wall, known for its circular shape and defensive function. The tower is located on San Rafael Street and is a symbol of the city of Gandia.
Much of Gandia's wall was demolished in the 19th century due to the city's population growth. However, remnants still exist in the historic center, with some discovered in 1997 during archaeological work. Small metal plaques in the historic center indicate the former path of the wall.
The name comes from a pine tree at the top of the tower.
Teatro Serrano of Gandia
The Teatro Serrano of Gandia is one of the city's most iconic landmarks, renowned for its architecture and for hosting the region's most important cultural events. With a capacity of over 600 people, the theater offers a wide range of plays, concerts, and other cultural performances.
Since its construction in 1905, the theater has been a key reference point in the city and has undergone several restorations to maintain its original splendor. Its Neo-Mudéjar façade and interior design featuring wood and red velvet are treasures for architecture enthusiasts.
With excellent acoustics, Teatro Serrano is an ideal venue for live concerts and classical music. It is also a perfect location for conferences and corporate events.
In summary, Teatro Serrano of Gandia is a must-visit for those seeking an unforgettable cultural experience, offering a blend of architecture, history, and entertainment.
Check out the current program for Teatro Serrano of Gandia.
Royal Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba
The Royal Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba is a monastic complex located in Alfauir, 8 km from Gandia. Open to the public since 2005, it is one of the most remarkable and best-preserved monuments in the region, showcasing a range of styles from medieval Gothic to Neoclassical. Declared a Cultural Heritage Site in 1994, its construction began in 1388 and includes significant Mudejar, Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical elements. Visitors can admire the entrance courtyard, Mudejar cloister, old church with Baroque chapel, romantic gardens, and much more. The monastery also offers theatrical tours throughout the year.
Would you like to spend a rainy day shopping in Gandia?
Gandia offers four key shopping areas to explore on a rainy day:
- La Vital Shopping Center – A typical mall with a cinema, restaurants, shops, etc.
- Plaza Mayor Shopping Center – Highlighted by its MediaMarkt technology store and Sprinter sports store.
- Carrefour Shopping Center
- MYO Gandia – An open shopping center featuring the popular Decathlon store.
