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Gandia Old Town / Centro Historico A Journey Through Time in the Heart of Valencia Nestled on the eastern coast of Spain, Gandia is a town that offers much more than its famous beaches. Its Old Town, located in the heart of the city, is a historical gem that invites visitors to step back in time and experience the rich culture, architectural splendor, and fascinating history that define the region. Walking through its narrow streets, you’ll find a blend of medieval, Gothic, and Baroque styles, a testament to the town’s long and storied past. This article takes you through the highlights of Gandia…

Saint Francis Borgia Saint Francis Borgia and His Connection to the City of Gandia: A Historical and Spiritual Examination Introduction Saint Francis Borgia, also known as Francisco de Borja, is a revered figure in the Catholic Church, celebrated for his piety, humility, and contributions to the Jesuit order. As a member of the infamous Borgia family, Francis Borgia’s life was marked by a profound transformation from a nobleman steeped in the trappings of worldly power to a devout servant of God. His connection to the city of Gandia, where he served as the Duke, played a significant role in shaping his spiritual journey.…

If a picture is worth a thousand words,… here is a three volume novel,….Villa Florencia Casa Rural in Gandia is earning high praise from visitors who are captivated by its charm, comfort, and the warm hospitality offered by its hosts. Nestled in the scenic countryside near Gandia, this rural retreat is becoming a favorite destination for those seeking a peaceful getaway in the heart of the Valencia region. Guests frequently highlight the beautiful setting of Villa Florencia, surrounded by lush orange groves and stunning views of the nearby mountains. The rural location, just a short drive from Gandia’s beaches, offers the perfect blend…

A Memorable Day-Trip from Villa Florencia Casa Rural Gandia to Cullera Castle and Aquopolis Cullera Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Gandia, Villa Florencia Casa Rural is the perfect base for exploring the rich history and natural beauty of the Valencian coast. Among the many attractions within easy reach of the villa, Cullera Castle and the Aquopolis water park stand out as ideal destinations for a day-trip that combines culture, history, and fun. A Journey to Cullera Castle Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Villa Florencia Casa Rural Gandia to Cullera, a charming coastal town located just 30 kilometers north of…

Gandia International Film Music Festival: A Celebration of Cinematic Soundscapes The Gandia International Film Music Festival, set to take place from September 14 to 16, 2023, promises to be a highlight in the cultural calendar of this vibrant Valencian city. This festival is not only a celebration of film music but also a testament to Gandia’s growing importance as a hub for arts and culture. With a lineup that includes some of the most esteemed composers in the film music industry, this event is set to attract both enthusiasts and professionals from across the globe. Main Venues: Casa de Cultura Marqués de González…

La Murta Valley, located near Alzira in the Valencian Community of Spain, is a hidden gem for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This picturesque valley, nestled within the Sierra de Corbera mountain range, offers an idyllic escape into nature, where visitors can immerse themselves in the serenity of lush landscapes, rich history, and diverse wildlife. The valley is renowned for its beautiful walking trails that meander through ancient forests, past historic ruins, and alongside tranquil streams. The most popular route is the circular walk that takes visitors through the heart of La Murta Valley. This trail, approximately 6 kilometers long, is suitable for…

Xàtiva Castle, perched on the Sierra del Castell ridge in the town of Xàtiva, Spain, is a monumental fortress with a history that spans more than a thousand years. This impressive stronghold, strategically located overlooking the plains of Valencia, has witnessed countless historical events and played a crucial role in the region’s defense and power struggles. The origins of Xàtiva Castle can be traced back to the Iberian and Roman periods, though its most significant development occurred during the Muslim rule in the 8th century. Under Moorish control, the castle was expanded and fortified, becoming a key defensive structure in the region. The…

St. Michael the Archangel Russian Orthodox Church in Altea, Spain, is a stunning architectural gem and a spiritual haven for the Russian Orthodox community on the Costa Blanca. Nestled amidst the picturesque surroundings of Altea, a charming coastal town known for its whitewashed buildings and scenic views, this church stands out with its unique design and cultural significance. Built in 2002, St. Michael the Archangel Church was the first Russian Orthodox church constructed in Spain. The project was initiated and funded by the local Russian community, with contributions from Russian philanthropists. Its design reflects traditional Russian architecture, characterized by its wooden construction, golden…

Paella Valenciana is a traditional Spanish dish from the Valencia region, known for its vibrant flavors and communal style of cooking. The dish is made with a variety of ingredients, with a focus on fresh and locally sourced produce. Ingredients: Instructions: Serve your Paella Valenciana with lemon wedges and enjoy! Recommended Paella Restaurant PuigMola, only open for lunches and booking (& pre-ordering) is essential. Their specialty is paella (reputedly the best in the whole province) and a minimum order is for three people. However, it is not a problem for two to eat here and the cost of a 3 portion paella is…

Castillo de Bayren / Castell de Bairén  Bayren Castle If you feel like having a nearby excursion that incorporates a gentle hike as well as a taste of local history, then maybe a visit to the ruined Bayren Castle on the northern outskirts of Gandia could be the answer. It was probably first built as a Roman fortification and look-out post rather than as protection for local towns, and dates back further than the founding of Gandia itself around 1240. First mentioned in reference to a battle in 1097, the castle itself is now in a ruined state but has recently been the…

Parpallo Cave  A mountain walk with a bit of pre-history! Coming from Gandia, just before the outskirts of La Drova, is the starting point for several beautiful and well-marked mountain walks in the Parpalló-Borrell conservation area. However, at the Parpallo Cave – Information Centre there, one can take the opportunity to discover more than just mountain walks because it is also the starting point for a guided tour to the famous “Cueva del Parpalló” – a cave of great archaeological significance. Inhabited by ancient man from about 29,000 until 10,000 years ago, this cave was believed to be a meeting point for the…

Summer 2021 at Villa Florencia Casa Rural is, not unexpectedly, turning out to be another one of uncertainty as far as travel is concerned – especially international travel. However, we are happy to say that very many of our past guests are feeling safe enough to visit us, as well as welcoming many new local Spanish faces too. Our self-catering apartment is proving especially attractive to families, who are looking to have a sunshine break, but with the added reassurance of extra privacy and distance from others. As well as bed and breakfast guests in our rooms, we have also had several larger…

Bed and Breakfast in the Mountains Summer 2020 – Bed and Breakfast in the Mountains.Having been living and working in Villa Florencia for nearly 14 years, I can certainly say – for reasons we are all too familiar with – that this has been our quietest year for guest bookings yet! However, things are gradually easing up in Spain and we now feel able to look forward to welcoming guests back again soon, although slightly differently than before! In order to maintain social distancing, when we let our rooms on a Bed & Breakfast basis this year, we shall only be operating at…

The monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba is one of the most historic monastic constructions in Valencia and located near Alfauir, a village about eight kilometres outside Gandia. The Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba, located near Alfauir in the province of Valencia, Spain, is a remarkable historical site that reflects centuries of religious, cultural, and architectural development. Founded in the 14th century, this monastery has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the transformation of religious practices, and the enduring influence of the Jerónimos order in Spain. Foundation and Early History The origins of the Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba date…

There are many reasons to visit Gandia at any time of the year, but many visitors do not know that Gandia has its very own stately home, the Ducal Palace Gandia. And well worth a visit it is too, with most people saying what a great surprise it is. Situated close to the end of the “passeo” and looking out directly over the river Serpis, it was constructed in the 14th century and became effectively the summer palace of the infamous Borja family, who had their origins in the nearby inland town of Xativa. After the well known and often shady misdemeanors of…

This year has got off to a great start for us, with many visitors coming to us already – both returning guests as well as new ones. However, in preparation for a busy season ahead we have not been idle during the slightly quieter weeks, but have carried out some renovations inside the villa by upgrading and improving some of the rooms, as well as being busy in the garden by creating some more green areas out there and planting out a whole load of roses too! Since the beginning of the year the weather has been generally warm and welcoming (until this…

Fallas 2017 – A Pet-Friendly Solution! Once again, it is the time of year when winter finally seems to be becoming a thing of the past and there is a spring-like feel in the air.  And here in the Valencia region that can only mean one thing – the fiesta of Las Fallas, when huge and usually satirical effigies are constructed in the streets of the main towns – only to be burnt to the ground on the night of March 19th. All this is inevitably accompanied by what seems like limitless numbers of fireworks on the days leading up to the 19th. …

2006 – 2016 – Ten Years On! 2016 marks our tenth anniversary as the owners of Villa Florencia Casa Rural and this year has been the most rewarding yet! We have not only had our busiest year, but it has also been a year when we have been delighted to see so many of our guests returning to us time and again – and recommending us to their family and friends who have also come to stay with us. This year has seen a great mixture of guests from Spain, the rest of Europe, the UK and even from across the Atlantic. Noticeable…

Family Wedding at Villa Florencia Every year (and sometimes more than once) we are delighted that Sabrina visits us from Germany.  Sabrina comes and spends her time helping at our local animal rescue centre – SPAMA – which is a local charity that rescues and re-homes lost and abandoned dogs and cats.  Not only does Sabrina help at the centre here in Gandia during her visits, she also is instrumental in helping to find new homes in Germany for many of the dogs from SPAMA.  To date, more than one thousand dogs have been moved from Gandia and adopted in Germany and much…

Motorbike guests on the way home! Spain is a very biker friendly country with a tremendously good road infrastructure – and far fewer cars than in the UK or many other countries in Europe.  This makes for an ideal place to enjoy a ride on your motorbike if you are a resident here and of course a great holiday destination for a motorbike road trip. We have always been pleased to welcome guests on a motorbike holiday and have had many such visitors in the past – often visiting us several times.  We were therefore very pleased when we received a booking from…