Grau De Gandia: Beach, Nature and Harbour

If you’re looking for a hotel in Grau De Gandia, the beach, nature and harbour culture offer different ways to shape your stay. The distinctive features of Playa Nord, Playa de l’Auir and Marjal de Gandia give you specific points to consider when planning your trip.

Beaches with different features

Playa Nord is an urban beach more than three kilometres long, with 300,000 m² of fine sand. Along the first line of the beach, there is an open area reserved for pedestrians, with a broad, level surface and no changes in elevation or architectural barriers. There is also a cycle path along Playa Nord, used for running, skating and cycling.

There are also seasonal facilities for water sports, where you can rent windsurfing boards and take light-sailing courses. These services are not available year-round, so check whether they are offered during your stay before making plans.

North of Playa Nord, Playa de l’Auir stretches between Carrer Ribera Baixa and the Vaca River. It is an officially designated and signposted nudist beach. Raised walkways cross the dune landscape. Playa de l’Auir is considered one of the few remaining unspoilt beaches in the Mediterranean and the beach with the highest level of protection in the Valencian Community.

At Playa Nord, the focus is on the length of the urban beach and its cycle path; at Playa de l’Auir, dunes, walkways and designated nudist use define the beach. These differences can help you plan your coastal stay around your interests.

Marjal de Gandia and Ullals

Marjal de Gandia is a Mediterranean coastal wetland. It is listed both in the Wetlands Catalogue of the Valencian Community and in the Natura 2000 network. Its highly biodiverse biological communities include bird species such as mallards and herons. The area offers a different landscape from the beaches.

Ullals consists of small, circular and sometimes deep ponds formed by numerous springs. Boardwalks and paths are available to visitors in the Ullals wetland. The shape of the ponds and their formation by springs give the area its own character among the region’s natural attractions.

Aula Natura is a leisure facility and an interpretation centre for the surroundings of Marjal de Gandia. The facility was operating in 2019. Check current opening arrangements before visiting.

Harbour, architecture and guided tour

The Port of Gandia includes several areas for public use, water sports and fishing. A guided tour of Grau and the Port of Gandia lasts 1.5 to 2 hours and runs year-round by prior reservation. It covers the neighbourhood’s origins and development, notable buildings, and commercial and transport activities. Check current dates and reservation conditions before making plans.

The Tinglados del Puerto have been recognised as Bienes de Relevancia Local since 2018. The Museo del Mar is located in the port’s Tinglado No. 15. Its collection includes more than a hundred scale models of historic and modern ships. If you’re planning a visit, check access arrangements in advance.

The Iglesia de San Nicolás by the sea is another notable architectural feature: it is considered one of the most representative examples of 20th-century religious architecture and a landmark of modern architecture. The harbour, Tinglados, museum and church complement the beach and nature attractions with maritime and architectural experiences.

Connections and practical planning

The La Marina public bus connects Gandia with the beach. Check the timetable before setting off, as the current service frequency should be confirmed before your trip. When planning, you can choose between the specific highlights: the beach and cycle path at Playa Nord, the dunes and nudist beach at Playa de l’Auir, or the wetland and harbour culture.

Discover more destinations: Platja De Gandia.

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