The town has basic shopping facilities - the bakery which is just 2
minutes away and a butcher about 5 minutes. There is also a small
supermarket, a chemist, ATM and a tobacconist and a doctor. There
are hypermarkets and supermarkets in both Gandia and Oliva.

This is the "real" Spain where you will need a phrase book and where
as yet the area has not been touched by mass tourism and holiday
tour operators. A part of Spain where traditionally Spanish people
take their holidays and where the Spanish still hold their family
values. Its a laid back atmosphere where if you want a little bit
more life, you can chill out and go into Gandia and Oliva in the
evening

The small town has its fair share of bars and cafes - the local bar
5 minutes away offers a home cooked evening menu, there is Chinese
food and a restarant "Aventura" a 15 minute stroll away where Moma
has an extensive menu to choose from and excellent square pizza. For
a greater selection of bars and restaurants there are hundreds
between Gandia and Oliva and both towns have a tree lined paseo
where you can sample the local Gandia wine and people watch. Plenty
of bars offer Menu del Dia from around 8 euros.

In the summer months there is a modern open air swimming pool in the
town and there are lots of water and beach sports in Gandia and
Oliva. Scuba diving and bikes can be hired locally and the scenery
surrounding the area attracts walkers. Almond and Orange blossom in
March is very picturesque

The accommodation comprises: a large L shaped living space where
there are two sitting areas, an air conditioning unit and fireplace,
TV/DVD/CD player and a formal dining area. There are two bedrooms (1
double with ceiling fan and 1 twin) and a fully tiled bathroom with
shower. The kitchen/diner is fully equipped and opens onto the patio
to the rear of the property. The high walled and very private patio
has garden furniture and gas bbq.

Most sports are catered for, and a Severe Ballersteros 18 hole golf
course is situated just south of Oliva and horse riding about 5 kms
from Gandia.

Just 5kms from Palma, the old historic part of the city is paved so
that you can wander through the medieval area and take in the
atmosphere and see the Cathedral and the Borgia Palace and other
places of interest. The city has smart shops, a multi-screen cinema,
a bowling alley etc and is a pleasant place to stroll. The old
ruined castle of Santa Ana dominates the old Arab quarter of Oliva
where you will find lots of interesting architecture and narrow
winding streets. Both Oliva and Gandia are about 1kms from their
respective beach resorts. Gandia with its full on beach facilities
and south of Oliva there are quiet rustic beaches with sand dunes
and tamerisk trees.

20Kms from Gandia is the small city of Xativa where Hannibal once
lived with his family in a prominently placed castle and where
Rogrigues Borgia was born(who became Pope Alexander VI and fathered
Lucretia and Cesere) Xativa was the first place in Europe to make
paper and it is said that there are over 1,000 fountains. A
beautiful restful city - and a beautiful castle. North of Valencia
is the town of Peniscola where "El Cid" with filmed in the Knights
Templar castle and nearby is the town of Sagunto with its Roman
amphitheatre and old Jewish quarter. There are medieval cave towns
and other places of interest and south of Alicante is the city of
Elche is where there are more Roman ruins, a Basilica that holds the
life size statue of the founder of Opus Dei,Jose Marie Escriver, and
an ancient palm forest and archaeological museums.

For a day out visit Valencia on the train, cheap and stress free.
The train meanders through orange groves, vineyards and rice fields
and once there you can either wander through the city or catch the
tourist bus where you can hop on and off at attractions. Must sees
are the Cathedral that holds the Holy Grail, the largest indoor
market in Europe the recently built City of Arts & Sciences, and
perhaps you can squeeze in some art galleries.

There are theme parks, water parks and safari parks nearby.

Valencia is hoping to hold the 33rd Americas Cup and trials are now
being held for entrants. In the summer Valencia also plays host to
F1 Racing with a circuit similar to Monaco. This is the city
to rival Barcelona and you will find the local people here very
friendly and helpful and we are sure you will have a wonderful
holiday whether you are beach lovers or history buffs. Please
contact us if you require any further information or visit our web
site.

Note: Valencia airport is approx 34 miles and Alicante 50 miles with
Barcelona about 4 1/2 hrs away.