Gandia.

10 kms north of Oliva between the coast and mountains in the heart of La Safor region. Its rich cultural heritage can be seen in its many monuments and historic buildings such as the Ducal Palace, The Golden Gallery, The Hall of Crowns and The Plaza Mayor, a civic, administrative, commercial and religious centre. Beaches at Gandia are excellent with a Blue Flag awarded at Playa Nord.

Oliva – Pego Nature Park.

This is a large marshland area with an abundance of flora and fauna of natural beauty. Within the park is a spring of sulphurous mineral waters known as La Font Salada. The temperature of the thermal water enables both summer and winter bathing and is recommended for its healing properties. There are also underwater springs known as Los Ullals which are another attraction within the park.

Guadalest:

About 30 minutes drive inland will bring you to the breathtaking mountain region which lies behind Oliva. Here you will find the fantastic hill fortress of Guadalest with its wonderful array of narrow passages and interesting gift shops. The views from the fortress are unrivalled in this region of Spain and the Guadalest Valley is one of the most beautiful in the province. It is sheltered by high mountains and dramatic peaks which have created a microclimate where a wide range of fruit trees are grown. Oranges, lumquats, almonds and olives line the valley which becomes a sea of pink blossoms in the early springtime.

Fonts D’Algar:

Returning towards the coast you will come to a series of crystal clear cascades and falls where you can bathe or enjoy a walk along the waterside pathways.

Valencia:

75 kms to the north of Oliva on the A7 motorway or the Spanish national road the N332. Here you can visit the modern Ciudad de Las Artes y Las Ciencias with its fabulous L’Oceanografic sea world.

El Vergel Safari Park:

Enjoy a new sensation seeing the lions and tigers in complete freedom. Come on a safari and admire the leopards, jaguars, Iberian wolves, primates and hundreds of totally free animals. Various attractions include karts, trampolines, boats, Congo train, horses and an exotic ride on a camel.

Denia.

Has many shops, bars and restaurants as well as being the closest town to Oliva from where you can take a train as far south as Alicante. There are many stops at coastal towns such as Altea, Calpe and Villajoyosa as well as Benidorm if you prefer a livelier environment. There is also a port at Denia which has several ferry services to the island of Ibiza.

Javea.

This is also a busy town with a lively bay area known as The Arenal. Here you can find many bars and restaurants close to the waters edge surrounded by a beautiful beach.

Benidorm.

Is about a half-hour’s drive away to the south of Oliva. Here you will find Aqualandia, the biggest aquapark in the region with a wide selection of rides, slides, waves and pools. Mundomar is a marine park with a dolphin show and located just outside Benidorm is the famous Terra Mitica, the fantastic theme park which is the largest in the Mediterranean.

Every Sunday both these towns hold what are known as “Rastros”, the equivalent of the traditional English car boot sale. A must for all you bargain hunters!