Platja Nord de Gandia (North Beach of Gandia) extends along the northern section of Gandia's extensive coastline in the province of Valencia, Comunitat Valenciana, Spain, forming part of one of the Mediterranean's longest continuous urban beaches. Gandia, historically known as Gandia la Bella (Beautiful Gandia), developed as the seat of the Borja (Borgia) family during the 15th and 16th centuries when it served as a prosperous ducal capital, with the Palau Ducal dels Borja remaining one of Spain's finest Renaissance palaces. The beach resort of Platja de Gandia developed separately from the historic inland city center during the early 20th century when Spain's Mediterranean coast began attracting domestic and international beach tourism. Platja Nord, the northernmost section extending over 3 kilometers with a surface area of 300,000 square meters, distinguishes itself as one of Valencia's premier Blue Flag beaches, maintaining this prestigious environmental certification for 36 consecutive years—the longest continuous Blue Flag designation of any Valencia region beach. The beach's exceptional width, fine golden sand, gentle slope, and comprehensive facilities have made it a favorite destination for families, sports enthusiasts, and beach lovers from across Europe, particularly during summer months when the population of Platja de Gandia swells from a few thousand permanent residents to over 100,000 visitors. The proximity to Valencia city (65 kilometers north) and excellent highway connections make Platja Nord accessible for day trips and weekend escapes from Spain's interior regions.
The beach features fine golden sand stretching over 3 kilometers in length with exceptional width providing ample space even during peak August crowds, backed by a palm-lined promenade (paseo marítimo) extending the beach's full length with numerous beach bars (chiringuitos), restaurants, ice cream parlors, and shops. The Mediterranean waters are calm with gentle waves, a gradual seabed slope, and lifeguard supervision throughout the swimming season from June through September, creating ideal conditions for families with children. Water sports facilities include kitesurfing schools and rental equipment, with consistent onshore breezes from March through November creating favorable conditions for wind sports. Beach volleyball and football areas feature permanent nets and goalposts, while exercise stations along the promenade provide outdoor fitness opportunities. Children's play areas include playgrounds with slides, swings, and climbing structures. Bicycle and horseback riding are popular along the promenade and beach access paths. The beach provides comprehensive amenities including showers, footbaths, parasol and deckchair rentals through commercial beach clubs (chiringuitos) offering full service with food and beverage delivery to loungers. Accessible walkways and adapted facilities ensure wheelchair access to the beach and water. Tourist information services operate kiosks providing beach activity information, local maps, and assistance. The beach maintains exceptional cleanliness with regular cleaning and waste collection, contributing to its sustained Blue Flag status. Evening paseos (strolls) along the promenade represent cherished Spanish social tradition, with families and friends walking the waterfront while enjoying ice cream and sea breezes as the sun sets over the Mediterranean. The beach's orientation provides spectacular sunset viewing, with the summer sun descending into the sea creating brilliant orange and red reflections across the water.
Restaurante Casa José on Carrer de Formentera specializes in paella de marisco (seafood paella with prawns, mussels, clams, and squid), fideuà de Gandia (traditional noodle paella with alioli), and arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish stock served with alioli). Restaurante Arrocería Casa Julia at Plaça del Pou offers over 15 rice varieties including arroz negro (black rice with squid ink and alioli), arroz del senyoret (peeled seafood rice), and paella valenciana (traditional paella with chicken, rabbit, and green beans). Restaurante Coronada on Carrer del Senil serves exceptional seafood paella, tigres (stuffed mussels with béchamel and spices), and chopitos fritos (fried baby squid). Casa Concha features croquetas de bacalao (salt cod croquettes), croquetas de jamón ibérico, and paella de verduras (vegetable paella). Tasca Manduca offers pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus with paprika and olive oil), chipirones a la plancha (grilled baby squid), and fideuà negra (black noodle paella with squid ink).
