Famed for its colourful Moors and Christians festival, Oliva is an atmospheric town in Spain’s Valencian Community. Its historic streets are watched over by a 16th-century castle while attractive Blue Flag beaches lie just a stone’s throw away.
Things to do in Oliva
Stroll through the narrow streets of Oliva’s old town, which is watched over by the ruined Castell de Santa Anna. Gaze up at the bell tower of the lemon-coloured Parroquia Sant Roc, a centuries-old church that is the starting point for the annual Moors and Christians celebrations. Also of note is the Santa Maria La Major d´Oliva, a Romanesque-style monastery that dates back to the 12th century.
A short drive from the old town is Playa de Oliva, a sweep of golden sand that fronts the Balearic Sea. You can sink your feet into the sand at one of the beach bars or book a windsurfing lesson with the team at Oliva Surf Escuela de Vela. A walking trail connects the Puerto De Oliva to Playa de Terranova, a dune-backed beach where you can swim and sunbathe.
Another popular spot to bathe is the Font Salada, a swimming hole that forms part of La Marjal Oliva-Pego Natural Park. Its water temperature hovers at around 23ºC throughout the year, making it ideal for a dip in the winter months. Keep an eye out for native fish and ducks during your swim before refuelling at the on-site restaurant.
Getting around Oliva
Oliva is around an hour’s drive from Valencia and Valencia Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Buses connect to Oliva from nearby Gandia while the town is small enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of accessing the nearby beaches.