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Xàtiva

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City
—°11
Xàtiva (Spain)
ℹ️

Practical info — Xàtiva

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit Xàtiva Castle early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat, as the city gets very hot in summer.
  • Take the tourist train ('trenet') up to the castle to save yourself a steep hike in the warm weather.
  • Explore the 'Ruta de los Borja' to discover the legacy of the famous Borgia popes in the old town.
  • Parking is much easier in the newer districts; the historic center has narrow streets and restricted access.

🍽 Food

🍽
Arròs al forn

Try this traditional baked rice dish in authentic restaurants scattered around the historic center.

🍽
Almoixàvena

Look in local bakeries for this sweet pastry of Moorish origin, often dusted with cinnamon and sugar.

🍽
Tapas

The area around Plaça del Mercat has great small bars for evening tapas and local wines.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Plaça del Mercat boutiques

Stroll the streets around the market square to find independent clothing shops and local delicatessens.

🛍
Valencian ceramics

Look for traditional, hand-painted ceramics from the Valencia region in the craft shops of the old town.

🧘
Jardí del Bes

A beautiful, tranquil urban park, convenient for taking a break under shady trees after touring the castle.

🧘
La Cova Negra

Follow the Albaida river to this gorgeous natural reserve, first-rate for a peaceful walk just outside the city.

Xàtiva, a city of profound historical significance in the province of Valencia, is famed for its imposing castle watching over the city from a double-crested ridge. The castle, a blend of Iberian, Roman, and Moorish influences, provides dramatic views and a labyrinth of history. Stroll through the old town's narrow streets, discover Gothic and Baroque churches, and visit the Hospital Reial. Xàtiva is also renowned as the birthplace of two Borgia popes, Calixtus III and Alexander VI, whose legacy is felt throughout the city. The local gastronomy is a delight, with dishes like 'arròs al forn' (baked rice) as the star. Also, try the local sweets and the region's wines. Culturally, Xàtiva is spirited with festivals such as the Fira d'Agost in August, one of the oldest festivals in the Valencian Community. The Fine Arts Museum in the Almudín showcases a remarkable art collection, including the famous upside-down portrait of Philip V. Getting to Xàtiva is straightforward. The city is well-connected by the rail network, just a short train ride from Valencia. By car, it's easily accessible via the A-7 motorway. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the landscape is in full bloom. Summer can be very hot, but it is also a lively time to visit.

Geography

Population
29,386
Coordinates
38.98797, -0.51870

Facts

  • Birthplace of two Borgia popes.
  • Home to one of the oldest fire festivals in Spain.
  • The Castle of Xàtiva was a renowned state prison.
  • The local specialty is 'arròs al forn'.
  • The portrait of King Philip V hangs upside down.
  • Once the second most important city in the Kingdom of Valencia.
  • Over 1000 years of continuous settlement.
  • The old town is declared a Historic-Artistic Monument.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Xàtiva (11)

Piscina municipal🎡 recreation

Outdoor municipal swimming pool with a children's area and sun terrace in Xàtiva.

Bañeras del Raval🏺 historical

The Bañeras del Raval in Xàtiva is an archaeological site showcasing ancient bathing facilities.

🕒 24/7

Cova dels Lleons🌿 nature

Limestone cave with stalactites and an underground lake in Xàtiva.

Torre Romana🏺 historical

Roman watchtower from the 2nd century AD on a hill near Xàtiva.

Castell de Xàtiva📍 landmark

A hilltop castle overlooking Xàtiva.

🕒 Nov-Feb: 10:00-18:00; Mar: 10:00-19:00; Apr: 10:15-20:00; Ma

Castell Menor🏰 castle

Small medieval fortress with a keep and city views in Xàtiva.

Església de Sant Feliu⛪ religious

A church dedicated to Saint Felix in Xàtiva.

Museu Almodí🏛 museum

A museum housed in a medieval grain exchange in Xàtiva.

Església de Sant Francesc⛪ religious

A church dedicated to Saint Francis in Xàtiva.

Església Col·legiata Basílica de Santa Maria⛪ religious

A collegiate basilica dedicated to Saint Mary in Xàtiva.

Frequently asked questions

How many days should I plan for Xàtiva?
Two days are well-suited to see the castle and the historic old town at a relaxed pace.
When is the best time to visit Xàtiva?
Spring and autumn offer handy temperatures for visiting the castle.
What is the best way to get to Xàtiva?
The train from Valencia is the fastest and most convenient connection.
Are there any typical dishes in this region?
Definitely try the 'Arroz al horno' (baked rice) at a local restaurant.
Is Xàtiva a family-friendly destination?
Yes, especially the vast castle provides children plenty of space to explore.
Xàtiva: where is it located?
Xàtiva is located in Galicia, Spain.
Xàtiva: what is there to see?
Highlights include Piscina municipal, Bañeras del Raval, Cova dels Lleons.
Xàtiva: why is it worth visiting?
Xàtiva, a city of profound historical significance in the province of Valencia, is famed for its imposing castle watching over the city from a double-crested ridge.
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