The province of Valencia is definitely one of the best places where to spend the vacations or to live permanently. Nice climate, good political situation and friendliness of local people are some of main characteristics of Valencia.
Each year Valencia becomes more popular in and outside of Spain. The “F-1” is held here as well as “America’s Cup” yacht competitions, “Valencia Open” tennis competitions, etc… And its endless traditional holidays always attract a lot of tourists.
Since the end of 2010 there is a high-speed train connection between Valencia and Madrid which permits to get from the center of Valencia to the center of Spanish capital within aprx. 1,5 hrs. In the nearest future it’ll connect Alicante and Murcia region area as well.
There are many types of different fruits cultivated in Valencia. However, it’s better known as “the land of orange trees” and is among of main exporters of oranges in Spain. It’s possible thanks to big variety of mandarins and oranges that lets have a harvest since mid of September till late of June. There especially many orange gardens in southern part of the province called “La Safor”, which is also well known for its stunning white sand beaches, between Cullera and Oliva.
The 2-nd biggest town of Valencia province and a famous tourist center is Gandia.
Its beautiful award winning Blue flag beach receives thousands of visitors each summer, both from Spain and from abroad. With many places to visit, excursions, good restaurants, and amazing nature Gandia has everything you might need to have an unforgettable holiday.
Gandia is 65 km from Valencia and is easily reached by AP-7 motorway within aprx. 30 min or N-332. Besides, there is a train 2-3 times per hour that gets you from Gandia right to the center of Valencia in 55-60 min.
Around Gandia there are several smaller towns and urbanizations : Oliva is one of the biggest of them. It’s also famous for its “Oliva Nova” golf course.
The population of such urbanizations hardly exceeds 5-7 thousand and their principal characteristics are : absence of typical town noises, pure air and amazing sea- and mountain views.
Barx is a one of those small towns near Gandia, located in 12 km (10 min drive) from it and consists of the town itself and 2 urbanizations : La Drova and Puigmola. The most interesting thing of this place is that it’s surrounded by mountains from each part and reminds a pearl in a shell. This impression grows as you see it from the height of bird’s flight. Taking into consideration that the sea is literally over the mountain it seems like this “pearl” was brought here by storm.
The picturesque road that connects Gandia and Barx (CV-675) goes among beautiful orange gardens of Marxuquera and it never has traffic jams. Its mountain part was recently improved and made wider making it much easier and pleasant for driving.
A monks, that lived in Barx in past centuries left several monuments of their activities like “Underground fridge” in Puigmola, artificial storage of water “Las Balsas de La Drova”, a church in Barx and others. There is also a monastery “De Santa Maria” in Simat de la Valldigna (5 km from Barx).
However, the monks weren’t the first settlers of Barx. The scientists have proved that remains found in Parpalló and Malladetes caves belonged to prehistoric age. The drawings on their walls refer to the same period.
Surroundings of Barx perfectly suit for hiking, bicycle and speleology; here are also several springs with crystal clean water.
There are bars and restaurants in Barx area, supermarkets, bakeries, butchers, bank, drugstore, doctors, football field and municipal pool.
Amazing clean air, formed by mixing mountain- and sea air masses as well as birds singing throughout the day should be only felt and heard during personal stay here.