GANDIA COSTA BLANCA

It is hardly surprising that Gandia, with over 20km of clean golden sand, an elegant promenade and animated restaurants, promotes itself as a beach resort. Tourism began here in the 1950s and many visitors never go near Gandia proper, a largely modern city on the river Serpis. It flourished in the 15th century, its wealth derived from sugar and silk, its political clout from its Borja dukes. The main monuments date from this time, grouped close together near the river in the oldest part of town. The star attraction is the Palacio de Santo Duque, a sumptuous 14th to 17^th century pile built round a courtyard, its interior dripping with gold leaf; look out for the beautiful azulejos and Arab wall tiles The collegiate church of Santa Maria is an austere and serene example of Catalan Gothic and the old medieval hospital now houses the town's Museo Arqueologico (archaeological museum). Gandia prides itself on its markets and shops.