Valencia Costa Blanca is a source of tourist information and guides about the Valencia area of the Costa Blanca.
From hotels, places, cinemas, theme parks, weather, Formula One, we hope the site is a useful resource of information to visitors to this wonderful area of Spain.
The Good Friday Holy Burial Procession (Procesión del Santo Entierro) in Gandía (Gandia) is one of the most solemn and moving events of Semana Santa. Taking place in the evening, the procession brings together numerous brotherhoods who carry large, ornate floats (pasos) depicting scenes from the Passion and burial of Christ.
Participants dressed in traditional robes and hoods walk slowly through the historic streets, accompanied by the sound of drums and mournful music, creating a deeply reflective atmosphere. Candles and silence among the crowds add to the sense of reverence and emotion.
Recognised as a major highlight of Gandía’s Holy Week, the procession draws both locals and visitors, offering a powerful blend of tradition, faith and cultural heritage.
This relaxing walk through the marina, port and beach area of Gandía (Gandia), Valencia, Spain, showcases one of the most vibrant coastal settings on the Mediterranean. The route begins around the marina, where boats, yachts and harbour activity create a lively atmosphere, before continuing along the breakwater towards the lighthouse with open sea views on both sides.
As the walk progresses, it connects seamlessly with Playa de Gandía, a wide sandy beach known for its long promenade lined with cafés, restaurants and seaside views.
Combining harbour life, coastal scenery and beachside energy, this walk offers a complete experience of Gandía’s waterfront—perfect for relaxing, exploring or simply enjoying the Mediterranean atmosphere.
This atmospheric walk along the marina in Dénia (Denia), Spain, captures the coastline under windy conditions, offering a very different perspective of this usually calm Mediterranean setting. As strong gusts sweep through the harbour, waves ripple across the water and boats sway gently against their moorings, adding movement and energy to the scene.
The walk follows the marina promenade and breakwater, where open sea views and the sound of wind and waves create a more dramatic coastal experience. Despite the conditions, the marina remains a lively and scenic area, known for its mix of waterfront views, restaurants and relaxed walking routes.
This dynamic drone footage captures an unexpected surfing session at Playa de Venecia in Gandía (Gandia), showing a different side of the Mediterranean coastline. While the area is usually known for calm waters, the right conditions—wind, swell and coastal shape—can produce surprisingly good waves that attract local surfers.
From above, the video reveals the patterns of the incoming waves and how surfers position themselves to catch the best breaks, offering a perspective not visible from the shore.
Playa de Venecia itself is a smaller, more peaceful beach near the port and the mouth of the Serpis River, making it a unique and scenic setting for moments like this.
Overall, the footage highlights how even typically calm Mediterranean beaches can transform into lively surf spots under the right conditions.
The Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) procession in Gandía (Gandia) marks the official beginning of Semana Santa, one of the city’s most important religious celebrations. The day centres around the blessing of palm leaves and olive branches, followed by a large procession through the streets featuring local brotherhoods, music and religious figures representing the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.
Participants and spectators alike carry decorated palms, creating a colourful and symbolic display that blends tradition with community involvement.
The Tamborrada in Gandía (Gandia) is one of the most powerful and atmospheric events marking the start of Semana Santa (Holy Week). As the parade begins, the city’s historic streets fill with the deep, echoing sound of drums, performed by members of local brotherhoods dressed in traditional robes or Roman-style attire.
Hundreds of drummers play in synchrony, creating a steady, thunderous rhythm that reflects both mourning and devotion during the Easter period.
The event usually gathers in central locations such as Plaza de las Escuelas Pías before continuing through the streets, drawing large crowds of locals and visitors.
More than just a performance, the Tamborrada is a deeply rooted tradition that brings the community together and signals the emotional beginning of Gandía’s Semana Santa celebrations.
The Fallas Gandía 2026 festival guide provides a complete overview of one of the most vibrant celebrations on Spain’s Costa Blanca. Held from March 15 to March 19, the festival transforms the city with colourful monuments, daily events and a lively street atmosphere.
Key highlights include the Plantà, when the fallas monuments are installed, the powerful mascletàs, lively parades such as the Cabalgatas, and the emotional Flower Offering (Ofrenda). The celebrations build towards the grand finale, La Cremà, where all monuments are burned in a spectacular display symbolising renewal.
With a mix of tradition, art, music and fireworks, Fallas in Gandía offers visitors a full cultural experience, combining community spirit with one of Spain’s most unique and unforgettable festivals.
The cremà of the Falla Mercat in Gandía (Gandia) is one of the standout moments of the final night of the Fallas festival, combining fire, spectacle and emotion. Taking place late on March 19, the monument is set alight as part of the scheduled burns across the city, with Falla Mercat typically among the earlier major fallas to ignite.
The event begins with fireworks and anticipation before flames rapidly engulf the structure, lighting up the surrounding streets and drawing large crowds. The intense heat, crackling materials and dramatic collapse create a powerful visual and sensory experience.
As with all Fallas events, the cremà symbolises renewal—bringing months of artistic effort to a fiery conclusion and marking the end of the celebrations in Gandía.
The cremà of the Falla Major i Passeig in Gandía (Gandia) is one of the most powerful and unforgettable moments of the Fallas 2026 finale. Held in the early hours of March 19, this major monument burn draws large crowds to one of the city’s most central locations.
As the countdown builds, fireworks and anticipation fill the air before the structure is ignited. Flames rapidly climb through the monument, creating intense heat, bright light and a dramatic atmosphere as the falla collapses in a controlled blaze.
The cremà symbolises renewal—bringing months of artistic work to an end while marking the close of the Fallas celebrations, as the city prepares to begin the cycle again the following year.
The Cremà Infantil at Falla Major i Passeig in Gandía (Gandia) marks one of the most emotional and symbolic moments of the Fallas festival. Held in the early evening of March 19, this event sees the children’s fallas monument set alight, bringing months of creativity and hard work to a dramatic close.
Although smaller in scale than the main monuments, the falla infantil plays a vital role in the celebrations, giving younger participants their own place within the festival. As flames quickly engulf the structure, crowds gather to watch, with firefighters ensuring safety while the monument collapses in a powerful display of fire and sound.
The Fallas monuments walking tour in Dénia offers a fantastic way to experience the festival at its most visually impressive. After La Plantà, the town transforms into an open-air gallery, with large, colourful sculptures displayed across multiple neighbourhoods. Each monument, built from wood and papier-mâché, features detailed “ninots” that often include humour, satire and commentary on current events.
Walking through the streets allows visitors to explore the different fallas districts, each showcasing unique artistic styles and themes. The best time to visit is shortly after installation, when monuments are complete and crowds are still manageable.
The Flower Offering Parade (La Ofrenda) in Gandía (Gandia) is one of the most beautiful and emotional events of the Fallas festival. During this tradition, thousands of falleros and falleras dressed in traditional Valencian costume walk through the streets carrying flowers to honour the Virgin. These flowers are carefully arranged to create a विशाल floral display, forming one of the most iconic sights of the celebrations.
The parade is accompanied by live music, marching bands and a steady flow of participants, creating a unique and atmospheric experience, especially in the evening.
Unlike the louder events such as mascletàs, the Ofrenda offers a more reflective and cultural side of Fallas, highlighting community, tradition and devotion at the heart of the festival.
The Día del Bobo celebrations in Gandía form one of the more light-hearted and playful nights of the Fallas festival. Taking place in the evening, the event brings together locals and fallas commissions for a lively mix of costumes, humour and street celebrations.
The atmosphere is relaxed and fun, with participants embracing the spirit of the occasion through themed outfits, music and informal parades that often continue late into the night. Unlike the more formal events of Fallas, this celebration focuses on entertainment and community participation, making it especially popular with younger crowds.
Overall, Día del Bobo adds a unique and cheerful contrast to the traditional and ceremonial aspects of Fallas, highlighting the festival’s more playful side.
The day after La Plantà in Oliva, Spain, offers the perfect opportunity to explore the Fallas monuments at their best. With all sculptures fully assembled, the town transforms into a vibrant open-air gallery, where each street reveals colourful, detailed and often satirical creations built by local fallas commissions.
Walking through the town allows visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship up close, from intricate “ninots” to large central figures that reflect humour, culture and current events.
This period is also when monuments are judged, adding extra excitement before the final days of the festival. Overall, it’s one of the most rewarding times to experience Fallas in Oliva, combining art, tradition and a lively street atmosphere.
The Cabalgata del Bautizo Fallero 2026 in Gandía (Gandia) is one of the most fun and family-friendly events of the Fallas celebrations. This lively parade combines tradition with a playful atmosphere, as fallas commissions take to the streets in colourful costumes, accompanied by music and performances. A key highlight is the tradition of handing out sweets to the crowd, creating an interactive experience enjoyed by both locals and visitors.
The event is linked to the symbolic “bautizo fallero,” a long-standing tradition celebrated during the Fallas period, reflecting the strong community spirit of the festival.
The night of Día de la Plantà in Gandía (Gandia) is one of the most intense moments of the Fallas festival, as artists and fallas commissions race against the clock to complete their monuments. In the final hours, the streets transform into busy construction zones, with cranes lifting large sections into place and teams carefully assembling intricate figures known as “ninots.”
Months of work come together in a single night, with every detail—from structure to paintwork—needing to be finished before the official deadline for judging.
Despite the pressure, there is a strong sense of community, as locals gather to watch the progress. By morning, the city is transformed, filled with completed fallas ready for display before their eventual burning during La Cremà.
The Mascletà in Gandía (Gandia) is one of the most intense and unforgettable traditions of the Fallas festival, known for its sheer volume, rhythm and raw power. Unlike typical fireworks displays, the Mascletà focuses on sound rather than visuals, using carefully timed explosions to create a deep, resonating experience that can be felt through the ground and in your chest.
The display builds gradually, starting with lighter firecrackers before increasing in intensity to the dramatic “terremoto” finale—a rapid sequence of explosions that creates an overwhelming wall of sound.
Held during the Fallas celebrations in March, it draws large crowds who gather to experience one of the loudest and most iconic traditions in the Valencian region.
In Gandía (Gandia), preparations for the Fallas are already well underway in the days leading up to the crucial Día de la Plantà. Across the city, large fallas monuments begin to take shape as artists and local commissions work tirelessly to assemble the intricate structures in the streets.
These monuments—made up of detailed “ninots” and satirical scenes—are carefully constructed piece by piece, often using cranes to position the largest elements. The atmosphere is busy and exciting, as teams race against time to complete their creations before the official deadline.
La Plantà, typically held on March 15, marks the moment when all fallas must be fully installed and ready for judging and public display.
Overall, this pre-Plantà period offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship and effort behind one of Spain’s most iconic festivals.
The arrival of the Galeón Andalucía at Port of Gandía offered visitors a rare chance to experience a full-scale replica of a historic Spanish galleon. Docked at the harbour, the impressive wooden vessel recreates the ships used during Spain’s great age of exploration between the 16th and 18th centuries.
Visitors were able to step aboard and explore its decks, masts, cannons and living quarters, gaining insight into life at sea during long ocean voyages.
Built in 2010 and operated as a floating museum, the ship regularly tours international ports, combining education with maritime heritage.
Its visit to Gandía created a striking contrast between historic sailing traditions and the modern marina, attracting both locals and tourists interested in Spain’s rich naval history
This 4K drone footage showcases the Castell de Santa Anna in Oliva, Spain, from a stunning aerial perspective, revealing the full scale of its hilltop setting and surrounding landscape. Perched above the town, the historic fortress offers sweeping views across Oliva, the La Safor region, and the Mediterranean coastline.
From above, the ruins of the castle—originally built as a defensive structure to monitor the coast—highlight its strategic position and historic importance. The footage captures both the remains of the fortress and the natural beauty of the area, blending history with scenic views.
Overall, the video provides a unique and peaceful look at one of Oliva’s most iconic landmarks, perfect for those interested in history, drone cinematography, or exploring the Costa Blanca from above.
This scenic walk in Oliva takes you from the historic old town up to the hilltop ruins of Castell de Santa Anna, offering a perfect mix of history, culture and views. The route begins in the maze of narrow, whitewashed streets shaped by the town’s Moorish past, before gradually climbing towards the hillside.
As you ascend, several viewpoints open up, revealing rooftops, countryside and the Mediterranean coastline in the distance.
This striking footage captures the power of the Mediterranean during rough sea conditions at the marina in Dénia (Denia), Spain. Strong winds and choppy waves roll into the harbour, creating dramatic scenes as water crashes against the breakwaters and surrounding structures. The usually calm marina takes on a very different atmosphere, with boats rocking and spray filling the air.
Despite the intensity, the footage highlights the resilience of the marina’s design, built to protect vessels from harsh weather. The contrast between stormy seas and the sheltered harbour offers a fascinating look at coastal engineering in action.
Overall, it’s a powerful reminder of nature’s force along the Costa Blanca, and a rare view of Dénia’s coastline in more extreme conditions.
This relaxing 4K drone video captures the peaceful beauty of Playa de Gandía during the early hours of the morning. As the Mediterranean coastline awakens, soft golden light spreads across the wide sandy beach, highlighting the gentle waves and calm sea conditions.
From above, the footage shows the contrast between the quiet shoreline and the town slowly coming to life, with only a few early risers and returning boats visible. The serene atmosphere offers a completely different perspective compared to the busy daytime beach, known for its vibrant nightlife and summer crowds.
This stunning 4K drone footage captures the lighthouse at the port of Gandía (Gandia), Valencia, Spain, from a unique aerial perspective. Located at the end of a long breakwater stretching around 1,000 metres into the Mediterranean, the lighthouse marks the entrance to the harbour and offers spectacular coastal views.
Filmed in calm conditions, the video highlights the contrast between the open sea and the sheltered marina, with fishing boats, yachts and the surrounding coastline clearly visible. The elevated perspective showcases the geometry of the port and the beauty of the Valencian coast, making it ideal for relaxation or virtual travel.
Overall, it’s a peaceful and visually striking look at one of Gandía’s most iconic coastal landmarks.
The Paella Competition at the Fallas 2026 in Oliva, Spain—known as the Concurs de Paelles—was one of the most popular and social events of the festival. Held at Parc de l’Estació following the official parade and “Crida,” the event brought together fallas commissions, families and locals to cook traditional paella outdoors.
Teams competed in a friendly atmosphere, showcasing their cooking skills while celebrating Valencian culinary traditions. The event highlights the importance of paella as a cultural symbol of the region, combining food, community and festivity.
After judging, prizes were awarded to the best dishes, and the celebrations continued with music and entertainment, making it a key highlight of the Fallas programme in Oliva.
The Cabalgata del Ninot 2026 in Oliva, Spain, delivered a lively and colourful preview of the Fallas celebrations, bringing together local commissions for one of the festival’s most entertaining events. Each group presented themed costumes, floats and performances, often filled with humour, satire and social commentary.
The streets were filled with music, dancing and creative displays, as participants of all ages—from children to long-standing falleros—took part in the parade, highlighting the strong community spirit of the town.
The “ninots,” or large artistic figures, represent the themes that will later appear in the full Fallas monuments, most of which are traditionally burned during La Cremà in March.
Overall, the parade offers a vibrant introduction to the creativity, tradition and festive atmosphere that define Fallas in Oliva.
Gandía (Gandia) celebrated the Chinese New Year 2026 with a vibrant and colourful parade that brought a unique cultural atmosphere to the city’s streets. The event, marking the Year of the Horse, featured traditional performances such as lion dances, music, and eye-catching costumes, creating a lively spectacle for locals and visitors alike.
Festivities began earlier in the day with workshops and cultural activities in the city centre, promoting Chinese traditions including calligraphy, food, and ceremonial displays. The parade then moved through key streets before finishing with performances and celebrations in the main square.
Now in its second year, the event highlights Gandía’s growing cultural diversity and its appeal as a destination for international celebrations and community events.
The Cabalgata del Ninot 2026 in Gandía (Gandia) brought colour, creativity and satire to the streets as part of the build-up to the Fallas celebrations. This lively parade featured local fallas commissions presenting themed floats, costumes and performances, often with humorous or critical takes on current events and society.
The event is one of the key pre-Fallas highlights, showcasing the artistic talent and community spirit behind the festival. Participants included both adults and children, with elaborate “ninots” (figures) and choreographed groups entertaining large crowds.
As a mix of tradition and spectacle, the parade offers a unique insight into the culture of the Fallas, setting the tone for the main festivities leading up to March.
A powerful winter storm, known as Storm Harry, caused significant damage along the beach in Tavernes de la Valldigna, dramatically reshaping the coastline. Strong winds and waves pushed far beyond the usual shoreline, destroying beachfront terraces, tearing away railings, and stripping sand to expose underlying structures.
In some cases, the impact was severe enough to damage buildings and force evacuations, highlighting the vulnerability of properties built close to the sea. Waves in the region reached several metres in height, causing widespread disruption along the Valencian coast.
The aftermath reveals not only the power of the sea, but also ongoing concerns about coastal erosion and the long-term sustainability of beachfront development in Spain.
Exploring the port area of Jávea (Xàbia) offers a more authentic and relaxed side of the Costa Blanca, away from the busier beach resorts. The port, known as Aduanas del Mar, blends its traditional fishing heritage with a modern marina filled with yachts and leisure boats. Visitors can enjoy a scenic walk along the promenade, lined with cafés, restaurants and small shops, many serving fresh seafood caught locally.
The nearby pebble beach of Playa de la Grava provides calm waters and beautiful coastal views, making it ideal for a peaceful stop during a walk.
Overall, the area captures the true Mediterranean lifestyle—combining sea views, local culture and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it one of Jávea’s most enjoyable spots to explore.
The Glorious Encounter (Encuentro Glorioso) in Gandía (Gandia) is one of the most uplifting and symbolic moments of Semana Santa, taking place on Easter Sunday. This special event represents the meeting between the risen Christ and the Virgin Mary, marking the joyful culmination of the Holy Week celebrations.
Two separate processions move through the streets—one carrying the figure of the Resurrected Christ and the other the Virgin—before meeting in a central square, usually Plaza Mayor. At the moment of encounter, the atmosphere shifts from solemn to celebratory, often accompanied by music such as Handel’s “Hallelujah” and even the throwing of sweets into the crowd.
An unusual sight along the coast of Jávea (Xàbia) has turned into a surprising tourist attraction—a luxury yacht left stranded on rocks near the port area. The vessel, reportedly driven ashore during storms in late 2025, has remained in place for months, drawing attention from locals and visitors alike.
What began as a maritime incident quickly became a popular photo spot, with people gathering along the seafront to देखने the stranded boat and share images on social media.
Authorities have also been monitoring the situation due to environmental concerns, removing fuel and hazardous materials to prevent pollution while assessing how to remove the vessel.
The stranded yacht has become a temporary but memorable attraction on the Costa Blanca coastline.
Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Spain is one of the country’s most important religious and cultural events, taking place in the week leading up to Easter Sunday. Celebrations begin on Palm Sunday and continue through to Easter, with the most significant days being Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
The most recognisable tradition is the procession, where religious brotherhoods (cofradías) carry large, ornate floats (pasos) depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ through the streets. Participants often wear traditional robes and pointed hoods (capirotes), accompanied by drums, music and candlelight.
Atmospheres vary by region—from solemn and silent to dramatic and emotional—but all reflect deep-rooted traditions combining religion, art and community.
Welcome to Moraira, one of the most beautiful seaside towns on Spain’s Costa Blanca. In this stunning 4K drone video, we soar above golden beaches, circle historic landmarks, and glide across the sparkling Mediterranean to showcase why Moraira is such a popular destination for visitors from across Europe.
Nestled between Calpe and Jávea, Moraira forms part of the municipality of Teulada. Unlike some larger Costa Blanca resorts, Moraira has managed to retain its traditional charm, low-rise skyline, and relaxed atmosphere, making it a favourite for families, retirees, and holidaymakers looking for a more authentic Mediterranean experience.
As the day draws to a close along Spain’s Mediterranean coast, few sights are more calming than the soft glow of sunset over the sea. Filmed in September, this drone video captures the golden hour above Playa de Daimús, offering a peaceful aerial perspective of one of the Costa Blanca’s quieter and lesser-known beaches.
From above, the shoreline stretches gently along the coast, bathed in warm evening light. The sea is calm, reflecting the fading sun in soft tones of gold and amber, while the steady rhythm of the waves enhances the sense of stillness. Unlike the busier resort towns nearby, Daimús retains a relaxed, local feel — especially at this time of day, when the heat fades and the beach becomes a place to unwind rather than rush.
One of the most striking moments in the video is the exceptional clarity of the evening sky. On this particular sunset, visibility was so clear that Montgó Mountain, near Dénia, can be seen on the horizon more than 20 kilometres away. Rising between Dénia and Jávea, this iconic natural landmark is only visible from Daimús on the clearest days, making its appearance a rare and beautiful detail in the footage.
A medida que el día se acerca a su fin en la costa mediterránea española, pocas vistas son más relajantes que el suave resplandor del atardecer sobre el mar. Filmado en septiembre, este vídeo con dron captura la hora dorada sobre la Playa de Daimús, ofreciendo una apacible perspectiva aérea de una de las playas más tranquilas y menos conocidas de la Costa Blanca.
Desde arriba, la costa se extiende suavemente a lo largo de la costa, bañada por la cálida luz del atardecer. El mar está en calma, reflejando el sol poniente en suaves tonos dorados y ámbar, mientras que el ritmo constante de las olas realza la sensación de quietud. A diferencia de las concurridas localidades turísticas cercanas, Daimús conserva un ambiente relajado y local, especialmente a esta hora del día, cuando el calor se desvanece y la playa se convierte en un lugar para relajarse en lugar de prisas.
Uno de los momentos más impactantes del vídeo es la excepcional claridad del cielo vespertino. En este atardecer en particular, la visibilidad era tan clara que el Montgó, cerca de Dénia, se puede ver en el horizonte a más de 20 kilómetros de distancia. Situado entre Dénia y Jávea, este emblemático monumento natural solo es visible desde Daimús en los días más claros, lo que hace que su aparición sea un detalle raro y hermoso en las imágenes.
The Mediterranean is often associated with calm waters and sunny promenades, but each winter it reminds coastal towns of its untamed power. On 20 January 2026, Storm Harry swept across the western Mediterranean, bringing strong winds, heavy seas, and hazardous coastal conditions to large stretches of Spain’s eastern shoreline. One of the areas most visibly affected was Playa de Gandía, where the storm transformed the usually relaxed beachfront into a dramatic and restless landscape.
Filmed in real time, this video captures the raw force of Storm Harry as powerful waves crash relentlessly against the shore. Swells roll in with strength, breaking close to the promenade and sending seawater surging across walkways normally filled with walkers, cyclists, and café-goers. The sound of the sea dominates — deep, heavy, and unbroken — as the Mediterranean is pushed far beyond its usual winter mood.
Conditions were severe enough that the port walkway leading to the lighthouse and the Club Náutico de Gandía was closed for safety reasons. Waves smashed against the harbour walls, throwing sheets of spray into the air and making exposed areas dangerous for anyone on foot. These closures stand as a clear sign of the storm’s strength, and a reminder that even well-prepared coastal infrastructure must sometimes give way to nature.
El Mediterráneo suele asociarse con aguas tranquilas y paseos soleados, pero cada invierno recuerda a las localidades costeras su poder indomable. El 20 de enero de 2026, la borrasca Harry azotó el Mediterráneo occidental, trayendo fuertes vientos, mar gruesa y condiciones costeras peligrosas a amplias franjas de la costa este de España. Una de las zonas más visiblemente afectadas fue la Playa de Gandía, donde la tormenta transformó la habitualmente tranquila playa en un paisaje dramático e inquieto.
Filmado en tiempo real, este vídeo captura la fuerza bruta de la borrasca Harry mientras las poderosas olas rompen implacablemente contra la orilla. El oleaje llega con fuerza, rompiendo cerca del paseo marítimo y enviando el agua del mar a través de pasarelas normalmente llenas de caminantes, ciclistas y clientes de cafeterías. El sonido del mar domina —profundo, pesado e ininterrumpido— mientras el Mediterráneo se ve obligado a abandonar su habitual atmósfera invernal.
Las condiciones fueron tan severas que el paseo marítimo que conduce al faro y al Club Náutico de Gandía tuvo que cerrarse por razones de seguridad. Las olas azotaron los muros del puerto, lanzando cortinas de agua al aire y convirtiendo las zonas expuestas en peligrosas para los peatones. Estos cierres son una clara señal de la fuerza de la tormenta y un recordatorio de que incluso las infraestructuras costeras bien preparadas a veces deben ceder ante la naturaleza.
Every January, as winter settles gently over the Costa Blanca, towns and villages across Spain celebrate one of their most enduring traditions: the Bendición de los Animales, honouring San Antonio Abad, the patron saint of animals. In Oliva, Valencia, this centuries-old celebration remains deeply rooted in everyday life, offering a rare and authentic glimpse of Spain beyond the summer beach season.
Held on 18 January 2026, the San Antonio Abad celebration in Oliva brought together locals, farmers, families, and visitors for a procession and blessing that reflects the town’s strong agricultural and rural heritage. While many Spanish fiestas are lively and exuberant, this event is marked by a calm, respectful atmosphere, highlighting its religious and cultural importance within the community.
In the accompanying video, you can follow the procession through the streets of Oliva as animals of all kinds take part. Horses play a central role, proudly parading through the town before receiving the traditional blessing from the priest. Their prominence is no coincidence: Oliva has long-standing ties to farming, rural work, and horse culture, and these animals remain powerful symbols of the town’s history. Alongside them are cows, pets, and other working animals, each blessed for protection, health, and good fortune in the year ahead.
Cada enero, con la llegada del invierno a la Costa Blanca, pueblos y ciudades de toda España celebran una de sus tradiciones más antiguas: la Bendición de los Animales, en honor a San Antonio Abad, patrón de los animales. En Oliva, Valencia, esta celebración centenaria sigue profundamente arraigada en la vida cotidiana, ofreciendo una visión única y auténtica de España más allá del verano playero.
Celebrada el 18 de enero de 2026, la celebración de San Antonio Abad en Oliva reunió a vecinos, agricultores, familias y visitantes en una procesión y bendición que refleja el sólido legado agrícola y rural del pueblo. Si bien muchas fiestas españolas son animadas y exuberantes, este evento se caracteriza por un ambiente tranquilo y respetuoso, que resalta su importancia religiosa y cultural dentro de la comunidad.
En el vídeo adjunto, puede seguir la procesión por las calles de Oliva, donde participan animales de todo tipo. Los caballos desempeñan un papel central, desfilando con orgullo por el pueblo antes de recibir la tradicional bendición del sacerdote. Su prominencia no es casualidad: Oliva tiene una larga tradición de agricultura, trabajo rural y cultura ecuestre, y estos animales siguen siendo poderosos símbolos de la historia del pueblo. Junto a ellos se encuentran vacas, mascotas y otros animales de trabajo, cada uno bendecido para protección, salud y buena fortuna en el año venidero.
Welcome to a full tour of Oliva’s Friday Market, one of the liveliest and most authentic weekly markets on Spain’s Valencia coast. Held every Friday morning in the town of Oliva (Valencia, Spain), this market is a regular part of local life and a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience real Spanish culture beyond the beaches.
The market spreads through the central streets of Oliva, close to the town centre, where dozens of stalls line the main roads and side streets. From early morning, locals arrive with shopping trolleys and baskets, while visitors wander through the bustling atmosphere, taking in the sounds, colours, and aromas that define a traditional Spanish mercadillo.
In this video, I walk through the market at a relaxed pace, showcasing the wide variety of stalls on offer. You’ll see fresh fruit and vegetables — much of it locally grown — alongside olives, nuts, spices, cheeses, and cured meats. There are also stalls selling clothing, shoes, leather goods, bags, household items, and accessories, as well as the occasional artisan or craft stand offering handmade products.
Bienvenidos a un recorrido completo por el Mercado de los Viernes de Oliva, uno de los mercados semanales más animados y auténticos de la costa valenciana. Celebrado todos los viernes por la mañana en Oliva (Valencia, España), este mercado es parte integral de la vida local y una visita obligada para quienes deseen experimentar la auténtica cultura española más allá de las playas.
El mercado se extiende por las calles principales de Oliva, cerca del centro, donde decenas de puestos se alinean en las calles principales y secundarias. Desde primera hora de la mañana, los vecinos llegan con carritos y cestas de compra, mientras los visitantes deambulan por el animado ambiente, disfrutando de los sonidos, colores y aromas que definen un mercadillo tradicional español.
En este vídeo, recorro el mercado a un ritmo relajado, mostrando la gran variedad de puestos que ofrece. Verán frutas y verduras frescas, muchas de ellas de cultivo local, junto con aceitunas, frutos secos, especias, quesos y embutidos. También hay puestos de venta de ropa, zapatos, artículos de cuero, bolsos, artículos para el hogar y accesorios, así como algún que otro puesto de artesanos o artesanos que ofrecen productos hechos a mano.
Experience the full atmosphere of the Sant Antoni Abat celebration in Llíber, a small traditional village in Alicante, Spain, nestled in the Vall de Pop (Jalón Valley). This extended video captures one of the region’s most loved and deeply rooted rural festivals, celebrated each January across the Valencian Community.
The video follows the event from start to finish, beginning with the early morning gathering of horses and traditional carts on the edge of the village. Owners prepare their animals for the procession, creating a calm yet festive atmosphere as locals and visitors arrive to watch the day’s celebrations unfold.
You’ll then see the parade of horses and carts as it makes its way slowly through the narrow streets of Llíber — one of the highlights of the festival. Neighbours, families, and spectators line the streets, reflecting the strong sense of community that defines village life in this part of rural Alicante.
At the heart of the celebration is the Blessing of the Animals, a central tradition honouring Sant Antoni Abat, the patron saint of animals. Horses, pets, and other animals are brought forward to receive the blessing, a symbolic act seeking health, protection, and good fortune for the year ahead. This moment remains one of the most meaningful and enduring traditions for farming and rural communities.
Experimente el ambiente de la celebración de Sant Antoni Abat en Llíber, un pequeño pueblo tradicional de Alicante, España, enclavado en el Valle del Jalón. Este vídeo extendido captura una de las fiestas rurales más queridas y arraigadas de la región, que se celebra cada enero en toda la Comunidad Valenciana.
El vídeo sigue el evento de principio a fin, comenzando con la concentración matutina de caballos y carros tradicionales a las afueras del pueblo. Los propietarios preparan a sus animales para la procesión, creando un ambiente tranquilo y festivo a la vez que llegan vecinos y visitantes para presenciar las celebraciones del día.
A continuación, verá el desfile de caballos y carros recorriendo lentamente las estrechas calles de Llíber, uno de los momentos más destacados de la fiesta. Vecinos, familias y espectadores se alinean en las calles, reflejando el fuerte sentido de comunidad que define la vida rural en esta zona de Alicante.
En el centro de la celebración se encuentra la Bendición de los Animales, una tradición central en honor a Sant Antoni Abat, el patrón de los animales. Caballos, mascotas y otros animales se acercan para recibir la bendición, un acto simbólico que busca salud, protección y buena fortuna para el año venidero. Este momento sigue siendo una de las tradiciones más significativas y perdurables para las comunidades agrícolas y rurales.
Every January, the town of Oliva, on Spain’s Valencia coast, celebrates El Porrat de Sant Antoni — one of the region’s most traditional and atmospheric winter festivals. Deeply rooted in centuries of Valencian history, the porrat brings together food, community, and local heritage in the heart of the old town.
In this video, we wander through the historic streets of Oliva (Valencia, Spain) as the famous Calderes de Sant Antoni are fired up. Large iron cauldrons are set over real wood-burning fires, slowly cooking arroz caldoso — a rich, soupy rice dish traditionally made with beans and turnips. Dozens of cauldrons simmer at once, filling the neighbourhood with smoke, warmth, and the unmistakable aroma of authentic Valencian cooking.
Cada enero, la localidad de Oliva, en la costa valenciana, celebra El Porrat de Sant Antoni, una de las fiestas de invierno más tradicionales y evocadoras de la región. Con una larga historia valenciana, el Porrat aúna gastronomía, comunidad y patrimonio local en el corazón del casco antiguo.
En este vídeo, recorremos las históricas calles de Oliva (Valencia, España) mientras se encienden las famosas Calderas de Sant Antoni. Grandes calderos de hierro se colocan sobre auténticas hogueras de leña, cocinando lentamente el arroz caldoso, un plato tradicional de arroz caldoso con alubias y nabos. Decenas de calderos hierven a fuego lento a la vez, llenando el barrio de humo, calor y el inconfundible aroma de la auténtica cocina valenciana.
Experience the magic of La Cabalgata de Reyes de Gandía, the traditional Three Kings Parade celebrated in the coastal city of Gandía, Valencia — one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the Spanish Christmas season.
This year’s parade was particularly special. Traditionally held on the evening of January 5th, the Cabalgata was postponed due to heavy rain and stormy weather along much of the Valencia coast. When the skies finally cleared, the long-awaited celebration went ahead, bringing colour, music, and joy back to the streets of Gandía.
La Cabalgata de Reyes Magos is one of Spain’s most cherished and deeply rooted traditions. The Three Wise Men — Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar — make their grand entrance on elaborately decorated floats, joined by musicians, dancers, performers, and volunteers who fill the city with festive energy and excitement.
Vive la magia de La Cabalgata de Reyes de Gandía, la tradicional Cabalgata de Reyes Magos que se celebra en la ciudad costera de Gandía, Valencia, uno de los eventos más esperados de la Navidad española.
La Cabalgata de este año fue especialmente especial. Tradicionalmente celebrada la noche del 5 de enero, la Cabalgata se pospuso debido a las fuertes lluvias y tormentas en gran parte de la costa valenciana. Cuando finalmente amaneció, la esperada celebración se llevó a cabo, devolviendo el color, la música y la alegría a las calles de Gandía.
La Cabalgata de Reyes Magos es una de las tradiciones más preciadas y arraigadas de España. Los Reyes Magos —Melchor, Gaspar y Baltasar— hacen su entrada triunfal en carrozas elaboradamente decoradas, acompañados por músicos, bailarines, artistas y voluntarios que llenan la ciudad de energía y entusiasmo festivo.
Today’s video captures a very different side of Gandía, as a winter storm batters the coastline on the day before Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes Magos). Strong winds, persistent rain, and rough seas dominate the scene, transforming the usually calm Mediterranean into something far more restless and unpredictable. 🌊🌧️
This unhurried coastal video brings together a collection of peaceful winter scenes from Gandía and Grau de Gandía, located on Spain’s Valencia coast along the Mediterranean Sea. Filmed outside the busy summer season, it captures a quieter, more authentic side of these coastal areas, where daily life slows down and the rhythm of the sea takes c
Enjoy a quiet and uninterrupted view of the Mediterranean Sea at Playa de Gandía / Gandia, filmed on 2 January 2026, as the New Year begins along Spain’s Valencia coast. This ambient coastal video captures the sea in an unusually calm state, with the water almost completely flat and soft, gentle waves rolling onto the shore in a slow, steady rhythm.
🎥 Filmed on location: Playa de Gandía / Gandia, Spain 📅 Date: 2 January 2026 ⏱️ Style: Ambient | Natural Sound | Relaxing | Coastal
Experience the breathtaking beauty of a Mediterranean sunrise at Playa de Daimús (Daimuz) as the first light of an October morning slowly illuminates the Valencian coastline. Filmed entirely in 4K aerial drone footage, this short cinematic film captures the quiet magic of dawn on one of Spain’s most peaceful stretches of beach, located just south of Gandía / Gandia on the Valencia coast.
Take a peaceful New Year’s Eve beach walk at Playa de Daimús, a small and relaxed coastal town on Spain’s Valencia coast, located just south of Gandía on the southern Costa Blanca. This calm winter walk captures a very different side of the Valencian coastline, far removed from the busy summer months and holiday crowds.
Discover Gandia, Spain, in this complete 2025 highlights compilation, showcasing one of the most vibrant and diverse coastal cities on the Valencia coast. Located on the southern Costa Blanca, Gandia is famous for its long sandy beach, Mediterranean climate, historic old town, and its powerful legacy as the former home of the Borja (Borgia) family.
This video brings together the best moments from Gandia throughout 2025, capturing its culture, festivals, sporting events, and everyday life in one immersive recap.
Whether you are planning a trip to Gandia, remembering a special year, or discovering the city for the first time, this Gandia 2025 highlights video provides a true snapshot of life on the Valencia coast. From festivals and sport to beach life and local traditions, Gandia in 2025 was a year filled with colour, energy, and unforgettable moments.
Explore El Portet Beach, Moraira, in this scenic coastal video filmed on Spain’s northern Costa Blanca. Located just outside the town of Moraira, El Portet is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and exclusive beach areas on the Costa Blanca, known for its calm waters, natural setting, and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
