Playa de Xeraco

Introduction

From our perspective as experts on Spanish beaches, Playa de Xeraco is one of those jewels of the Valencian coast that, without making too much noise, wins our hearts year after year. Located in the charming municipality of Xeraco, in the province of Valencia, this beach is the epitome of what we look for when we think of a relaxing and, above all, family holiday. We are faced with an extensive sandy beach that stretches for about two kilometres, offering us plenty of space to lay out a towel, play with the children or simply take a quiet stroll along the shore.

Playa de Xeraco welcomes us with fine, golden sand, which feels soft underfoot and contrasts perfectly with the serene blue of its waters. It is a beach that breathes tranquillity, away from the hustle and bustle of more crowded destinations, but without giving up a complete range of services that guarantee a comfortable and pleasant stay. For us, it is an ideal destination to disconnect, enjoy the Mediterranean sun and create unforgettable memories with our loved ones.

How to Get to Playa de Xeraco

Getting to Playa de Xeraco is relatively easy, which adds to its appeal. We always recommend planning the trip in advance, but here are the main options:

By Car

If we are coming from the city of Valencia, the journey takes approximately 45-50 minutes. We will take the AP-7 heading south and then exit 59 towards Xeraco/Gandia. From there, the signs will guide us directly to the beach. The municipality of Xeraco has several parking areas, both free and paid, especially during the high season months, so finding a place to park is usually not a major problem, although it is always better to arrive early.

By Public Transport

• Train: The Xeraco train station is part of the C-1 line of the Renfe Cercanías network, which connects Valencia with Gandia. From Xeraco station, the beach is about 3-4 kilometres away, so we can opt for a local taxi or an urban bus if available during the high season. Another option is to take the train to Gandia and from there take a local bus or taxi to the beach.
• Bus: Several intercity bus lines connect Xeraco with nearby towns and Valencia, although frequencies may vary depending on the season. It is advisable to check the updated timetables of the bus companies to plan the trip.

The Sand and Water

The first thing that catches our attention when stepping onto Playa de Xeraco is the quality of its sand. It is fine and of a golden colour that shines in the sun, ideal for building sandcastles or simply enjoying a pleasant barefoot walk. The width of the sandy area is one of its great advantages; even on the busiest days, we don't feel crowded and always find our own corner of tranquillity.

The Mediterranean waters at Xeraco are, in our experience, exceptionally calm and clean. They usually have a clear turquoise blue hue, inviting for swimming and gentle water activities. The entrance to the sea is gradual, without major drops, making it a very safe place for children and for those who are not very comfortable in deep water. It is no wonder that the beach has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag on several occasions, a distinction that certifies its excellent water quality, environmental management, safety and services.

Services and Facilities

Playa de Xeraco is very well equipped, thinking about the comfort of all its visitors. We highly value the presence of a wide range of services that make our stay as pleasant as possible:

• Lifeguard Service: During the high season, we have a lifeguard and surveillance service that gives us great peace of mind, especially if we are with children. The first aid posts are well distributed along the beach.
• Full Accessibility: We are pleased to see that the beach is inclusive, offering full accessibility for people with reduced mobility. This includes wooden walkways that reach the shore, access ramps and, at times, amphibious chairs and support staff during the summer months.
• Showers and Toilets/WCs: We have shower points to rinse off the sand and public toilets/WCs, which are kept clean and operational.
• Chiringuitos: Several chiringuitos are distributed along the beach, offering us the opportunity to have a drink, an ice cream or even enjoy a light meal with sea views. They are perfect for a break in the shade.
• Sunshades and Sun Loungers: If we prefer not to carry our own equipment, we can rent sunshades and sun loungers at different points on the beach, ensuring a day of sun and relaxation without worries.
• Children's Play Area: For the little ones, there are children's play areas with games in the sand, allowing them to have fun while adults relax.
• Parking: As mentioned before, parking is a fundamental service and is well managed in the area.

Best Time to Visit

The choice of the best time to visit Playa de Xeraco depends a lot on what we are looking for. We have our preferences, but each season has its charm:

• Summer (June to September): This is the high season par excellence. The days are long and sunny, the water temperatures are ideal for swimming and all services are in full operation. It is the perfect time if we are looking for animation, open chiringuitos and a more social atmosphere. However, it is also when the beach is most crowded.
• Spring (April and May): For us, spring is a fantastic time to visit. The temperatures are already pleasant, the sun warms without being oppressive, and the beach is much quieter. It is ideal for walking, sunbathing without crowds and enjoying nature in peace. Many services are already starting to open.
• Autumn (October and November): Similar to spring, autumn offers us sunny and mild days. The sea still retains a pleasant temperature for a quick swim in early autumn. It is perfect for relaxing getaways and for those seeking peace and quiet on the beach.
• Winter (December to March): Although it is not swimming season, Playa de Xeraco in winter has a special charm. It is ideal for long walks along the shore, enjoying the sea breeze and disconnecting from the world. The beach is practically empty and is a haven of peace.

Activities and Sports

Although Playa de Xeraco is primarily a place for relaxation, it also offers us various options to stay active and enjoy the sea in other ways:

• Swimming and Bathing: With its calm and shallow waters, it is the perfect place for swimming and enjoying a refreshing dip.
• Walks along the Shore: Its two kilometres of length are ideal for long walks at sunrise or sunset, enjoying the views and the sea breeze.
• Beach Sports: It is common to see people playing beach volleyball, paddleball or football in the wider areas of the sandy beach.
• Paddle Surf and Kayaking: On days when the sea is calm, we can rent paddle surf or kayak equipment at some points on the beach or bring our own to explore the coast from another perspective. The calm waters are ideal for beginners.
• Fishing: For fishing enthusiasts, some areas of the beach or the breakwater may be suitable for rod fishing, always respecting local regulations and the safety of bathers.

For Families with Children

If there is one category that perfectly defines Playa de Xeraco, it is 'family-friendly'. We consider it a top destination for travelling with the little ones, and for good reasons:

• Calm and Safe Waters: The shallow depth and absence of strong currents make bathing very safe for children, allowing us parents to relax a bit more.
• Fine Sand: Perfect for building sandcastles, making shapes or simply playing without worrying about stones or rocks.
• Children's Play Areas: The presence of parks and play areas in the sand is a big plus, where children can socialise and burn off energy safely.
• Lifeguard Service: The constant surveillance provides us with additional peace of mind.
• Showers and Toilets: The availability of these services near the shore is very practical when going with children.
• Space: The width of the beach avoids crowds, allowing children to run and play freely without disturbing others.
• Organised Activities: In summer, children's entertainment activities, workshops or games on the beach are sometimes organised, adding an extra touch of fun.

What to Do in the Surrounding Area

One of the advantages of Playa de Xeraco is its strategic location, which allows us to explore a wide variety of places of interest in its surroundings. We always encourage going beyond the beach and discovering the richness of the La Safor region:

Nearby Towns and Cities

• Gandia (about 10-15 km away): Without a doubt, the most important city in the area. It offers us a rich historical heritage with the impressive Ducal Palace of the Borja, the Collegiate Church of Santa María and a lively historic centre. Furthermore, Gandia has vibrant nightlife and a wide commercial and gastronomic offer. Its port and beach (Playa de Gandia) are also well known.
• Oliva (about 20 km away): Another coastal municipality with extensive beaches, some of them wilder and with dunes. Its old town is charming, with narrow, steep streets and the church of Santa María la Mayor.
• Xeraco Pueblo: Let's not forget the municipality of Xeraco itself, which, although small, has its charm. We can visit the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación and enjoy the tranquillity of a typical Valencian town.

Nature and Routes

• Marjal de Gandia: A wetland of great ecological value, ideal for bird watching and for hiking or cycling routes. It is a fascinating ecosystem that shows us another facet of the Valencian coast.
• Parque Natural de la Marjal de Pego-Oliva: A bit further away, but worth it. It is another wetland of enormous importance, with rice fields and a great diversity of flora and fauna. We can go on foot or bicycle routes and enjoy nature in its pure state.
• Hiking in the Sierra de la Falconera: For mountain lovers, this nearby mountain range offers routes with panoramic views of the coast and the interior.

Cultural Sites of Interest

• Museo Fallero de Gandia: If we want to understand the culture of the Fallas festival, this museum is a must-visit, where pardoned 'ninots' are exhibited and the history of this festival declared a World Heritage Site is explained.
• Castillo de Bairén (Gandia): Ruins of an old Muslim fortress with spectacular views over the coast and the region.

What to Do When It Rains

Although rainy days are not the norm in the Valencian Community, it is always good to have a plan B. If a grey day surprises us at Playa de Xeraco, we don't have to be bored:

• La Vital Shopping Centre (Gandia): A short distance away, in Gandia, we find this large shopping centre that offers us fashion shops, restaurants, cafeterias and a cinema with several screens. It is a perfect option for an afternoon of shopping or enjoying a film.
• Museums in Gandia: In addition to the aforementioned Ducal Palace (which has many covered areas), we can visit other museums such as the Museo Arqueológico de Gandia (MAGa) or the Museo de Santa Clara, which offer an immersion in the history and art of the region.
• Visit a Winery: The province of Valencia is known for its wines. We could organise a visit to a nearby winery to learn about the wine-making process and, of course, do a tasting.
• Gastronomy: A rainy day is the perfect excuse to enjoy a long meal in one of the area's excellent restaurants, savouring the rich local gastronomy at a leisurely pace.
• Spas or Wellness Centres: If we are looking for a plan of total relaxation, we can investigate if there is a spa or wellness centre in Gandia or the surrounding area where we can enjoy a thermal circuit.

Recommended Hotels

In the area of Playa de Xeraco and its surroundings, we find various accommodation options to suit different tastes and budgets. We will give you some ideas so you can choose the one that best suits your needs:

Types of Accommodation

• Tourist Apartments: These are the most popular option right at Playa de Xeraco, ideal for families or groups of friends. They offer us the flexibility of having our own kitchen and more space. There is a large offer of holiday rentals, both from private owners and agencies.
• Hotels: Although the hotel offer directly at Playa de Xeraco is more limited than in neighbouring destinations like Gandia, we can find some charming hotels and hostels, often with a more family-friendly and quiet atmosphere. If we are looking for hotels with more services (large pools, entertainment, etc.), we will have to look in nearby Gandia.
• Campsites: For nature and outdoor lovers, there are campsites in the area that offer pitches for tents or caravans, as well as equipped bungalows.

Areas to Stay

• At Playa de Xeraco itself: If our priority is proximity to the sand and a relaxed atmosphere, staying here is the best option. Most accommodations are apartments, many with sea views.
• In the Town of Xeraco: If we prefer a more authentic Valencian town atmosphere and don't mind being a few kilometres from the beach, the town of Xeraco offers rural houses and some small hostels. It is a good option for those seeking tranquillity and more direct contact with the local culture.
• In Gandia (Playa de Gandia or the city): If we are looking for a greater offer of hotels, restaurants, nightlife and activities, Playa de Gandia is an excellent alternative, although a bit more crowded. From there, we can reach Playa de Xeraco by car in about 15-20 minutes.

Local Gastronomy

Valencian gastronomy is a treasure, and in the La Safor region, near Playa de Xeraco, we have the opportunity to delight in some of its most emblematic dishes.