Oliva is a town that lies on the coast some 8kms south of Gandía, and has much to offer both the holidaymaker and the resident alike. Oliva has, in fact, become a magnet for a certain number of ex-pats of many nationalities, but generally of the type that want to be associated with the Spanish way of life, rather than living in ‘ghetto’ like developments surrounded only by others of their own nationality.
Served by the airports of Valencia to the north and Alicante to the south, Oliva is very easy to reach by car, lying as it does on the N332 highway which runs through the centre of the town. Driving south on the N332, the old part of the town is to be found on the right, whilst the “passeo” and then the beach area are to the left. The passeo is in fact the site of the famous weekly market in Oliva every Friday morning, which is one of the best in the whole La Safor area, with a huge choice of fresh produce on sale, as well as clothes and household items.
Fiestas feature on the calendar of every town in Spain, and Oliva is no exception to the rule. Probably the most famous one in Oliva is the “Moors and Christians” fiesta, which is renowned throughout the La Safor area, and indeed the whole of Valencia province, as being one of the most colourful. Also high up the list is the “Fallas” festival in March – Oliva being a good venue to get the “feel” for this fiesta without the crowds that are to be found in Gandía and Valencia.
The old town that rises up above modern Oliva is full of quaint, winding streets and whitewashed houses, with a good choice of cafés and bars to refresh the flagging sightseer. Carry on upwards, however, and you will be rewarded by Santa Anna castle, built in the 16th century, with spectacular views down over Oliva town, the surrounding countryside and on out to the sea.
Oliva’s beaches are a huge attraction, and rightly so. Stretching for 10kms they have been awarded the prestigious “Blue Flag” award, and are a delight for the visitor. There is also a yacht club, a marina and a beach-side swimming pool to make the area even more attractive. Slightly outside the town other facilities and attractions include the famous Oliva Nova 18 hole golf club (designed by Seve Ballesteros) with a luxury hotel adjacent, a go-karting track and the Marjal wetlands nature reserve. With a great choice of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes, Oliva may be a small town on the map, but it is certainly big on all that it has to offer the visitor. Bed and breakfast accommodation close to Oliva.
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