Xativa City

Xativa is the capital of the Costera region of Valencia, famous for its orange and lemon orchards, and excellent vegetables and fruit. Valencia lies at the centre of the fertile delta of the River Turia, surrounded by mountains. Xativa is at the Southern edge of this fertile area, with its Castle high on a limestone ridge, guarding the road and valley up from the South of Spain since well before Roman times. From this Castle you can see north, across the fertile and green "Huerta" to Valencia and the mountains beyond, west to the mountains which lie along the coast, and South and East into unspoilt hills and mountains. Valencia itself is a vibrant and exciting City, with beautiful squares, churches and museums, the striking "City of Arts and Sciences" with the largest aquarium in Europe, a superb modernista market (also the largest in Europe), as well as great cafes, restaurants, theatre and night life. The city is investing heavily in major enhancements for the Atlantic Cup in 2007 the most prestigous sailing competition. It also has some very good language schools. We have yet to fully explore all the areas around Xativa. There are wine and olive oil producers to visit, neolithic caves and settlements, one of spain's finest romanesque abbeys, hill top towns and forts and some great walking. If you want the sea, you can use bus or train to get to the beach in Valencia (complete with famous Paella restaurents), or Gandia, or you can drive over the mountain to Tavernes ( small but still busy), or venture further South to the rocky but developed Costa Blanca. For more on Valencia see www.24-7valencia.com or www.turisvalencia.es (and the other sites listed in the links section of this websiate).

THE CITY

Xativa itself is a welcoming and historic City. Hanibal watered his elephants here. And Neolithic people, the Romans and the Moors have all made use of the strong defensive position now occupied by the superb castle. This dominates the town, and repays the walk up, through lavender, olive and pine. The old city walls enclose both the lively old town, the remains of the roman city higher up, the EU Bioreserve on the slopes to the Castle, and the Castle itself. Within the old town, you have the classic mediterranean complex of narrow streets, old churches, little squares and, it is said, 1000 fountains! There is a large Cathedral, built by the Borgias, Spain's only Popes, who came from Xativa. There are three swimming pools (one indoor), a great museum, good language schools and a modern theatre. The City has a strong cultural programme ( details from the very helpful Tourist Information Office ( email: - touristinfo.xativa@turisme.m400.gva.es or tel 0034 962 273346).
As befits its role as a regional centre, Xativa's pedestrianised streets are lined with traditional, family run shops selling everything from hats, wedding dresses, and fans, to wonderful cakes, fresh bread, local vegatables, superb meat and fish. There is also a great selection of traditional and modern cafes and small restaurants, many offering superb value "menu del dias".

FESTIVALS AND FIESTAS

But its the tradition of festivals and fiestas which really makes Xativa special. Most months one parish or another in the City will celebrate their Saints Day, with street parties, fireworks and music. And the whole City takes to the streets for the big events. These are: Fallas 15-19 March (processions, parties, great bonfires of giant satirical statues, bands and massive fireworks), Easter, with processions on the days up to Good Friday, when everyone turns out, Corpus Christi around 13 June, and Christmas and the procession of the Three Kings on 6 Jan. But the biggest event is the annual Fira - 15 to 20 August. This includes concerts, plays and exhibitions, as well as street markets, street music, agricultural displays, bull fights and barrages of fireworks.

So Xativa is a great place to sample to real Spain or practice your Spanish, and a great centre for exploring both the relatively unknown and quiet hinterland, the coast, or the City which claims to be Spain's liveliest. For more information i recommend the Lonely Planet Guide to Valencia and the Footprint Guide to Valencia, and look at some of the websites on the links page

View of Xativa

On the way to the beach at Tavernes.