— Route
La Banyosa – Hermitage of Santa Anna – Parque de l'Alqueria Nova
A 7.5 km circular route combining urban heritage, a flood-control park, Mediterranean woodland and panoramic views from the Hermitage of Santa Anna.
Route context
A circular route to discover, in under eight kilometres, several of Gandia's most striking natural, historical and scenic spots. It combines the urban setting of the Skatepark Bowl and the Barranc de Beniopa flood park with the woodland of Pla Xiquet–La Banyosa, the chimney of the old guano factory, and the climb up to the Mirador and the Hermitage of Santa Anna, before closing through the Parque de l'Alqueria Nova. Equally suited to walking or running, ideal for combining sport, nature and heritage.
Route description
Start at Hotel Borgia and the Skatepark Bowl
The route is circular: it starts and finishes at Hotel Borgia, right in the centre of Gandia. The first few metres lead to the Skatepark Bowl, one of the most modern skating facilities in the Comunitat, built over a disused ornamental fountain. A comfortable urban stretch, on pavement, to warm up before tackling the rest of the route.
Flood park and La Banyosa
The itinerary enters the Barranc de Beniopa and skirts the flood park, infrastructure designed to retain up to 45,000 m³ of water during torrential rainfall episodes. Further on, the route crosses the woodland of Pla Xiquet–La Banyosa, an Aleppo pine forest with Mediterranean understorey, and passes the emblematic Chimney of La Banyosa, the only remaining trace of the old guano factory, listed as an Asset of Local Relevance.
Climb to the Mirador and the Hermitage of Santa Anna
The most demanding stretch: a steady climb along a trail to the highest point of the route, the Mirador de Santa Anna, with panoramic views over Gandia, the Santa Anna neighbourhood, the Barranc de Beniopa and the coastline. A few metres further on stands the Hermitage of Santa Anna, originally built in the 14th century and one of the most emblematic historical landmarks in the city.
Descent through the Parque de l'Alqueria Nova and return to Hotel Borgia
The descent leads into the Parque de l'Alqueria Nova, popularly known as Parc Sant Pere and regarded as Gandia's great green lung. After crossing it, the route closes the loop back at Hotel Borgia, the same starting point.
Points of interest
- Skatepark Bowl One of the most modern skating facilities in the Comunitat Valenciana, with more than 1,300 m² of bowl divided by difficulty level, built over a disused ornamental fountain.
- Barranc de Beniopa flood park Key infrastructure on the Beniopa streambed, designed to retain up to 45,000 m³ of water and reduce flood risk during torrential rainfall episodes.
- Pla Xiquet – La Banyosa woodland An Aleppo pine forest with the typical Mediterranean understorey, home to local wildlife. The most natural and shaded stretch of the route.
- Chimney of La Banyosa The only remaining trace of an old guano factory. Listed as an Asset of Local Relevance.
- Mirador de Santa Anna Panoramic viewpoint in the peri-urban park of the Santa Anna hill. It offers one of the best views of Gandia, the low-rise Santa Anna neighbourhood, the Beniopa ravine and the coastline.
- Hermitage of Santa Anna Originally built in the 14th century, one of the most emblematic historical landmarks in Gandia. Set atop the hill of the neighbourhood that bears its name, it honours the city's traditional patron and offers outstanding views of the surroundings and the Castle of Bairén.
- Parque de l'Alqueria Nova Popularly known as Parc Sant Pere, one of Gandia's most emblematic green spaces and considered the city's true green lung.
Specific precautions
A short route but with a real climb to the Mirador and the Hermitage. Wear trail or hiking shoes, especially on the dirt-track and woodland sections. In summer, avoid the midday hours because of the heat and the limited shade on the climb. Carry enough water. Take care at the urban crossings at the start and end of the route.
— Before you set off
A little preparation
Check these four basics before lacing up your boots.
-
Climate
Dry Mediterranean climate. Avoid midday hours in summer and check the forecast before you leave.
Check the forecast -
Difficulty
The Wikiloc scale captures both terrain and effort in a single rating.
Moderate -
Gear
Hiking boots, enough water, charged phone and a downloaded map/GPS.
Come prepared -
Best season
spring · autumn · winter
Recommended in spring · autumn · winter
Check the weather forecast, carry proper gear and share your route.
Quick checklist
The essentials before you set off.
- Hiking boots
- Layered clothing
- Enough water
- Map and GPS
- Sun protection
- Charged phone
Parking
Start and finish at the same point. Free, spacious parking.
Respect nature. Leave only footprints, take only memories.