At about one hour drive from Valencia and one and a half from Alicante, Xativa is situated inland n the middle of the Valencia Province. Xativa is the cradle of the Borjas long and before that an economic center in the Roman times, famous for its linen fabrics.
The city is very hot as it is located between 2 mountains. Better visit it early morning or during the evening.
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Arriving on Friday evening you can enjoy a nice walk in the park del Beso in front of the fountain “fuente de los veinticinco chorros de Xàtiva”. Across the trees and the vegetation a little modernist temple and the old washing place. The name of the garden de los besos (garden of the kisses) has been given by the population in memories of the numerous love poems written in this place by the Italian Philosopher Attilio Bruschetti to his beloved Doña Carmen Pérez. Carmen Perez was the owner of the park before opening it to the public.
From there it is easy to reach the center of the city and the old town. You walk through the narrow streets between the several beautiful facades until you reach the old center with its cathedral and plazas.
On your way I recommend to stop at the Tunel restaurant. Even it might look closed, just ring the bell and you will be surprised.
Not to miss in Xativa is the castle that overlook the city. Better visiting it in the morning or late afternoon. Especially in summer. It is a vast castle divided in 2 parts, el castillo menor and el castillo major, in-between the most preserved gothic part of the castle where a bar restaurant is now located with a terrace and a stunning view on the city.
It is a steep walk between the trees first in order to reach the entrance of the castle. For those who want to keep their strength to walk around the castle, a touristic train offer a lift service from downtown to the entrance of the castle. This will also save you a lot of time if you are in a hurry.
Best is to start with the Castillo Major it is by far the best preserved part of the castle. Built in mediaeval times, this is the most extensive part of the castle with a mixed of Arabic gardens and fountains, catholic chapels or what has been the prison for some of the most notorious prisoners of their time like the Count D’Urgel.
On the way down, it is time for a well deserved refreshment. A cold local beer is the perfect way to regain strength before climbing the other side a reach the Castillo menor. Xativa has several artisanal brewery and even claimed to have one of the best beers in the world.
It is now time to reach the Castillo menor, a smaller area which is less preserved but reflects from an even older part of the history of Xativa, history dating back to Iberian and Roman times when Hannibal of Cartagena fought against Rome.
Count 2 to 3 hours for the visit if you consider you have to walk up and down the hill before getting to the castle.
From Xativa you drive in direction of Anna at about 15km west from Xativa for a well deserved chill out afternoon round the Albufera de Anna
or discovering the Palacio de los condes de Cevellón that was once owned by the Borgia after passing in the hands of the Moors. It is considered as the little Alhambra of Valencia.
Beside the Palacio you will see the river coming out from the main street falling as a cascade in what was the washing place long time ago.
Beside the lake of the Albufera there is a camping where you can stay overnight. All around the lake restaurants and chiringuitos will serve you nice tapas in the shade of the trees watching the birds on the water.
If you have more time and still feel like discovering more, at just about 5km North west from Anna you will find the extarordianary waterfall of Chella, el salto de Chella.
The best view is from the panoramic view point in the village of Chella. After crossing and climbing the narrow streets and stairs from the old town you will reach the edge of the village where you will have a stunning view on the waterfall . Furthermore, you can continue your way up to the cascade, park the car and walk down the steep donkey path beside the ruins to reach the lake bellow.
