What to do in Gandía on the Almudena long weekend

Monday 9 November 2026 is a holiday in the city of Madrid for the Virgin of La Almudena, so the long weekend runs from Saturday 7 to Monday 9. In Gandía that means three relaxed days: walks along the beach, a morning at the Palau Ducal dels Borja and a long, unhurried lunch.

That same weekend the Ruta del Putxero gets under way, bringing the traditional Valencian stew to bars and restaurants in Gandía and La Safor, and on Sunday 8 the Gandia Half Marathon (Mitja Marató) takes place.

And here is something only people who come in November know: the sun rises over the sea at around half past seven, just in time for breakfast.

• Monday 9 November 2026: local holiday in the city of Madrid (Madrid City Council).
• Ruta del Putxero: 19 bars and restaurants, from 7 November to the end of February 2027 (Som Gandia).
• Sunday 8: 31st Mitja Marató Ciutat de Gandia, starting at 9:30 on the seafront promenade (mitjagandia.org).
• Palau Ducal: open on Sunday and public holiday mornings (palauducal.com).

A long weekend to reconnect with the sea

November in Madrid means coats, early nights and weeks that all feel the same. That is why a long weekend at this time of year is so welcome.

In Gandía, November has a different light. The beach is quiet, the sea turns a deeper blue and walks along the shore stretch out with no one checking the time. If you stay just a few steps from the beach, the long weekend starts as soon as you open the window: wake up close to the sea, have a slow breakfast and, if you feel like it, read in front of it.

Sunrise at breakfast time

In Gandía the sun rises over the sea. In November it rises later, at around half past seven, so there is no need to get up early to see it: just get up for your coffee. It is one of those things only people who visit in autumn know about.

A morning at the Palau Ducal dels Borja

The palace of the Dukes of Gandía is open every day, including Sundays and public holidays. According to its website, from November to March entry times are Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00, and Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 13:00. As well as the self-guided visit with an audio guide or QR code, there are guided tours at set times.

Please note that, due to restoration work, the Salón de Coronas, the Neo-Gothic Chapel and the Oratory will not be open to visitors until the second quarter of 2027. Check opening times and tickets on the Palau Ducal website.

The Ruta del Putxero: a hearty stew for the weekend

That same weekend the Ruta del Putxero begins. Nineteen bars and restaurants in Gandía, the Grau, the beach and other towns in La Safor serve Valencian putxero, a traditional meat and vegetable stew, once a week on their set lunch menu until the end of February 2027. You can find the list of restaurants on Som Gandia (in Spanish).

If you prefer seafood, fideuà is the local star. Take a look at our selection of where to eat in Gandía. And there is always the option of cooking at home with the sea in the background.

On Sunday, the Gandia Half Marathon

On Sunday 8 November the 31st Mitja Marató and 10K Ciutat de Gandia takes place. The race starts at 9:30 from the Passeig Marítim Neptú, on the beach, and finishes in the same place. If you are coming to run, all the information is on mitjagandia.org. If you are coming to rest, bear it in mind when planning your Sunday morning around the seafront promenade.

The Grao, the Marjal and the Castell de Bairén

For an afternoon out, the Grao and its harbour are a short walk from the beach. If you fancy some nature, the Marjal de Gandía is a peaceful wetland for walking and birdwatching. And if you want to climb a little higher, the Castell de Bairén and our nature routes in Gandía offer views over the coast.

Three days, well planned

If you want to plan your long weekend moment by moment, you will find a complete itinerary in a 3-day long weekend in Gandía.

The weather

For the forecast for those days, check the AEMET forecast for Gandía.

Where to stay

On a short break, staying just a few steps from the beach makes all the difference: you arrive, open the window and your holiday starts right then. Check availability at our apartments.

Frequently asked questions about the Almudena long weekend in Gandía

When is the Almudena long weekend in 2026?

Monday 9 November 2026 is a local holiday in the city of Madrid, so the long weekend runs from Saturday 7 to Monday 9 November.

Is Almudena a holiday in the whole Community of Madrid?

No. It is a local holiday in the city of Madrid. Each municipality in the Community sets its own local holidays.

What can you do in Gandía in November?

Walk along the beach, visit the Palau Ducal dels Borja, explore the Grao and the Marjal, and try putxero on the Ruta del Putxero, which runs until the end of February 2027.

Is the Palau Ducal open on public holidays?

Yes. According to its website, from November to March it opens on Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 13:00. It is worth checking the opening times at palauducal.com before you go.

What is the Ruta del Putxero?

A food route in which 19 bars and restaurants in Gandía and La Safor serve Valencian putxero once a week on their set lunch menu, from the weekend of 7 and 8 November 2026 until the end of February 2027.

What time is sunrise in Gandía in November?

In early November the sun rises over the sea at around half past seven in the morning.