Sant Francesc de Borja was a Duke of Gandia before he was a saint, and the town has been marking his day with a fair for a very long time. It lands at the start of October, right after the season ends, which is exactly when Gandia is worth visiting — the enormous beach is empty, the old town is busy, and the prices have dropped.
What to expect. Market stalls through the historic centre, street bands, processions, and a proper travelling funfair with the rides and the noise that go with it. There is food everywhere. It runs 2 to 5 October 2026 and it is free to walk into, which is most of the appeal.
Practical bit. Gandia has a direct train from Valencia and it takes about an hour, so this one works without a car. If you want the Safor hinterland — the Marxuquera valley, the Cova del Parpalló, the villages up behind the town — you will want one. Book ahead: October rooms in Gandia go to fair visitors, not to the beach.
