La Drova: The Best Things To Do
La Drova is a gorgeous residential area situated in an east/west valley, located around 14 km northwest of Gandia in the Valencia province of Spain. It falls within the La Safor area and is in close proximity to the town of Gandia and its beautiful beaches.
The name “La Drova” originates from its historical significance as the lowest point through which sheep or cattle could be driven in the area.
Dating back to medieval times, La Drova has a rich history. In 1300, it was designated as a place for invalids to recuperate in the refreshing mountain air and was entrusted to the monks of Santa Maria de la Valldigna.
Nestled between mountains, La Drova offers a tranquil setting. It’s one of the most beautiful and secluded areas in Spain, specifically in the Costa del Azahar.
How to get to La Drova?
There are a few options to reach La Drova:
The closest international airport is Valencia Airport (VLC).
By car
From here, you can rent a car or take a taxi, which is approximately an hour and ten minutes away by car.
The village is easily accessible via well-maintained, yet winding roads. From Valencia, you can take the AP-7 highway and then exit onto the CV-60 road towards Barx and La Drova.
By train
If you prefer train travel, you can take a train to the city of Gandia. From Gandia, you can hire a taxi or use local bus services to reach La Drova, which is about 14 kilometers away.
The bus doesn’t go that often, so I would highly recommend taking a taxi from Gandia. This will cost around 20 euros one way.
You can also get to La Drova from Alicante Airport (ALC) by car. This takes a little less than an hour and a half.
The best things to do in La Drova
Even though La Drova is small, there are several amazing things to do here. Some of the best things to do here include the following:
Go hiking
La Drova is a hiking paradise. If you’re into hiking, then this is the place for you. There are many beautiful hiking trails in the area. For all kinds of levels. There are hiking trails that range from a couple of hours to six hours or more. You can make the hike as long as you want to.
I would especially advise you to hike at least once to el Mondúver, the highest peak in the area, at 843 meters above sea level. It takes around an hour and a half to reach the top. The road is well-paved, which makes it rather accessible. Be prepared for some steep roads though.
I would say the difficulty range of this hike is medium. Along the way you will have incredible mountain scenery. And next time you’re in La Drova you can look at the highest peak and imagine that you’ve actually hiked to this place!
Keep in mind to wear appropriate footwear and bring some water with you. If we go hiking in the area we always make sure to bring a hiking stick with us just in case.
Try to start your hike early to avoid the heat in the afternoon.
Walk around Barx
Barx is a charming village located nearby La Drova. You can walk there in half an hour. There are some restaurants, cafes, a bakery, a pharmacy and more.
Wander through its narrow streets, sit on a terrace and admire the majestic mountains of the La Safor region. When you’re in Barx, you will really get the feeling that you’re in Spain.
Visit nearby Gandia
Gandia city is around 15 minutes away by car. There are a lot of things to do in Gandia. The combination of the tranquility of La Drova and the vibrance of Gandia is perfect.
There are many restaurants, gigs, cafes, bars and historical sights to be seen in Gandia. This is also the place to go for shopping, for grocery shopping as well as shopping for souvenirs or clothing etc. Also don’t forget to visit its market on Saturday.
Gandia is filled with restaurants, so it’s a great place to go for dinner or lunch. A lot of places offer a menu del dia, which usually consists of two dishes, a dessert and a coffee. This menu is offered in the afternoon and only costs around 12-15 euros, so it’s a great deal.
If you want to relax on the beach, you can also visit Gandia Playa. Getting here will take around 15 minutes by car, which is very convenient.
Have the best paella ever
I still dream about eating the paella here. Puigmola is one of the best restaurants in the region. And they serve delicious paella, which is made the authentic way. I would highly recommend booking a table here.
It’s around a 7 minutes drive from La Drova. This restaurant is truly a hidden gem. Their crema catalana is incredible as well.
Go cycling
La Drova and its lush green surroundings are a popular place for cycling. Cycling here allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. You can pedal along winding roads that lead you through scenic valleys.
There are many cycling trails, yet it’s not for the faint hearted. The roads can be very steep and you definitely have to be an experienced cycler to be able to handle the roads here.
Remember to follow the traffic rules, wear appropriate safety gear, and respect the environment during your cycling adventures in La Drova.
Go on a day trip to Xativa Castle
Xativa Castle is around 40 minutes away from La Drova by car. Hence, it makes for the perfect day trip.
Xativa Castle is an impressive historical fortress that holds great significance. Situated on a hill overlooking the city, the castle offers insights into the region’s past.
With origins dating back to pre-Roman times, Xàtiva Castle has a long history. It has witnessed diverse civilizations, including the Iberians, Romans, Muslims, and Christians, each leaving their mark on its architecture and structure.
Visit Fuente de la Drova
Fuente de la Drova, also known as Font, is a fountain and a historical landmark in La Drova. It’s a fresh water source and is a great place to fo for a picnic, to go cycling or to go for a walk. It’s surrounded by greenery and is a must-visit in the area.
Go chasing waterfalls on a day trip
There are actually some amazing waterfalls within an hour drive from La Drova. I would highly recommend visiting a few waterfalls during your time here. It’s one of my favorite things to do.
You can for instance go on a day trip to Gorgo Catalan and la Ruta de las 3 Cascades de Anna, which are only 5 minutes away from each other by car.
Gorgo Catalan is a natural fresh water pool which has a small waterfall. It’s the perfect place to visit for a refreshing dip and is very accessible.
La Ruta de las 3 Cascades de Anna is a slightly challenging route where you’ll find three beautiful waterfalls. These places are both located in the municipality of Anna and are around 50 minutes away by car from La Drova.
In conclusion
La Drova and its surroundings are more than beautiful. The scenery looks like something from a painting. Dramatic mountains and lots and lots of hiking trails. Even though it’s only small, there is a lot to do here. Besides, it’s very well located, as it’s only 15 minutes away from Gandia and its beaches. In less than an hour you can visit lush waterfalls or significant castles. All in all, La Drova is definitely worth visiting.
