Xàtiva Holidays: Castle, Old Town and Travel Guide
Província de València · Valencia · Spain · 29,386 residents
Xàtiva is an inland town of around 29,000 people in the Província de València, sitting about 108 metres above sea level. It suits travellers who want culture first. The Castle of Xàtiva stands under a mile from the centre. Within a few minutes' walk of each other you will also find the Collegiate Basilica, the Almodí museum, the palaces and convents of the protected historic core, and the old bullring. Valencia airport is 35 miles away, and Alicante is 49 miles away. Both have direct flights from the United Kingdom. The climate is mild in spring and late autumn but very hot in high summer.
Why go
- The Castle of Xàtiva lies just 0.6 miles from the centre, within easy reach on foot.
- A compact historic core where palaces, convents and the Collegiate Basilica sit within a few hundred yards.
- Direct UK flights into Valencia, under an hour's drive, make a long weekend practical.
Top sights in Xàtiva
Castle, Basilica and Historic Core
The Castle of Xàtiva is the town's best-known sight. It is a listed cultural property about 0.6 miles from the centre. Closer in, the Collegiate Basilica of Xàtiva, a minor basilica, stands roughly 0.2 miles away. The Almodí de Xàtiva, a museum that works well for families, is around a quarter of a mile away.
Much of the pleasure here is wandering the Nucli històric, the protected old town. Its buildings are packed tightly together. Within about 0.1 miles of the centre are two palaces, the Palau d'Alarcó and the Palacio de los Mahíques Sanz, and the former Convent de la Trinitat. The Real Monasterio de la Asunción and the Convent de Sant Doménec are a short stroll further. The Plaza de Toros, the town's bullring, and a viewpoint are both about 0.3 miles away.
Tours and tickets for Xàtiva and the surrounding area can be booked directly on this page.
Tours & tickets in Xàtiva
Guided tours, day trips and tickets in and around Xàtiva can be booked in advance, priced in GBP.
See tours & tickets (opens GetYourGuide in a new tab)Where to stay in Xàtiva
Staying in the Old Town
Xàtiva is inland, so there is no seafront strip to weigh up. The main choice is between the old town and the rest of a mid-sized town of around 29,000 people. Staying in or near the historic core puts the basilica, palaces and convents on your doorstep, with the castle under a mile away.
This is a working town rather than a resort, so evenings tend to be more local than lively. It is a sensible base if you want quiet nights and short walks to the sights. This page shows live hotel prices for Xàtiva so you can compare options for your dates.
Hire a car
The easiest way to reach Xàtiva and the villages around it is a hire car from Valencia (VLC), about 49 min away.
Best time to visit Xàtiva
When to Visit Xàtiva
- 17°CJan16 mm
- 17°CFeb37 mm
- 22°CMar12 mm
- 25°CApr7 mm
- 26°CMay53 mm
- 30°CJun28 mm
- 35°CJul8 mm
- 35°CAug6 mm
- 29°CSept71 mm
- 27°COct122 mm
- 21°CNov23 mm
- 17°CDec8 mm
Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
The most pleasant months are March, April, June and November. March and April bring highs of 22°C to 25°C and very little rain, with April averaging just two wet days. June is warmer at around 30°C. November is still comfortable at about 21°C.
July and August are the hottest months, with average highs of 35°C and nights around 22°C. That is hard going for sightseeing on foot. The wettest period is autumn. October averages 122 mm of rain and September 71 mm, and May can also be showery. Winters are mild, with daytime highs around 17°C. As an inland town, Xàtiva has no beach or sea temperature to factor in.
Full monthly table
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 17°C | 7°C | 16 mm | 8 h |
| Feb | 17°C | 6°C | 37 mm | 8 h |
| Mar | 22°C | 9°C | 12 mm | 10 h |
| Apr | 25°C | 11°C | 7 mm | 11 h |
| May | 26°C | 14°C | 53 mm | 12 h |
| Jun | 30°C | 18°C | 28 mm | 13 h |
| Jul | 35°C | 22°C | 8 mm | 13 h |
| Aug | 35°C | 22°C | 6 mm | 12 h |
| Sept | 29°C | 18°C | 71 mm | 10 h |
| Oct | 27°C | 16°C | 122 mm | 9 h |
| Nov | 21°C | 12°C | 23 mm | 8 h |
| Dec | 17°C | 7°C | 8 mm | 8 h |
Averages 2015–2024. Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
Getting there from the UK
Flights, Ferries and Driving
Valencia airport (VLC) is the closest, 35 miles away and about 49 minutes by car. Alicante (ALC) is 49 miles away, roughly 70 minutes' drive. Both have direct flights from the United Kingdom. Murcia (RMU) also has direct UK flights but is 88 miles away, around two hours by road. Car hire from either Valencia or Alicante is the simplest way to arrive.
If you are driving from home, allow around 19 and a half hours of driving time from Calais, ideally split over two or more days. For onward island trips, Valencia port, 33 miles away, sails to Palma, Ibiza, Maó and Tangier Med. Dénia, 36 miles away, serves Ibiza, Formentera and Palma.
By air
- Valencia (VLC)35 miles, about 49 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
- Alicante (ALC)49 miles, about 1 h 10 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
- Murcia (RMU)88 miles, about 2 h 5 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
By car and ferry
Driving from Calais takes roughly 19 h 24 min without stops. Nearest ferry ports: Valencia (33 miles), Dénia (36 miles).
Xàtiva is good for
Around Xàtiva
Villages Within Easy Reach
Several smaller towns lie within a short drive. Anna is about 7.5 miles away and Chella about 8 miles. Enguera, Bolbaite and the larger town of Carcaixent are each around 9 to 10 miles away.
A little further out, Favara is about 15 miles away and Bocairent about 16 miles. Bicorp, a village of under 700 people, is roughly 17 miles away. Any of these pairs well with a morning in Xàtiva's old town.
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Tips from Robin
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Xàtiva is inland and July and August average 35°C. In summer, see the castle and the old town early or late in the day, and carry water.
Autumn can bring heavy rain, especially in October, so pack a waterproof if you travel then. The town is also compact: most of the listed sights are within half a mile of the centre. Once you have parked, you can explore comfortably on foot.
Questions people ask
How far is Xàtiva from Valencia airport?
Valencia airport is about 35 miles from Xàtiva, roughly 49 minutes by car. It has direct flights from the United Kingdom. Alicante airport, also served directly from the UK, is about 49 miles away, or around 70 minutes' drive.
Is Xàtiva on the coast?
No. Xàtiva is an inland town about 108 metres above sea level. Its appeal is cultural, centred on the Castle of Xàtiva, the Collegiate Basilica and the protected historic core. The nearest port, Valencia, is about 33 miles away.
What is the best month to visit Xàtiva?
March, April, June and November offer the most pleasant conditions. Spring brings highs of 22°C to 25°C with little rain. June reaches about 30°C, and November about 21°C. July and August average 35°C, and October is the wettest month.
Can I visit Xàtiva as a day trip?
Yes. With Valencia airport and city under an hour away, a day out is realistic. The main sights are close together: the castle is about 0.6 miles from the centre, and the basilica, museum, palaces and convents are all within a few hundred yards.
Can I drive to Xàtiva from the UK?
You can. Allow around 19 and a half hours of driving time from Calais, best split over two or more days. Many travellers instead fly direct to Valencia or Alicante and pick up car hire there.