Visiting Xàtiva Spain: Castles, Conquests & History

Why Bother Visiting Xàtiva Spain?

Xàtiva (or Játiva, if you’re stuck in an old guidebook) is one of those hidden-gem Spanish towns that seems to sit permanently in the shadow of Valencia… both literally and figuratively.

But trust me—it’s worth the trip.
With one of the most impressive castles in the Valencia region, a spitefully hung royal portrait, and more history than you’ll know what to do with, Xàtiva Spain is ideal for a day trip or overnight stay for anyone who likes a bit of heritage with their holiday.

🏰 A Brief History of Xàtiva (Without Sending You to Sleep)

✅ Originally a Roman settlement, later a major Moorish stronghold, then a Christian conquest prize—Xàtiva’s been conquered more times than your Gran’s fruit cake at Christmas.

✅ The town was burned to the ground in 1707 during the War of Spanish Succession, thanks to King Philip V being in a particularly bad mood.

✅ As a final insult, his portrait still hangs upside down in the local museum, as a permanent “You’re Not Welcome Here” statement from the locals.

✅ Also, for trivia fans: Xàtiva was one of the first places in Europe to manufacture paper. Yes… actual paper… before the rest of Spain even knew what they were missing.

🌟 What’s Xàtiva Spain Best Known For?

Cova de les Gotetes – the Cave of Raindrops, which functioned as a water reservoir

✅ Castillo de Xàtiva (Xàtiva Castle):
A massive, double fortress sprawling along a hilltop, with killer views (and killer climbs… bring water).

✅ Its rebellious attitude towards Philip V (still holding a grudge after 300 years… respect).
✅ Historic fountains and churches—if you like your sightseeing with a touch of Renaissance and Baroque.
✅ Lush landscape:
Unlike many dry inland towns, Xàtiva stays surprisingly green year-round thanks to natural springs.

🗺️ Where Exactly Is Xàtiva?

✅ In Valencia Province, eastern Spain
✅ Roughly 60 km south of Valencia city
✅ Inland, surrounded by hills and citrus groves
✅ Easily reached by road or train

✈️ How to Get to Xàtiva Spain

By Air:
Nearest airport: Valencia Airport (VLC) – about 45 minutes by car

By Train:
✅ Frequent Cercanías trains (C-2 line) from Valencia Estació del Nord
✅ Journey time: Around 50–60 minutes
✅ Super affordable (under €10 for a return ticket in most cases)
✅ Book via Omio or Trainline for convenience

By Car:
✅ From Valencia: Take the A-7 motorway, exit for Xàtiva
✅ Driving time: About 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic
✅ Decent roads, but prepare for narrow old town streets once you arrive

By Bus:
✅ ALSA and other regional bus companies run daily routes from Valencia
✅ Slower and less frequent than the train, but an option

🚶‍♂️ Are There Tours To Xàtiva?

✅ Day tours from Valencia often include Xàtiva, especially for history buffs.
✅ Some private guides offer castle tours or walking history tours around the old town.

✅ Check Viator, GetYourGuide, or Civitatis for organised trips.
✅ Alternatively… go DIY. The train + walking combo works just fine.

🏞️ Things To See and Do in Xàtiva Spain

✅ Xàtiva Castle (Castillo de Xàtiva):
Two castles in one, stretching across a hill ridge with epic views over the surrounding countryside.
Bring water, sunscreen, and good legs—it’s a hike up, but worth every sweaty step.

✅ L’Almodí Museum:
Home to that famous upside-down portrait of King Philip V. Go for the history, stay for the passive-aggressive royal shade.
✅ Historic Old Town:
Wander cobbled streets, admire Baroque churches, and stop at random fountains—because there are loads.
✅ Collegiate Basilica of Xàtiva:
The main church. Big, grand, and full of religious art if that’s your thing, located in Plaça de Calixt III.

✅ The Fountains:
Known locally as “La ciudad de las mil fuentes” (The city of a thousand fountains)”.
Great for photo ops and cooling off.

🍷 Food and Drink in Xàtiva Spain: What to Try (And Where)

✅ Arroz al horno (oven-baked rice)—a local classic.
✅ Embutidos (cured sausages)—Xàtiva does good ones.
✅ Sweet pastries—sample the turrón-style nougat if available.

Where to eat?

Restaurant El Racó: Rustic, local, and hearty
Mesón Del Castillo: Perfect post-castle-lunch spot
Any small café in the old town serving menu del día—cheap and cheerful

And yes… you’ll get change from €15 for a full 3-course lunch with wine, if you avoid the tourist traps.

🏨 Where To Stay in Xàtiva

✅ Boutique hotels and rural guesthouses dotted around the town centre
✅ Hotel Mont-Sant: If you fancy splashing out and sleeping in a converted monastery at the base of the castle
✅ Budget traveller? There are a few small B&Bs and pensions

🕑 Best Time to Visit Xàtiva Spain

✅ Spring (March–May): Mild, green, perfect castle-climbing weather
✅ Autumn (September–November): Still warm, less busy
❌ Summer (July–August): Scorching hot—expect 35°C+ days
✅ The annual Xàtiva August Fair (Fira d’Agost): Big local event, with parades, markets and a very festive (read: loud and chaotic) vibe.

✅ Tips for Visiting Xàtiva

✅ Train it from Valencia—it’s cheap and avoids parking stress.
✅ Bring water for the castle walk—there’s a café at the top, but opening hours are… typically Spanish.
✅ Wear proper shoes—the paths to the castle are steep and uneven.

✅ Do the museum visit—if only to point and laugh at Upside-Down Philip V.
✅ Eat local. The menu del día here is about as Spanish and wallet-friendly as it gets.

🚩 Quick Practical Info

Accessibility: Old town = cobbles, slopes, and steps
Family-friendly: Yes, but be prepared to carry small kids if walking to the castle
Parking: Available, but tight in the town centre
Toilets: At the castle and main museum, but limited elsewhere
WiFi: Good in cafes, patchy up at the castle

✅ Useful Resources for Visiting Xàtiva Spain

Final Word:
“Xàtiva Spain delivers epic views, proper history, and enough uphill walking to burn off last night’s paella. Go for the castle, stay for the food… and don’t forget to flip Philip V the mental bird on your way out.”

This is a place along the lines of Cullera, it’s close enough to Valencia to make a day or a weekend away from the city.