Pet Friendly Accommodation Gandia

Pet Friendly Accommodation Pet Friendly Accommodation – Rocky Returns At Villa Florencia Casa Rural, we have always prided ourselves on offering a warm and welcoming environment, not just for our human guests but for their four-legged family members as well. Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of hosting many furry travelers, but some leave a special mark on our hearts. One such visitor is Rocky, a charming Chihuahua, who recently returned to stay with us. Rocky’s “parents” are on their way back to the Canary Islands after spending the summer in Germany, and Villa Florencia has been their stopover for the past four days before embarking on the last leg of their journey, including a 48-hour ferry from Huelva to the islands. In this blog post, we reflect on our pet-friendly policies and why Villa Florencia Casa Rural is the perfect retreat for travelers like Rocky and his owners, offering comfort, space, and a memorable experience for pets and their humans alike. Rocky’s Journey and Return to Villa Florencia Rocky has become somewhat of a regular here at Villa Florencia. His “parents,” avid travelers, often make long trips across Europe, but they are always sure to stop by our…

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Día de la Hispanidad

Día de la Hispanidad: Historical Importance and Celebration in Spain Introduction Día de la Hispanidad, also known as the National Day of Spain, is celebrated annually on October 12. This day holds deep historical and cultural significance, commemorating the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492, which marked the beginning of Spanish influence and colonization in the New World. The holiday is a complex blend of historical reflection, national pride, and cultural celebration. Across Spain, it is observed with a variety of events, ranging from solemn military parades in Madrid to local festivals, each reflecting the rich and diverse heritage of the Spanish-speaking world. Historical Background The origins of Día de la Hispanidad can be traced back to October 12, 1492, when Christopher Columbus, under the auspices of the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, made landfall in what is now the Bahamas. This event is often hailed as the discovery of the Americas by Europeans, although it is important to recognize that the Americas were already home to complex and sophisticated civilizations. The arrival of Columbus initiated a period of extensive exploration, conquest, and colonization, which had profound and lasting impacts on the world, particularly on the indigenous…

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Nou d’Octubre in the Valencia Community

Nou d’Octubre The Celebration of 9 October in the Valencia Community: A Festival of History, Culture, and Identity Introduction The 9th of October, known as “Nou d’Octubre” in Valencian, is one of the most significant holidays in the Valencia Community. This day commemorates the entry of King James I (Jaume I) into the city of Valencia in 1238, marking the culmination of the Christian reconquest of the region from Moorish rule. Over the centuries, 9 October has evolved into a day of celebration, reflection, and cultural expression for the people of Valencia. It is a day when Valencians honor their history, assert their identity, and celebrate their rich cultural heritage through a variety of festivities, traditions, and symbolic acts. Historical Significance The historical roots of 9 October date back to the 13th century, during a period of intense conflict and territorial expansion known as the Reconquista. This was a centuries-long effort by Christian kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula to reclaim territories that had been under Muslim control since the 8th century. King James I of Aragon, a key figure in this movement, played a pivotal role in the conquest of the Kingdom of Valencia. On 9 October 1238, after a…

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Festival Mediterránea 2024

Festival Mediterránea 2024 Festival Mediterránea 2024: A Celebration of Music and Culture in Gandia Gandia, a coastal city in the Valencia region of Spain, is set to host one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year: Festival Mediterránea 2024. This vibrant festival, scheduled from August 14 to 17 at the picturesque Parque Ausiàs March, promises to be a spectacular celebration of music, culture, and community. With an impressive lineup of headline acts and an idyllic location, Festival Mediterránea 2024 is poised to be a highlight of the summer for both locals and visitors alike. A Perfect Setting: Parque Ausiàs March Parque Ausiàs March, located at Av. d’Alacant, 70, in Gandia, is an ideal venue for this grand event. The park, named after the famous Valencian poet Ausiàs March, is a lush, green space that offers a serene and welcoming environment. Its central location within Gandia makes it easily accessible, while its spacious layout provides ample room for the festival’s various stages and activities. Surrounded by tall trees and beautifully landscaped gardens, Parque Ausiàs March offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban convenience. As the sun sets over the park, the atmosphere will transform into a magical…

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Fira i Festes de Gandia

Fira y Festes Gandia 2024

Fira i Festes de Gandia Fira i Festes de Gandia: A Celebration of Culture, Tradition, and Community The city of Gandia, located on Spain’s eastern coast in the Valencia region, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions. Among its many celebrated events, the “Fira i Festes” stands out as a hallmark of local culture, blending history, tradition, and community spirit. This annual festival, which typically takes place at the end of September, is more than just a series of festivities—it is a profound expression of the identity of Gandia’s people, a celebration of their past, and a testament to their enduring traditions. Dates :- 27-30 September 2024 The Historical Roots of Fira i Festes The origins of the Fira i Festes date back to the late 14th century when the Duke of Gandia, Pere Lluís de Borja, was granted permission by King Martin I of Aragon to hold a fair. This event was initially conceived as a means to promote commerce and economic activity in the region. Over time, however, it evolved into a grand celebration that encompassed not only trade but also various cultural and social activities. The fair provided an opportunity for the local population…

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Villa Xauxa Gandia

Villa Florencia Casa Rural, Rural accommodations with pool.Carrer de la Penya Roja 2, Xauxa, Marchuquera (46728), Gandia, Spain Xauxa derives its name from Arabic, which means passage or gate. Xauxa (Catalan references,…)País imaginari on hi ha tot el que es desitja. / País imaginario donde está todo lo que se desea. Imaginary country where there is everything you want. Situació o lloc on no hi ha cap mena d’obligació i es fa el que es desitja.Situación o lugar donde no existe obligación alguna y se hace lo que se desea.Situation or place where there is no obligation and you do what you want. The term “Xauxa” has intriguing roots connected to both linguistic evolution and local geography in the Gandia region of Spain. Origins of the Word “Xauxa”: The word “Xauxa” is believed to have origins in Valencian and Catalan dialects, with its etymology possibly tracing back to the Arabic term “shauṣa,” which refers to a place or land, reflecting the region’s historical interactions with the Moors. Over time, the term evolved in local vernacular to describe specific geographic and cultural contexts within the Valencian Community. The exact origin is somewhat obscure, but it has been integrated into the local…

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Saint Francis Borgia

Saint Francis Borgia Saint Francis Borgia and His Connection to the City of Gandia: A Historical and Spiritual Examination Introduction Saint Francis Borgia, also known as Francisco de Borja, is a revered figure in the Catholic Church, celebrated for his piety, humility, and contributions to the Jesuit order. As a member of the infamous Borgia family, Francis Borgia’s life was marked by a profound transformation from a nobleman steeped in the trappings of worldly power to a devout servant of God. His connection to the city of Gandia, where he served as the Duke, played a significant role in shaping his spiritual journey. This essay explores the life of Saint Francis Borgia, his relationship with Gandia, and the broader context of the Borgia family, particularly focusing on the Borgia Popes from Xàtiva. The Borgia Family: A Legacy of Power and Controversy The Borgia family, originally from the Kingdom of Valencia, Spain, rose to prominence in the 15th and 16th centuries, becoming one of the most powerful and controversial families in European history. The family’s name is often associated with corruption, intrigue, and scandal, largely due to the actions of two of its most infamous members: Pope Callixtus III (Alfonso de…

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Gandia International Film Music Festival

Gandia International Film Music Festival: A Celebration of Cinematic Soundscapes The Gandia International Film Music Festival, set to take place from September 14 to 16, 2023, promises to be a highlight in the cultural calendar of this vibrant Valencian city. This festival is not only a celebration of film music but also a testament to Gandia’s growing importance as a hub for arts and culture. With a lineup that includes some of the most esteemed composers in the film music industry, this event is set to attract both enthusiasts and professionals from across the globe. Main Venues: Casa de Cultura Marqués de González de Quirós and Teatro Serrano The festival will be held across two of Gandia’s most prestigious cultural venues: Casa de Cultura Marqués de González de Quirós and Teatro Serrano. These venues, each with its own unique charm and history, will provide the perfect backdrop for the festival’s various events, screenings, and concerts. Casa de Cultura Marqués de González de Quirós, located in the heart of Gandia, is a historic building that has long been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural life. The venue, with its elegant architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens, offers a serene environment for more…

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Villa Florencia Summer 2021 Update

Villa Florencia Casa Rural

Summer 2021 at Villa Florencia Casa Rural is, not unexpectedly, turning out to be another one of uncertainty as far as travel is concerned – especially international travel. However, we are happy to say that very many of our past guests are feeling safe enough to visit us, as well as welcoming many new local Spanish faces too. Our self-catering apartment is proving especially attractive to families, who are looking to have a sunshine break, but with the added reassurance of extra privacy and distance from others. As well as bed and breakfast guests in our rooms, we have also had several larger family groups who have rented the whole property – again with the reassurance that they can enjoy time together safely, rather than in the environment of a conventional hotel with other guests. At Villa Florencia we always aim to make our guests feel as welcome and safe as possible, and this year is certainly no exception. With the several sun terraces and large pool there is no difficulty in maintaining a safe distance from others whilst enjoying a very welcome break. We hope of course that life will return to normal in the year to come, but…

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Bed and Breakfast in the Mountains

Bed and Breakfast in the Mountains

Bed and Breakfast in the Mountains Summer 2020 – Bed and Breakfast in the Mountains.Having been living and working in Villa Florencia for nearly 14 years, I can certainly say – for reasons we are all too familiar with – that this has been our quietest year for guest bookings yet! However, things are gradually easing up in Spain and we now feel able to look forward to welcoming guests back again soon, although slightly differently than before! In order to maintain social distancing, when we let our rooms on a Bed & Breakfast basis this year, we shall only be operating at around 50% capacity, although of course our self-catering apartment can accommodate a family of 4 with no need for distancing, assuming they are from the same household. Bearing that in mind, we are also accepting block bookings for the main B&B rooms on a self-catering basis this year – in other words for a large family group to rent the main floor of the house on a self-catering basis too. Whatever the situation of the bookings we receive, our guests’ health and well-being is of the utmost importance to us, so anyone booking with us can be…

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2019 Update

Marchuquera

This year has got off to a great start for us, with many visitors coming to us already – both returning guests as well as new ones. However, in preparation for a busy season ahead we have not been idle during the slightly quieter weeks, but have carried out some renovations inside the villa by upgrading and improving some of the rooms, as well as being busy in the garden by creating some more green areas out there and planting out a whole load of roses too! Since the beginning of the year the weather has been generally warm and welcoming (until this current Easter week, that is!), so our guests who were here to get away from the less pleasant aspects of a northern European winter were delighted with their time here. We had several couples who even came with their dogs and enjoyed getting out and about on Gandia’s dedicated “doggie” beach in some lovely warm sunshine. Other guests included several rock-climbers – both first timers and returners – and even some visitors who were taking the opportunity to see the area with a view to property-hunting. Now that Easter is nearly behind us, we are of course…

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Las Fallas 2017 – A Pet Friendly Solution

Fallas 2017 – A Pet-Friendly Solution! Once again, it is the time of year when winter finally seems to be becoming a thing of the past and there is a spring-like feel in the air.  And here in the Valencia region that can only mean one thing – the fiesta of Las Fallas, when huge and usually satirical effigies are constructed in the streets of the main towns – only to be burnt to the ground on the night of March 19th. All this is inevitably accompanied by what seems like limitless numbers of fireworks on the days leading up to the 19th.  Traditionally there is a major display at 2.00pm each day – it takes place in front of the railway station here in Gandia – although the term “display” is a touch misleading.  As is often the case in Spain, it is more a question of achieving the maximum noise possible, rather than a colourful display of lights in the sky.  The main criterion seems to be that the louder it is the better – and if it is totally deafening and makes the ground vibrate, then this indicates ultimate success!  And of course it is not only…

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