Oliva Tourist Information
Oliva, Spain, is a charming municipality nestled in the Safor region of the Valencian Community, ideally located along Spain’s stunning Mediterranean coast. With over 10 kilometers of unspoiled golden beaches, rich cultural heritage, and excellent outdoor activities, Oliva is fast becoming a top destination for Costa Blanca holidays.
Prime Location Near Valencia and Alicante Airports
Situated along the AP7/E15 coastal motorway at junction 61, Oliva lies between Valencia and Alicante international airports, making it easily accessible for international travelers. The nearby village of La Font d’en Carròs, surrounded by the scenic orange groves of the Costa del Azahar, is just minutes away from the bustling towns of Oliva and Gandia.
Sun, Sea, and Serenity: Oliva’s Mediterranean Beaches
A key draw for visitors is Oliva’s breathtaking 10 km stretch of coastline, fronting the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Unlike many overdeveloped parts of Spain, Oliva’s beaches have been preserved through strict planning regulations, ensuring a tranquil, natural environment free of high-rise buildings.
Top Oliva beaches include:
Playa Pau Pi
Playa Aigua Blanca
Playa Rabdells
These family-friendly beaches are bordered by sand dunes and offer clean, golden sands—perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or a relaxing walk. Thanks to over 300 days of sunshine annually, and milder summers compared to southern Spain, Oliva’s beaches can be enjoyed nearly all year round.
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Outdoor Activities and Attractions in Oliva
Whether you’re a lover of nature, history, or sports, Oliva offers a wide variety of things to do:
Oliva Nova Golf Resort: A championship 18-hole course designed by Seve Ballesteros, ideal for golf holidays in Spain.
Marina and Yacht Club: Enjoy sailing, windsurfing, and other water sports.
Hiking & Fishing: The surrounding mountains and rivers attract nature lovers and anglers alike.
Cultural Sites: Explore historic churches, traditional markets, and charming old town architecture.
A Blend of Spanish Culture and Tourist Comfort
Foreign visitors are increasingly drawn to Oliva, Spain, not just for the sun and golf, but for its authentic Spanish charm, warm local hospitality, and proximity to some of Spain’s top tourist attractions, including Valencia City, Benidorm, and Altea.
Why Visit Oliva?
Close to Valencia & Alicante airports
10 km of uncrowded Mediterranean beaches
300+ sunny days per year
Home to the world-class Oliva Nova Golf Resort
Water sports, hiking, fishing, and more
Rich in Spanish history and culture
With more than 300 days of sunshine annually, Oliva enjoys mild winters and pleasantly warm summers—making its 10 kilometers of clean, golden beaches ideal for year-round enjoyment. These beautiful Mediterranean beaches are easily reached by a scenic 20-minute walk through lush orange groves, a quick 5-minute drive, or a convenient local bus from the town center.
Beyond its coastline, Oliva offers a rich cultural and historical experience. The town is steeped in history, featuring remnants of a Moorish castle, winding cobbled streets, and charming old quarters that date back to the 16th century. One particularly unique street is carved into the hillside, offering a glimpse into Oliva’s storied past.
Oliva is also home to two stunning blue-domed churches, iconic landmarks that—along with the castle—are beautifully illuminated at night, creating a magical skyline that captures the essence of this historic Spanish town.
When visiting Oliva, you might be fortunate enough to witness one of the town’s many traditional Spanish fiestas as they bring music, color, and excitement to the streets. Among the most famous is the Moors and Christians Festival, held every July, celebrating Oliva’s rich historical past with stunning costumes, dramatic reenactments, and a spectacular firework finale.
Moors and Christians Festival in Oliva
The Moors and Christians Festival in Oliva is one of the largest and most spectacular in the province. Celebrated in July, the festivities commemorate the battles between Moors and Christians during Spain’s reconquest period.
Highlights include:
The Day of the Entry (Friday): A grand parade featuring captains, ambassadors, standard-bearers, and other key figures in dazzling medieval costumes, accompanied by traditional music and fanfare.
The Landing (Disembarkation): A theatrical reenactment where Moorish forces land by sea while Christian troops await on the shore, culminating in a dramatic battle with fireworks.
Living Chess Game (Saturday): A unique, symbolic “battle” between both sides, staged as a live chess match.
The Castle Reconquest: The Christians “retake” the castle in a stirring recreation of the historic reconquest.
Day of the Brotherhood (Sunday): The festival closes with a massive parade celebrating unity and tradition.
Cristo de San Roque Festival – A Celebration of Heritage
Held annually on May 3rd, the Fiestas of the Cristo de San Roque date back to the 17th century and remain one of Oliva’s most deeply rooted religious and cultural celebrations.
Key traditions include:
The Pregón (Opening Speech): Residents dressed in traditional attire announce the beginning of the festivities.
Novena in the Chapel of Cristo: A sacred ceremony held in the baroque-style Cristo chapel, renowned for its richly painted central vault.
Family-Friendly Events: Enjoy open-air theater, children’s activities, parades in colorful costumes, and Valencian ball games (pelota).
Solemn Closing Procession: A moving tribute to the Santísimo Cristo, bringing the celebration to a respectful and reflective close.
Explore Oliva’s Vibrant Markets and Daily Life
In the modern part of Oliva, you’ll find a lively covered market offering fresh local produce, meats, fruits, vegetables, and baked goods. There are also numerous supermarkets, bakeries, and specialty shops to meet every need.
The heart of the town, known as the Paseo (or Passeig in Valencian), is a bustling pedestrian promenade that hosts a weekly market every Friday, where you can shop for fresh food, clothing, and household items.
In the evening, a stroll along the Paseo is a must. Relax at one of the many outdoor cafés and bars, enjoy a refreshing drink, and take in the laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere. The Paseo is also home to many of Oliva’s restaurants, offering everything from authentic Spanish cuisine to international dishes.
Discover Oliva’s Historic Churches
In the historic old town, two beautiful churches reflect Oliva’s deep-rooted spiritual and architectural heritage:
Sant Roc Church: Dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, it stands as a symbol of local devotion.
Santa Maria la Major: A majestic church from the 17th and 18th centuries, known for its elegant design and cultural importance.
Perched at the highest point of Oliva’s old town sits Santa Ana Castle, a historic site dating back to the 16th century. Though often attributed to the Christian reconquest era, the original structure was actually built by the Moors around 200 years earlier, during the time when Oliva was part of the Muslim Kingdom of Dénia. Following the Christian reconquest, the town came under the authority of the nearby Castle of Rebollet.
Today, only a fragment of Santa Ana Castle remains—a section of its wall, now enclosed by metal fencing. While the structure itself is largely in ruins, the location offers breathtaking panoramic views across Oliva and the surrounding coastline, making the short climb to the top well worth the effort.
Local legends add an air of mystery to the site. It’s said that a hidden cave within the castle grounds once connected to several homes in the old town below. At night, with subtle lighting casting shadows across the ruins, the castle takes on an eerie, haunted-house quality that sparks the imagination of visitors and locals alike.
Oliva and its surrounding area offer a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. While sun and golf are the main draws for many foreign tourists, this region also boasts a rich history and vibrant culture. Additionally, it is conveniently located close to some of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations.
Take time to explore the town’s winding back streets and discover its fascinating Roman and Moorish heritage through numerous museums, churches, and monuments found in the old Christian and Arab quarters. In Calle Santísimo, located in the town center, you can see the remains of a Roman kiln dating back to the first century AD. This kiln was once part of a pottery that produced ceramics and building materials.
A major highlight for international visitors is the Oliva Nova Golf and Country Club, easily recognizable from the A7 motorway and the coastal road by its large golf ball structure that dominates the skyline. The four-star Oliva Nova Hotel is perfectly positioned between the beach and the 18-hole golf course designed by Seve Ballesteros. The course is a challenging 73-par American-style layout, with fairways bordered by holiday villas. The club offers comprehensive practice facilities, including a pitch and putt training area, as well as a golf school, tennis courts, and a football pitch.
Oliva also offers a traditional Spanish nightlife experience, with bars and restaurants open late and vibrant fiestas occurring almost every month. For those seeking more international entertainment, the lively and cosmopolitan town of Denia is just a 15-minute drive away, featuring numerous music bars, clubs, and restaurants catering to foreign visitors.
Outside the high season, the area is relatively quiet, but as summer begins, restaurants and ice-cream parlors open their doors, wooden beach bars appear overnight, and the town transforms into a bustling hub of activity.
Sightseeing and Places to visit in Oliva
In Oliva’s old town, you’ll find two notable churches: Sant Roc and Santa Maria la Mayor. Sant Roc dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, while Santa Maria was built during the 17th and 18th centuries.
At the highest point of the old town stands Santa Ana Castle, constructed in the 16th century. Oliva was once part of the Muslim Kingdom of Dénia and, after the Christian reconquest, fell under the influence of the Castle of Rebollet located at the opposite end of the town. However, Santa Ana Castle itself was originally built by the Moors about two hundred years earlier. Today, only a section of the castle wall remains, surrounded by metal fencing. Despite its ruinous state, the castle offers spectacular panoramic views of the town. Local legends tell of a cave entrance within the castle grounds that allegedly connects to several houses in the old town. At night, the castle is illuminated in a way that gives it an eerie, haunted appearance.
Wander through the town’s narrow back streets to discover its rich Roman and Moorish history. The old Christian and Arab quarters are filled with museums, churches, and monuments that tell the story of Oliva’s past. In the town center on Calle Santísimo, you can see the remains of a Roman kiln dating back to the first century AD, which was part of a pottery that produced ceramics and building materials.
A major attraction for international visitors is the Oliva Nova Golf and Country Club, easily visible from the A7 motorway and the national coastal road due to its large golf ball structure dominating the skyline. The four-star Oliva Nova Hotel is located between the beach and the 18-hole golf course designed by Seve Ballesteros. The course is an American-style 73-par layout with fairways lined by holiday villas. The club offers extensive practice facilities, including a pitch and putt training area, as well as a golf school, tennis courts, and a football pitch.
Tossal Gros / Buenavista Urbanisation
There is also the nearby urbanisation of Tossal Gros, offically part of the nearby village of Font de Carros. Tossal Gros overlooks the whole area around Oliva, and has great views of the whole coastline from Cullera in the north to Denia in the south. Although services can be limited there is the Tossal Gros restaurant on the urbanisation.
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