My friends often ask me how I organize my trips when I have to cross half of Europe to get back home or to meet friends who are coming from Germany. Mainz is my base in the Rhineland, but Gandía is that refuge where the sun and the sea always await us with open arms.
Connecting these two cities is more than just a simple transfer; it’s a small adventure that I’ve perfected over time and that I want to share with you today.
I’ve learned that the key to a great trip isn’t just the destination, but how we get there. That’s why I’ve compiled my personal experience to help you make your travel logistics seamless, whether you’re looking for the speed of flying, the freedom of the open road, or the tranquility of the train.
The starting point: To leave Mainz on the right foot
The first thing I learned living in Mainz is that our location is ideal. Before deciding how to travel, I always look to my main connection: Frankfurt Airport (FRA). It’s so close that, for me, it’s practically the city’s airport.
To get from Mainz city center to the terminal, I always take the regional train (S-Bahn S8). It only takes 25 or 30 minutes to get me to Terminal 1. It’s comfortable, punctual, and saves me from the stress of traffic jams. If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, as I usually do, this train connection is your best friend for starting your trip without feeling overwhelmed.
The fastest option: The air bridge between the Rhine and Valencia
If you’re looking to make the most of every minute under the Gandía sun, flying is the most direct way. I usually plan this route taking advantage of the frequent flights from Frankfurt to Valencia (VLC) and Alicante (ALC).
My personal recommendation is to always fly to Valencia; it’s closer to our final destination and the connection is much simpler.
OnceI landAt Valencia airport, the journey to GandíaresultIt’s very simple. I take the metro to Valencia-Nord train station and from there I catch the commuter train which, in exactly one hour, drops me off in the heart of Gandía. It’s a journey I really enjoy, taking in the landscape of orange groves and rice paddies that welcome us along the way.
The Great Road Trip: My Favorite Route for Driving Enthusiasts
Sometimes I prefer the freedom of having my own car to get around. If you decide to drive from Mainz to Gandia, be prepared for a journey of about 1,700 kilometers. It’s a long route, but crossing France from north to south has a special magic if you enjoy the open road.
My usual route takes me down to Mulhouse to enter France, through Lyon, and along the Rhône Valley to Perpignan. Entering Spain through La Jonquera always gives me a thrill; it’s the moment I feel the Mediterranean is right there.
From the border, just follow the AP-7 motorway. Although it can be done in about 16 hours of driving, I always recommend making a stop along the way to enjoy the journey and avoid arriving exhausted.
Parking in Gandía
Once you arrive in Gandía, parking can be a challenge, especially near the beach or the historic center. My personal advice is to look for public parking lots like the one at Prado or Plaza Tirant if you’re going to the center, or to opt for park-and-ride areas on the outskirts if your accommodation doesn’t include a parking space.
Parking wisely will save you unnecessary trips and allow you to start enjoying the crowd from the very first minute.
The rail alternative: Crossing borders by train
For those who enjoy “slow travel” or want to avoid airports, the train has a charm that fascinates me. I’ve taken this route a few times and it’s very rewarding. The logical route starts at Mainz’s central station towards Paris on a high-speed train.
After a short transfer in Paris, I take the train down to Barcelona Sants and from there I connect with the Euromed to Valencia.
It’s a long journey, but seeing how the landscape changes from my window, from the German forests to the French cliffs and the Spanish beaches, is an experience I recommend having at least once in a lifetime.
Tips from my own experience for your logistics
After so much back and forth, I’ve compiled some tips that will make things easier for you. The first is to book in advance: whether you’re flying or traveling by train, prices vary considerably.
In Germany, the Deutsche Bahn search engine works wonderfully even for international journeys.
If you’re coming by car, remember that French tolls are frequent; I always use my electronic toll collection device so I don’t have to stop. And most importantly: however you get there, come ready to enjoy yourself.
Gandía awaits us with its history, its gastronomy, and that atmosphere we love to share at the peña. See you soon under the Valencian sun!
