Just 50 km south of the city of Valencia, Xàtiva is well worth a day trip, especially if the weather is cool and you fancy climbing the steep steps and rocky paths up to the sprawling medieval castle overlooking the town. In the middle of August, you might prefer to stay in the shade around the elegant streets flanking the handsome Collegiate Basilica, which was once a cathedral. There are several marked trails taking in a clutch of fine churches and mansions, close to Xàtiva's cafe and tree-lined beating heart. In mid-August, you might stumble on a fiesta, featuring some very loud motorbike racing.
