Located about 60 kilometers from Valencia, Xàtiva (also spelled Játiva) is a well-known destination among locals and tourists alike. It takes roughly 30 minutes to reach Xàtiva by car from Valencia’s city center, and with frequent train service from Valencia’s main station—usually running every hour—it’s easily accessible for a day trip. I personally stayed in Xàtiva for about three months, and here I’ll share what makes this city special.
The Glory and Decline of Xàtiva
Xàtiva was a prosperous and powerful city from Roman times through the Islamic caliphates and into the Christian Reconquista period. In the 12th century, it became one of the first cities in Europe where the art of paper-making was introduced by the Arabs, making it a center of cultural and intellectual growth during the Renaissance. Today, Xàtiva is a mid-sized city with a population of around 30,000. Despite its reduced political and economic importance, it remains a place of great historical significance and cultural pride for Valencians. Ask anyone from Valencia, and they’ll likely know of Xàtiva—and for good reason.
Xàtiva Castle – Layers of History
The city’s iconic castle complex is built on the remains of fortifications from both the Roman and medieval periods. Strategically located along a route that connected the Iberian Peninsula to Italy, Xàtiva played a key role in ancient military and trade routes. During the Roman era, a fortress known as Castillo Menor was constructed to protect local residents during times of conflict.
Later, during the medieval period, a larger fortress called Castillo Mayor was built to defend against external invasions. As mentioned earlier, this fortress was also used by locals during the War of Spanish Succession in support of the Habsburg claimant, Charles. Climbing up to the castle requires a small entrance fee of around 6 euros, but I believe the views and historical atmosphere are well worth the price.
Xàtiva Nightlife and Atmosphere
During my visit , I found the nightlife in Xàtiva to be lively and energetic. Beers and cocktails were reasonably priced—about 3 euros for a beer and 7 euros for a cocktail. The weather was surprisingly warm even in October, making short sleeves comfortable during the day and night. The streets were packed, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, making it nearly impossible to get a table at restaurants without a reservation. Bars and plazas were bustling late into the night, filled with young people and a vibrant social energy. I also felt very safe walking around at night, thanks to Spain’s generally stable and secure public environment.
Christmas in Xàtiva
Where Christmas celebrations typically end on December 25th, the holiday season in Spain extends to January 6th with the celebration of El Día de los Reyes (Three Kings’ Day). In Spain, the Three Kings—also known as the Biblical Magi or Wise Men—are more culturally significant than Santa Claus.
One of the kings is traditionally depicted as African, and interestingly, many locals say he’s their favorite.
Historically, Xàtiva played a tragic role during the War of Spanish Succession (1701–1714). The city supported Charles of Austria in his claim to the throne, but after Philip V emerged victorious, he retaliated against the cities that had opposed him. Xàtiva was burned to the ground, and many of its citizens were killed. The devastation was compounded by a major earthquake, which further accelerated the city’s decline.
If you’re considering a visit to a lesser-known Spanish town, I highly recommend Xàtiva as a rewarding and culturally rich destination.