Girona

🏰 Why Visit Girona, Spain?

This incredible destination sits just 90 minutes from Barcelona and 30 minutes from the Costa Brava beaches, making it the perfect base for exploring the best of northeastern Spain. But honestly, once you see those colorful houses lining the Onyar River and wander through the incredibly well-preserved medieval quarter, you'll want to spend all your time right here.

Game of Thrones fans will recognize it instantly (it doubled for King's Landing and Braavos!), but Girona's real magic lies in its authentic atmosphere and that perfect mix of culture, cuisine, and medieval charm.

Top reasons to visit Girona:

• 🏰 Stunning medieval architecture – one of Europe's best-preserved old quarters with incredible Gothic and Romanesque buildings

• 🍽️ World-class dining – home to several Michelin-starred restaurants and El Celler de Can Roca (one of the world's best!)

• 🎬 Famous film locations – instantly recognizable from Game of Thrones and countless other productions

• 🚅 Perfect location – easy access to Barcelona, Costa Brava beaches, and the Pyrenees mountains

• 🏛️ Rich Jewish heritage – explore one of Europe's most significant medieval Jewish quarters

🎭 Top Things to Do in Girona

Girona perfectly balances historical exploration with contemporary culture, offering incredible experiences in a beautifully compact medieval setting.

Historic Wonders

• 🏰 Girona Cathedral – Climb the 90 steps to see the world's widest Gothic nave and breathtaking views over the city

• 🕍 Jewish Quarter (Call Jueu) – Wander through narrow medieval streets and visit the fascinating Museum of Jewish History

• 🏛️ Arab Baths – Explore these beautiful 12th-century Romanesque baths inspired by Islamic and Roman traditions

Cultural Treasures

• 🎨 Girona Art Museum – Discover incredible collections spanning from Romanesque to contemporary art in a stunning former episcopal palace

• ⛪ Sant Feliu Basilica – Marvel at this beautiful Gothic church with its distinctive truncated bell tower

• 🏛️ Archaeological Walk – Follow the ancient city walls for spectacular views and fascinating historical insights

Scenic Delights

• 🌈 Colorful Houses on Onyar River – The iconic postcard view of Girona with rainbow-colored facades reflecting in the water

• 🌉 Eiffel Bridge – Cross this beautiful iron bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel himself for perfect photo opportunities

• 🌳 Devesa Park – Enjoy peaceful walks in one of Catalonia's largest urban parks with over 2,500 plane trees

Foodie Adventures

• 🍷 El Celler de Can Roca – Experience one of the world's finest restaurants (book well ahead!) for an unforgettable culinary journey

• 🥘 Traditional Catalan Cuisine – Sample local specialties like botifarra sausage and crema catalana in charming local restaurants

• 🍯 Local Markets – Explore Saturday markets for fresh produce, artisanal products, and authentic Catalan atmosphere

Day Trip Options

• 🏖️ Costa Brava Beaches – Just 30 minutes to stunning Mediterranean coastline and charming fishing villages

• 🏔️ Pyrenees Mountains – Easy access to spectacular mountain scenery, hiking trails, and traditional Catalan villages

• 🎨 Dalí Triangle – Visit the surreal museums dedicated to Salvador Dalí in nearby Figueres and Púbol

🏨 Where to Stay on your Girona Holiday

Girona offers fantastic accommodation options from the heart of the medieval city to peaceful countryside retreats on the outskirts depending on what kind of city break you’re after. We’ve selected a few of our favourites for you below but if you can’t see anything you like here, just use the search bar at the top 🔎👆👀.

In the City Centre

• 🏨 Carlemany - This brilliant 4-star hotel sits bang in the center with just a 5-minute walk to the cathedral. It’s stylish, modern, and offers good value for it’s location and amenities.

• 🏨 Ciutat de Girona - Right in the historic heart with a swimming pool, spinning room and Restaurant Blanc serving delicious meals made from only local ingredients. The combo of location and style make it very popular with couples (they rate the location 9.5 out of 10!).

• 🏨 Hotel Palau de Bellavista Girona - Perched on a hilltop with jaw-dropping views over the entire city from its stunning rooftop terrace bar and pool. The 10-minute walk to the historic center is worth it for those incredible panoramic vistas – this place offers something truly special, it just has a vibe.

Just Outside the City

• 🏨 La Sala de Camós - This magical 12th-century building combines Gothic halls and defensive towers in the beautiful Pla de l'Estany region near Lake Banyoles. The intimate 8-room property offers incredible homemade dinners, peaceful terraced gardens, and that authentic medieval farmhouse experience just 20 minutes from Girona.

• 🏨 Masia Can Pou - A stunning 17th-century fortified farmhouse tucked into the Vall del Llemena with breathtaking valley views and a magnificent 20x8 meter pool. The hosts Donatello and Eirene create farm-to-table magic with produce from their organic garden – this place gets rave reviews for its romantic setting and exceptional hospitality.

• 🏨 Hotel Balneari Termes Orion - This elegant thermal spa hotel in Santa Coloma de Farners offers the perfect wellness retreat with natural thermal waters, indoor and outdoor pools, plus access to the nearby MAGMA thermal center. The beautifully renovated rooms and award-winning restaurant make this a popular place to stay for a rejuvenating break on the outskirts of Girona.

Whether you choose to stay in the heart of Girona's medieval magic or retreat to peaceful countryside charm, this incredible Catalan city offers the perfect combination of historical wonder, culinary excellence, and authentic Spanish culture that creates truly unforgettable holidays!