Reasons Why You Should Visit Girona Spain

Think of Catalonia and you’ll likely picture its capital Barcelona, but don’t miss nearby Girona, with galleries, museums, world-class restaurants and Gothic architecture within medieval walls.

Girona, an ancient walled city in northern Catalonia, is more than just a gateway to Barcelona and the Costa Brava – it makes for a fantastic day trip or weekend getaway in its own right. The compact city, just an hour’s drive or 40 minutes by train from Barcelona, offers a wealth of attractions without the hordes of tourists found in the Catalan capital. With a rich history, astounding architecture, innovative cuisine and museums galore, there’s plenty to see and do. Read on to discover what this underrated city has to offer.

1. It has a beautifully preserved Jewish quarter

Architectural Landmark

Colorful houses in the historical jewish quarter in Girona, Catalonia

Girona’s Jewish quarter, El Call, is one of the best-preserved in Western Europe. Wander through the labyrinth of cramped cobbled alleys and get a feel for how the Jewish community lived here until they were expelled from Spain in 1492. Stop for a coffee on the shady terrace of Federal Cafe, on Carrer de la Força, to soak up the medieval atmosphere. Afterwards, amble towards the Museum of Jewish History, which is housed in a 15th-century synagogue down the street and chronicles the fascinating history of Jewish culture in Girona.

2. Girona’s architecture spans over 1,000 years

Bridge

Pont de les Peixateries Velles by Eiffel in Girona, Catalonia, Spain, Europe

Girona is home to a beguiling mix of architectural styles, from Romanesque to Modernist. Nowhere is this medley clearer than in the immense cathedral, which has a Gothic interior, Baroque façade and Romanesque cloister. The city is also renowned for its iconic bridge over the Onyar River, Pont de les Peixateries Velles, designed by Gustave Eiffel. From here, you can get the best views of the casas penjades (pastel-painted houses) leaning over the water. The Arab baths, built in 1194 and modelled on Roman and Turkish baths, are worth a visit, too.

4. You can take day trips to the Costa Brava

Natural Feature

A traditional whitewashed fisherman village and a popular travel and holiday destination in Calella de Palafrugell, Spain

Girona is the perfect central point for day trips to the Costa Brava, popular for its beautifully unspoilt beaches and series of rugged coves. Less than an hour by car is the bay of Llafranc, a sandy beach with crystalline waters, or you can drive or get the bus to the postcard-pretty coastal towns of Calella de Palafrugell and Tamariu. Calella offers rocky coves and outstanding fish restaurants without a tourist in sight, while Tamariu is great for families and watersports.

5. There are fun festivals throughout the year

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

mannequins with flowers on the torso, annual flower festival ?Temps de flors 2018?, Girona, Catalonia, Spain

Girona is at its prettiest during its springtime flower festival, Temps de Flors. Taking place in May, the city bursts into bloom as floral art installations take over the streets. Even the cathedral’s steps are covered in colourful flowers. Running parallel is the Girona A Cappella Festival, which sees concerts and pop-up performances of a capella song around the city. Come autumn, holidaymakers can look forward to the Fires de Sant Narcís, an annual celebration that pays homage to Girona’s patron saint with over 200 concerts and traditional Catalan performances over a week in late October.

6. You can pretend you’re in 'Game of Thrones'

Cathedral, Church

Cathedral of Saint Mary of Girona, Catalonia, Spain, Europe

Girona has become a cult destination for fans of the popular HBO series Game of Thrones, as it was one of the main settings for season six of the TV show. Relive your favourite scenes in various locations around the city including the streets of the old town, the cathedral (particularly the steps, remembering to chant “shame, shame, shame” as you go), the Arab baths and the Church of Sant Feliu. The easiest way to see the filming sites is by joining the official Game of Thrones guided tour by Girona Experience.

7. Girona’s green spaces are perfect for picnics

Park

Spain, Catalonia, Girona, jardins dels alemanys

There’s no shortage of green spaces in Girona, which is awash with luscious parks and hidden gardens. But Parc de la Devesa stands out. One of the largest urban parks in Catalonia, it’s perfect for a shady stroll under the canopy of trees or a sunny picnic on the grass. Meanwhile, the Jardins dels Alemanys in the old town is a tranquil oasis littered with ruins of some old walls that were used as barracks by German soldiers during the 19th-century Peninsular War.

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