Reasons Why You Should Visit Girona, Spain

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.

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.

A stroll along the restored city walls, which run for about 3km (2mi) along the edge of the old town, offers panoramic views across Girona and beyond. The walls were originally built by the Romans in the first century BCE, then reconstructed in the Middle Ages and restored more recently. High above the city, you’ll take in unbeatable vistas of the medieval quarter and the towering cathedral with the Pyrenees in the background. Opt for an early evening visit so you can catch the sunset.

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.

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.

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.

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.