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The Catalan city of Girona, also known as Gerona, is a fun destination for a city break. Located in northeastern Spain, the city is incredibly worth exploring. Girona offers beautiful sights, interesting culture and blissful local gastronomy. Reason enough to travel to Girona. Wondering what you can do in this beautiful Catalan city? These are fun activities and beautiful sights in Girona!
Where is Girona and how do I get there?
The city of Girona is located in the northeastern part of Spain, in the autonomous region of Catalonia. It is a destination often visited in combination with a vacation on the Costa Brava. Many Dutch people travel by car to Girona during the summer months. From Rotterdam it takes about 14 hours to get there. Would you like to visit Girona during a city trip? Then driving back and forth will take quite some time. A good alternative is the plane. Airlines that fly to Girona from the Netherlands are Transavia and Ryanair. You can best compare airline tickets on Skyscanner.
The most beautiful sights in Girona
When you visit the city of Girona make sure you discover the best sights. These are the best activities and tips for a city break to Girona!
1. Visit the cathedral of Girona
The Cathedral of Girona, also known as the Catedral de Santa Maria, is located at the highest point of the city and therefore towers above all the buildings. What is unique about this cathedral is that it has several architectural styles, including Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic. You will find the cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century, in the center of the city. To get there you have to go through the cozy streets of Girona, but once you're in front of it you can't avoid it. Also be sure to take a look inside the cathedral, as here you can admire the widest nave in the world. This is the space from the entrance of the cathedral to the apse. Besides being one of the most beautiful sights in Girona, there is another reason why this cathedral is visited a lot. And that is because this location has been used several times for filming of the series Game of Thrones.
2. Admire the colorful houses along the Rio Onyar
Girona is crossed by the Rio Onyar River and has no fewer than 11 bridges connecting the old center to the new center. The nice thing about this is that each bridge has its own architectural style, yet there is only one bridge that everyone wants to have seen. And this is the Pont de les Peixateries Velles, also known as the Eiffel Bridge. It is the bridge in Girona from where you can admire the colorful houses, also known as the hanging houses.
3. Unwind at Aqva Roman Baths
After all the wandering through the streets of Girona, it is great to unwind in one of the Romanesque baths that the city has. A beautiful place is Aqva Roman Baths. This spa is located in Girona's first hospital, which was operational between the 12th and 17th centuries. There are several baths with cold, warm and hot water. There is also an area for relaxation and massages, a hammam and a salt sauna. In short, an absolute must to do in Girona.
Another very famous bathhouse in Girona is Banys Arabs. This Arab Bathhouse was built in the 12th century by the inhabitants of Girona. Inside you can admire the octagonal bath surrounded by pillars, take a cold and hot bath and, of course, enter the sauna. A visit to Banys Arabs costs €3 per person.
4. Walk the city walls
Another cool sight to see in Girona are Muralles, or city walls. Built in the 4th and 5th centuries AD, the city walls were unfortunately damaged several times over the years. In the 19th century, the city walls were finally restored and completely repaired. Since then, you can walk over the city walls and this provides beautiful views of the city. You can enter the city walls at different places, but our preferred route is from the cathedral. Through a narrow street you can climb up the wall and then walk around the old center.
5. Go out to eat at Plaça de la Independència
Every Spanish city has a beautiful town square, and in Girona, it is Plaça de la Independència. It is the place where locals and tourists gather to enjoy lunch, drinks and dinner. The square is surrounded by nice restaurants and bars, so you are guaranteed to find a nice spot here.
Our tip for a restaurant on Plaça de la Independència is Restaurant Casa Marieta which has been located here since 1892. You will therefore understand that Casa Marieta is a true household name in Girona. The cuisine is typically Catalan and the menu is full of delicious dishes. Reservations are a must, otherwise you will have to wait a long time for a table.
6. Explore the old Jewish quarter of Ell Call
Personally, we always really enjoy wandering through a city, as this is how you get to the most beautiful places. So this is how we explored the streets of the old Jewish quarter of Ell Call. The neighborhood is known for its medieval appearance and is one of the best preserved Jewish neighborhoods in the world. Stroll through the narrow alleys and admire the beautiful courtyards and handsome houses.
Where is the best place to stay in Girona?
The center of Girona is quite compact, so whether you choose a hotel in the old or in the new center, you are actually always close to the most beautiful sights. In the old center of Girona you will find more authentic and cozy hotels, and in the new center the modern hotels. We stayed during our city break to Girona in the four-star Hotel Ciutat de Girona which is located in the new center, near Plaça de la Independència. The hotel is adjacent to the highly recommended Blanc Restaurant. A place where you can dine blissfully in the evening.
Hotel Ciutat de Girona
The four-star Hotel Ciutat de Girona is a clean and modern hotel in the city of Girona. The rooms are small but nice and also fully equipped. In terms of facilities, the hotel offers a gym, wellness facilities and storage space for cyclists. An overnight stay costs on average between €120 and €250 per night.
What is the best time to visit Girona?
The best period to book a city break to Girona is from May to September. These are the most pleasant months. But keep in mind that this is the high season (summer vacations). Therefore, in the months of July and August it can be very busy in the city. Two fun times to be in Girona is during Semana Santa and during Temps de Flors. Semana Santa is the holy week before Easter and Temps de Flors is the flower festival that takes place in May.
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
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