Girona
A medieval Catalan city of colourful riverside houses, a steep old town and one of Europe's best-preserved Jewish quarters, near the Costa Brava.
Girona is a medieval city in Catalonia, in Spain's north-east, set where four rivers meet. It is known for its beautiful old town: rows of colourful houses lining the river, a steep tangle of stone lanes, ancient city walls you can walk, and one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe. A short hop inland from the Costa Brava and just over half an hour from Barcelona by fast train, Girona is both an easy day trip and a rewarding stay.
What Girona is known for
Girona is known for its remarkably preserved old town. The picture most people carry away is of the Cases de l'Onyar, the row of houses painted ochre, red and yellow that line the river through the centre. Behind them rises a maze of medieval lanes leading up to a vast cathedral with one of the widest Gothic naves in the world, and to old city walls you can walk for views over the rooftops. The city is especially known for the Call, its old Jewish quarter, one of the best preserved in Europe. Its narrow, shadowy stone alleys and stairways feel almost untouched by time, and a museum tells the story of the community that lived here for centuries. More recently, Girona's old streets found fame as a filming location for Game of Thrones. The city is also a quiet food powerhouse, home to one of the world's most celebrated restaurants, and it makes a fine base for the beaches and coves of the nearby Costa Brava.
Things to do in Girona
Start by the river to see the famous coloured houses, then cross into the old town and climb its lanes to the huge cathedral, with its record-wide Gothic nave. Walk a stretch of the old city walls for views over the rooftops and hills. Lose yourself in the Call, the medieval Jewish quarter, one of the best preserved anywhere. Fans of Game of Thrones can spot filming locations around the cathedral steps. Foodies can book a table at the city's world-famous restaurant, or use Girona as a base for the Costa Brava. Whichever way you want to play, Girona has it.
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Where to stay in Girona
Where you base yourself shapes the trip. The Barri Vell, the old town, is the most atmospheric, among the cathedral, walls and medieval lanes, though its streets are steep and cobbled. Across the river, the Mercadal area is the flatter, more modern centre, full of shops and restaurants and handy for the train station. Both are within easy walking distance of the sights.
Food and drink in Girona
Girona sits at the heart of Catalonia, one of Spain's great food regions. Local cooking mixes mountain and sea, from hearty stews to fresh seafood off the nearby coast. The city is home to El Celler de Can Roca, often named among the world's best restaurants, but you will eat well at simple spots too. Try Catalan classics and a glass of local Emporda wine.
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Best time to visit Girona
The best times to visit Girona are late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September), with warm, pleasant weather that suits both the city and the nearby Costa Brava beaches. Summer is hot and busier, especially with day-trippers from Barcelona. Spring brings the famous Temps de Flors flower festival in May, when the old town fills with floral displays. Winter is mild but quiet.
Getting to Girona and around
Girona Airport (GRO) is just south of the city and used by several low-cost airlines, mainly in summer. Many visitors also fly into Barcelona and come on from there, as the high-speed AVE train links the two cities in around 40 minutes. Girona's station is a short walk from the centre. Once there, the city is compact and flat in its modern half, with the old town explored on foot.
Nearest Airport in Girona
Travel tips for visiting Girona
Come from Barcelona on the high-speed train, which takes around 40 minutes. Explore the old town on foot, wearing comfortable shoes for the steep, cobbled lanes. Walk a section of the old city walls for the best views over the rooftops. Visit in May for the Temps de Flors flower festival, but expect crowds. Book the city's famous restaurant far ahead, or eat well at simpler local spots. Use Girona as a base for day trips to the Costa Brava coves.
Events happening in Girona
What's on in Girona during your travel dates - annual festivals events.
FAQs about visiting Girona
Helpful answers for planning your visit to Girona.
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