If you’re planning a trip to Girona and Barcelona, let me give you the lowdown on the absolute must-do activities and tours. Here’s the juicy summary in 100 words or less: Explore Girona’s beauty with visits to the Cathedral, Art Museum, and St. Felix Church. Dive into the city’s rich Jewish heritage with a guided tour and museum visit. Or take a leisurely stroll with a guided walking tour that includes attraction entry tickets. If you’re in Barcelona, don’t miss the day trip to Girona, Figueres, and the unbelievable Dalí Museum. For medieval towns, book the Besalú & Medieval Towns Tour. And for accommodations, check out Hotel Llegendes de Girona or Hotel Carlemany for boutique charm, or Hostel Bellmirall Girona for budget-friendly vibes. Now go out to Girona, Spain and soak up the magic!

• Girona, Spain Recommendations:
  • Cathedral of Girona + Art Museum + St. Felix Church tour
  • Jewish Heritage Guided City Tour and Museum Visit
  • Guided Walking Tour with Attraction Entry Tickets
• Barcelona to Girona Day Tour:
  • Girona, Figueres, and Dalí Museum
• Barcelona Recommendations:
  • Besalú & Medieval Towns Tour with Hotel Pickup
• Recommended accommodations in Girona, Spain:
  • Hotel Llegendes de Girona – stunning views of the cathedral
  • Hotel Carlemany – located in a 14th-century building
  • Hostel Bellmirall Girona – terrace overlooking the Onyar River.

*Note some of the links feature affiliate links. I only recommend items that I 100% love and think you will too!

Introduction to Girona

Girona, Spain is a beautiful medieval city located in northeastern Catalonia, Spain. With a population of around 100,000 people, it’s one of the largest cities in the Catalonia region. Situated on the confluence of the Rivers Ter, Güell, Galligants and Onyar, Girona enjoys a scenic setting. Surrounded by the Pyrenees mountains and close to the Costa Brava beaches, the city’s location provides easy access to nature while still retaining an authentic Spanish charm.

Girona has a rich history spanning over 2,500 years. The first reference to the city dates back to the 2nd century BC when it was inhabited by the Iberians. Later it became part of the Roman Empire under the name Gerunda. After the Moorish conquest in 717 AD, the city flourished for 300 years before being reconquered by the Franks in the late 8th century. Girona was later absorbed into the County of Barcelona and eventually became part of the Kingdom of Aragon.

The varied history of domination and liberation has left its mark on the city through architecture, language and culture. Walking through the winding streets you’ll find Roman walls, baths and a temple, Gothic cathedrals, and Arab baths. Catalan is spoken throughout Girona and the region.

Girona enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with warm dry summers and mild winters. The temperature ranges from around 15°C in January to 30°C in August. Rainfall is low, averaging about 20 days of rain from October to May. The low rainfall makes it an ideal destination to visit year-round. Spring and fall may be the best times to avoid crowds.

Top Attractions in Girona

Girona, Spain is home to some of Catalonia’s most impressive sights and landmarks. Here are some of the top attractions you don’t want to miss when visiting this picturesque city:

Girona Cathedral

The stunning Girona Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Girona, dominates the skyline of the historic Old Town. This imposing Gothic structure was constructed between the 11th and 18th centuries on the site of an earlier Romanesque church. Visitors shouldn’t miss the 90 steps leading up the bell tower for panoramic views over Girona. The cathedral’s 12th-century Charlemagne Tower, the widest Gothic nave in the world, and its museum with art and tapestries are also highlights. If you want a structured tour, I recommend the Girona: Cathedral of Girona + Art Museum + St. Felix Church tour.

Arab Baths

For a glimpse into Girona’s past, visit the 12th-century Arab Baths in the heart of the Jewish Quarter. This is one of the best preserved medieval bathhouses in Europe and features stunning arches, columns, and skylights. Visitors can admire the frigidarium (cold water room), tepidarium (warm room), caldarium (hot room), and steam rooms that were essential parts of cleanliness and socializing during the Middle Ages.

Girona Museum of Jewish History

The Girona Museum of Jewish History provides insight into the city’s Jewish heritage. Located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, the museum occupies a former synagogue and features two exhibitions. “Jews of Girona” covers the rise and fall of the Jewish community from medieval times until their expulsion in 1492. “Sacred Scriptures” displays religious texts and scrolls from around the world. If you want a structured tour, I recommend the Girona: Jewish Heritage Guided City Tour and Museum Visit.

Girona’s Medieval Old Town

Girona, Spain’s historic Old Town, known as the Força Vella, is the medieval heart of the city. Enclosed within imposing defensive walls dating back to Roman times, it is one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in Western Europe. Take a stroll along the towering ancient walls, cross the bridges over the River Onyar for panoramic views, and get lost in the mesmerizing labyrinth of narrow cobbled lanes and hidden corners.

Força Vella

The 12th-century Romanesque Bridge leads into the Força Vella from the modern city. Walk along the Passeig de la Muralla, atop the medieval walls, for excellent views over Girona’s red-tiled rooftops. Descend from the walls on Carrer de l’Abeurador to enter the enchanting El Call, the old Jewish Quarter. The small Plaça de la Lleona provides a nice spot to stop in one of the outdoor cafés and listen to the calming sounds of the fountain.

El Call

El Call is a delight to explore on foot. Wander past galleries, artisan workshops, cafés and restaurants housed within the historic stone buildings. Some residences retain their medieval arched doorways etched with Hebrew inscriptions. Look out for the 13th-century Arab Baths and the Museum of Jewish History, which documents Girona’s Jewish heritage.

Other Sights

The Romanesque 12th-century Banys Àrabs are the old Arab Baths, one of the few remaining Arab structures in Catalunya. Admire the beautiful decoration in the hypostyle room with its marble columns and vaulted ceiling.

No visit to the Old Town is complete without seeing the grand Gothic Cathedral of Santa María, with its immense nave, ancient cloisters and Europe’s widest Gothic nave. The spectacular 93-step stairway features sculptures and gargoyles leading up to the Treasury Museum and the Charlemagne Tower, revealing sweeping views.

Girona, Spain’s grandeur continues in the Plaça de la Independència, a magnificent stepped plaza with the imposing 18th-century baroque façade of the city hall. Have a seat on the steps of the Plaça de la Independència and admire the stately palatial architecture all around. For dinner and drinks, head to one of the atmospheric restaurants on the pretty adjoining Plaȇa del Vi. You can see many of these sights on this Girona: Guided Walking Tour with Attraction Entry Tickets.

Outdoor Activities

The scenic countryside surrounding Girona offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor pursuits. One of the top outdoor attractions near the city is the Montseny Natural Park, located about 40 km northwest of Girona, Spain. This protected area features lush forests, jagged peaks, and tranquil lakes perfect for hiking. Some of the best hikes in Montseny include the hike to Turó de l’Home, the ascent up Matagalls mountain, and the walk around Santa Fe lake. Many hiking trails start from the village of Viladrau.

For a fun way to see the countryside near Girona, opt for a kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding trip along the Ter River. Several companies offer half-day and full-day excursions where you can paddle past medieval bridges, green meadows, and small waterfalls. The river provides mostly flatwater paddling that is suitable for beginners.

Cycling is also popular in the Girona region, thanks to the varied terrain and roads with little traffic. From Girona, you can bike along country roads to charming medieval villages like Pals and Peratallada. For a bigger challenge, tackle some of the steep climbs used in the professional cycling races that pass through the area. There are many great cycling routes starting right from the city center.

With its beautiful natural areas just beyond the city, Girona offers plenty of chances to get outdoors and explore.

Day Trips from Girona

Girona, Spain makes an excellent base to explore the surrounding Costa Brava region. Here are some of the top day trips to take from Girona:

Figueres and the Dalí Theatre-Museum

One of the most popular day trips is to the town of Figueres, located about 35km northeast of Girona. Figueres is renowned for being the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, the famous surrealist artist.

The main highlight here is the Dalí Theatre-Museum, dedicated to Dalí’s life and work. This museum is considered the world’s largest surrealistic object – it’s full of melting clocks, geometrical constructions, and other surrealistic touches. You’ll see Dalí’s famous installations like the Mae West Room and the Rainy Taxi.

Don’t miss the extensive collection containing over 4,000 works by Dalí, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photographs. You’ll need about 2-3 hours to fully experience this museum. Tickets should be booked in advance online. You can take this tour: From Barcelona: Girona, Figueres and Dalí Museum Day Tour.

Besalú Medieval Village

The picturesque village of Besalú, located around 45km north of Girona, makes for a lovely day trip. This remarkably well-preserved medieval village looks like something straight out of a fairytale, with its stone architecture and arching bridges over the Fluvià river.

Walk along the 12th-century Romanesque bridge for gorgeous views of the village. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets and admire ancient sites like the Romanesque church of Sant Vicenç, the Gothic church of Sant Pere, and the remains of a 10th-century Jewish mikveh ritual bath. e exploring. The village has several cozy restaurants serving Catalan dishes made with local ingredients. To dive deeper into Besalú, I recommend this tour. Barcelona: Besalú & Medieval Towns Tour with Hotel Pickup.

Be sure to sample some of Besalú’s delicious cuisine while you’re exploring. The village has several cozy restaurants serving Catalan dishes made with local ingredients.

Coastline Towns

The Costa Brava coastline has no shortage of charming towns and beaches to discover.

One especially lovely coastal town is Tossa de Mar, located around 70km northeast of Girona. Its walled medieval old town juts out onto a headland overlooking the sea. Walk the Vila Vella’s ring of walls and meander the cobblestone alleys, ending with a drink at a terrace café overlooking the sea. Then head down to the sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing.

Other beautiful Costa Brava towns worth a visit include Cadaqués, Portbou, Calella de Palafrugell, Tamariu, and L’Estartit. Drive along the coastal roads stopping at beaches and coves or hike the trails along the cliffs for dramatic Mediterranean views.

With its proximity to lovely medieval villages, the Dalí Museum, and stunning Costa Brava beaches and towns, Girona offers no shortage of fantastic day trips for every interest.

Girona’s Cuisine

Girona, Spain boasts a distinctive local cuisine that reflects both its Catalan heritage and proximity to the Mediterranean. Traditional Catalan dishes like escalivada, fricandó, and xuixos pastries are staples in restaurants across the city.

Escalivada is a classic grilled vegetable dish made with eggplants, peppers, onions, and tomatoes. The vegetables are grilled over a wood fire which gives them a smoky, charred flavor and soft texture. After grilling, they’re drizzled with olive oil and salt for a simple, yet delicious preparation. Escalivada makes a great appetizer or side dish.

Fricandó is a traditional Catalan beef stew, slow-cooked with mushrooms, pearl onions, bacon, herbs, and red wine. This rich, flavorful stew is usually served with roasted potatoes, making it a hearty and comforting main dish. Fricandó is a specialty of Girona and can be found in many local restaurants.

No visit to Girona is complete without trying xuixos, a sweet pastry stuffed with crema pastissera or crema catalana custard. Xuixos have a light, flaky exterior and a rich, creamy interior. Locals love to enjoy them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or after a meal. The best xuixos in Girona come from bakeries like La Xuixeria and Forn Sant Jaume.

In addition to these specialties, Girona, Spain boasts an abundance of fresh seafood and produce thanks to its coastal location. Look for dishes like suquet de peix, a stew made with monkfish, shrimp, and potatoes cooked in a saffron broth. Market stalls overflow with local fruits and vegetables that make their way into Catalan recipes.

Girona is a food-lover’s paradise, with centuries-old culinary traditions melding with the region’s natural bounty. Visitors shouldn’t miss the chance to indulge in Catalan flavors during their stay.

Festivals and Events

Girona, Spain hosts several lively festivals and events throughout the year that highlight the city’s vibrant culture. Some of the most popular festivals include:

Girona Flower Festival

Held each May, the Girona Flower Festival transforms the city into a floral masterpiece. Visitors can enjoy flower-lined streets, concerts, exhibitions, and the majestic floral “carpets” assembled in the city’s plazas. The festival culminates with a spectacular display of fireworks over the Onyar River.

Girona Music Festival

Taking place in July, the Girona Music Festival features two weeks of free concerts performed in picturesque outdoor settings. Musicians of all genres take the stage, including classical, jazz, rock, and pop artists. In addition to the concerts, music lovers can participate in workshops, exhibitions, and activities related to music and art.

Christmas Markets

From late November through December, Girona sparkles with holiday spirit thanks to its charming Christmas markets. Vendors sell handmade crafts, ornaments, toys, sweets, and local products atlittle wooden huts assembled in Plaça de la Independència and near the Cathedral. The markets exude a festive atmosphere with live music, Nativity scenes, and seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts. It’s a magical time to visit Girona.

Throughout the year, visitors can browse Girona’s calendar of events to discover cultural celebrations, sporting matches, food fairs, and more. The city comes alive with excitement during its lively festivals and events.

Accommodation Tips

Girona, Spain offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and styles. Many boutique hotels can be found in the charming medieval quarter, ideal for immersing yourself in the historic atmosphere. Some recommended boutique hotels in the old town include Hotel Llegendes de Girona, with stunning views of the cathedral, and Hotel Carlemany located in a 14th century building.

For budget conscious travelers, Girona has no shortage of hostels with dormitory beds and private rooms. A top-rated hostels is Hostel Bellmirall Girona, featuring a terrace overlooking the Onyar River.

Visitors seeking a local experience can also choose from many Airbnbs and apartment rentals scattered throughout the city. Opt for accommodation on the east side of the Onyar River for gorgeous panoramic views of the old town. Self-catering apartments are ideal for longer stays and come equipped with kitchens.

Getting to Girona

Girona is easily accessible by plane, train or bus from major Spanish cities like Barcelona and Madrid. The closest international airport to Girona is Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO), located just 12 km south of the city center. This small airport has connections from over 20 European cities on budget airlines like Ryanair. Barcelona-Girona is one of the main connections and ways to get there.

The high-speed AVE train from Barcelona takes only around 40 minutes to reach Girona. There are over 15 daily trains making the journey, with ticket prices starting from €10 one-way. From Madrid, the AVE train takes under 3 hours to Girona.

Frequent bus services also run between Barcelona and Girona, either direct or with a connection in Figueres. The journey takes 1.5 hours and buses depart every 30-60 minutes during the day. Alsa and Flixbus are the main bus companies serving this route, with tickets costing €5-15 one-way.

For ultimate convenience, consider getting to Girona via Barcelona. The close proximity makes it easy to combine visits to both cities, and Barcelona’s El Prat Airport offers many more international flight connections. From Barcelona, take the train or bus onward to Girona in under an hour.

Day Trip Itineraries

With its central location, Girona makes an ideal base to take day trips to explore more of the Catalonia region. Here are some recommended day trip itineraries from Girona:

One Day in Girona

If you only have 1 day in Girona, focus your time on exploring the medieval Old Town area. Top attractions to see include:

• The Cathedral of Girona with its impressive nave and beautiful cloister
• Walk along the Passeig de la Muralla, the medieval stone walls surrounding the Old Town
• Arab Baths, 12th century Romanesque bathhouse
• Historic Jewish Quarter centered around Carrer de la Força
• Pont de Pedra pedestrian bridge spanning the Onyar River
• Plaça de la Independència, the main square in the Old Town
• Try this tour: Girona: Guided Walking Tour with Attraction Entry Tickets

After seeing the key sights, enjoy free time to wander the charming cobbled streets, shop and grab lunch at cozy cafés and restaurants tucked within medieval buildings.

Two Days in Girona

Over 2 days in Girona you can explore at a more relaxed pace. On the second day consider a bike ride along the river, hike in surrounding nature areas or take a day trip to the coast or nearby villages.

Additional sights to see in Girona include:

• Museum of Jewish History, showcasing Girona’s Jewish heritage
• Museum of Cinema covering film history, especially early Spanish cinema
• Sant Pere de Galligants, Romanesque Benedictine abbey

Day trips options include:

• Coastal town Sitges, known for beaches, nightlife and art museums
• Salvador Dalí sites like the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres
• Medieval village Besalú with its iconic 12th century bridge
• Try this tour: Barcelona: Besalú & Medieval Towns Tour with Hotel Pickup.

One Week in Girona

With a full week in Girona and surrounding areas, you’ll have time to immerse yourself in the city and take multiple day trips at a more relaxed pace. Spend 2-3 days exploring Girona before venturing farther afield.

Additional day trip ideas from Girona include:

• Barcelona, with iconic architecture, world-class museums, culture and cuisine
• Mountaintop monastery Montserrat, with stunning valley views
• Costa Brava coastal towns like Tossa de Mar, Cadaqués and Begur
• Dali Triangle following key sites related to Salvador Dalí
• Try this tour: From Barcelona: Girona, Figueres and Dalí Museum Day Tour.

A full week also allows time for leisure such as cycling, hiking, and sampling local cuisine and wine. Consider visiting during a festival for a unique cultural experience.

Further Reading

If you are interested in more Barcelona travel information, make sure to check out these posts: 

• Barcelona Travel Guide 2024.
• Christmas in Barcelona
• Unlock Hidden Gems: A Guide to the Best Nightlife in Barcelona
• Bite-Size Barcelona: A Foodie’s Adventure into the World of Tapas
• The Ultimate Bucket List: Top Things to Do in Barcelona
• Girona and the Game of Thrones 
• Best Hotels in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter: Luxury to Budget