Whereas many individuals solely go to Girona on a day journey from Barcelona, we advocate spending just a few days exploring its medieval partitions, historic church buildings, and its unbelievable gastronomical scene. Oh, and did we point out it was a significant location for Sport of Thrones? There are such a lot of issues to do in Girona, it might effectively turn into your favourite Spanish metropolis.
Situated between the Pyrenees Mountains and the Costa Brava Coast within the Spanish province of Girona, we had the prospect to spend a whole summer time exploring the area and the capital metropolis of the identical title. I do not know why we by no means wrote about all the very best issues to do in Girona prior to now, but it surely’s higher late than by no means proper? So let’s try why this metropolis is so particular that Sport of Thrones made it a significant a part of filming scenes for Braavos and King’s Touchdown.
Issues to do in Girona
- Spain is open to vacationers however some restrictions nonetheless could apply, you’ll want to test with Catalonia Tourism to see what’s open.
Girona is situated simply 100km from Barcelona. We drove to Girona from Barcelona and took a highway journey by means of Costa Brava. We extremely advocate driving because the Costa Brava Coast is attractive. You’ll be able to test rental automobile costs from Barcelona or Girona right here however it’s also possible to take a high-speed practice between the cities. You should purchase trains between the cities take simply 38 minutes and begin at simply $13.95. Take a look at RailEurope for particulars.
The place To Keep In Girona
Lodge Carlemany – Situated proper within the heart of Girona, Lodge Carlemany, is a implausible location that’s strolling distance to lots of the prime websites in Girona. It has parking, huge bike storage and breakfast. See it on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
Lodge Nord 1901 – A ravishing boutique resort with an excellent location that could be a 5 minute stroll from Girona Cathedral and vibrant homes of the River Onyar. Picturesque setting, swimming pool and stylish trendy rooms. See it on TripAdvisor / Reserving.com
Okay, now that we have now the logistics of journey and resorts discovered, let’s get on with the very best issues to do in Girona, Spain.
1. Take a Biking Tour of Girona
Metropolis excursions are among the finest methods to get acquainted with any metropolis and our biking tour with BikeCat was one in all our favorite issues to do in Girona. We not solely explored town, however we additionally visited the countryside and neighboring villages. At BikeCat you’ll be able to customise your excursions from day journeys to a number of day excursions. One of many cool issues is that you’ll keep in resorts the place skilled cyclists have stayed and educated for many years. Girona is a well-liked coaching vacation spot for Tour de France and different skilled cyclists so what higher method to get into the guts of the tradition than by biking by means of Girona. Take a look at BikeCat.com for particulars. Watch our video: Biking by means of Medievel Villages of Girona
Don’t wish to cycle? E book a small-group strolling tour of Girona the place you’ll be transported to the medieval age as you discover 2,000 years of historical past with an area information. Highlights embrace filming areas from Sport of Thrones, The Cathedral of Girona (cool truth, it accommodates the widest Gothic nave of the world and stroll throughout the bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel.
2. Eiffel Bridge (Pont de les Peixateries Velles)
One of the crucial scenic spots in Girona is the Eiffel Bridge. Constructed on the positioning the place 4 river’s meat, this bridge was constructed by Gustave Eiffel simply earlier than he started building on the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Girona has 11 bridges connecting the east and western components of town however that is essentially the most well-known. There are stunning views of the colourful homes lining the Onyar River.
3. Stroll the Medieval Wall
Our favorite factor to do in Girona is to take a stroll alongside the medieval metropolis partitions. Taking the Passeig de la Muralla (stroll of the wall) provides stunning views panoramic views of Girona. Courting again to the first century, BC, Girona’s metropolis partitions are the is essentially the most full metropolis wall in all of Spain. The Força Vella (previous fortress) was constructed by the Romans and parts nonetheless stand as we speak. Over the centuries the partitions have been expanded and rebuilt to guard from sieges and assaults by means of the center ages. In the present day they’re one of many prime issues to do in Girona to see town from above and the Pyrenees mountains past.
4. Girona Cathedral
The Girona Cathedral is formally often called Cathedral de Santa Maria Girona. Situated within the coronary heart of Previous Metropolis on Plaça de la Catedra, the Girona Cathedral dates again to the eleventh century. Taking seven a long time to finish creates an fascinating mix of various types from Romanesque to Gothic and Baroque. Situated on the highest level in Girona, it’s a gathering place, a preferred location for filming and trend shoots, and the principle vacationer attraction in Girona. No journey to Girona can be full with out going inside to view the cloister, its stained glass home windows, and bell tower.
Cool truth: many a scene from Sport of Thrones was filmed on the Girona Cathedral steps. E book this Sport of Thrones small group tour the place you’ll start at Saint Martin’s stairs to tour the Jewish Quarter, at GOT areas of Claveria, Sant Llorenç road, and Cúndaro streets. Then, move the Cathedral of Santa Maria to succeed in Cartanyà Bisbe Avenue, within the neighborhood close to the Casserna dels Alemanys (German Headquarters).
5. Sport of Thrones Areas
We’ve talked rather a lot about Sport of Thrones in Girona and if you’re a fan of the sequence, a GOT tour is to not be missed. A guided tour is extremely beneficial, however there are additionally locations you’ll discover your self such because the steps of the Girona Cathedral at Plaça de la Catedral, the cobbled streets of Girona’s Previous City and Plaça dels Jurats (Girona’s pageant sq.) was the place the place Arya watched the play in regards to the Starks and the Lannister households. This GOT Tour will present you all of the filming areas round Girona.
- Enjoyable Truth: Plaça dels Jurats (Girona’s pageant sq.) is used as a theatre and live performance venue in actual life as effectively.
6. Jewish Quarter – El Name
Often called El Name, the Jewish Quarter is situated within the coronary heart of Previous City (Força Vella) Girona. This maze of slender cobbled streets is to not be missed when visiting Girona. Take pleasure in a glass of prosecco on an outside patio, whereas admiring the archways and structure of this iconic district.
Take a look at this extremely rated tour the place you’ll uncover, one of many best-preserved Jewish Quarters from the Center Ages in Europe. Study aboutNachmanides, crucial rabbi and physician of Girona and luxuriate in a guided go to of the Museum of Jewish Historical past.
7. Rambla de la Llibertat
Rambla de la Llibertat (La Rambla) is the place to be for eating, procuring, and people-watching. The primary road of previous city Girona is full of cafes and outside patios which might be good for an aperitivo. This pedestrian road runs parallel to the Onyar River and has an eclectic mixture of structure from the nineteenth century with baroque and gothic facades and shaded portico walkways. It’s our favorite place in Girona to get pleasure from drinks and appetizers earlier than an evening out in town.
8. The Arab Baths (Els Banys Arabs)
Public baths aren’t solely common in Turkey and Italy, Girona has its personal public baths courting again to 1194. Impressed by Northern African and Roman Baths, the Arab Baths are probably the most visited points of interest in Girona. They have been destroyed throughout a siege, however in 1342, the Arab baths have been rebuilt. They have been restored in 1932 and opened to the general public to present a glimpse into life within the center ages. You’ll acknowledge the octagonal, column-surrounded central pool that has been featured on movie. And ensure to go to the rooftop for views of the cathedral. It’s solely €2 to go to, making it a should cease on any Girona itinerary.
Don’t simply go to the Arab Baths alone, take this guided tour the place you’ll discover the Romanesque type rooms from the 11trh century adopted by a stroll by means of the gardens of the Cathedral of Girona and the Monastery of St Pere de Galligants
9. Go to the Spa
Since you’ll be able to’t bathe within the Arab Baths, a spa remedy might be on the agenda. Aqva Gerunda is a wonderful place to assuage your travel-weary muscular tissues with aromatherapy thermal baths, ritual massages, and thermal cycles. Situated within the first Hospital of Girona, AQVA was opened in 2015 by an area entrepreneur desirous to observe the Roman traditions of making a steadiness the place water, stone, gentle, and first components accompany a purifying journey by means of the senses.
10. Basílica Parroquial de Sant Feliu (The Basilica de Sant Feliu)
The Church of Saint Felu was a spotlight of our many visits to Girona. Understanding the pinnacle of Costa Brava tourism firsthand provides many perks and we had the prospect to ring the bells of the Bell Tower throughout one in all our stays. The bells on the Basilica Parroquial de Sant Feliue solely ring 5 instances a yr on holidays resembling Easter, Corpus Christy, and Good Friday. We may solely think about what folks have been pondering when the bells began ringing out of the blue. It was Girona’s first church and touring inside reveals stunning artworks courting again to the 4th century that has been meticulously restored.
11. Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants
When touring Costa Brava and Catalunya you’ll uncover many a monastery. The Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants is a Benedictine Abbey courting again to the twelfth century. Housing the Archeological Museum of Catalonia is a must-visit place in Girona to discover archaeological finds from prehistoric instances to the center ages.
12. The Sant Domènec Convent
Based in 1253, now homes the College of Arts for the College of Girona. It’s situated on the very best level of the Girona Wall and may be visited. Notable issues to see its varied eras of structure with Gothic and Renaissance cloisters, and Baroque chapels.
13. Monastery Saint Daniel
One other stunning place to see in Girona is Monastery St. Daniel. Like so many issues within the metropolis, it’s previous, courting again to the eleventh century. Situated simply exterior town core, this church homes the stays of St. Daniel. The cloisters are a stand-out attraction with the primary flooring constructed within the thirteenth century in Romanesque type and the Fifteenth-century higher cloisters in Gothic type.
14. Jardins dels Alemanys
The Jardins dels Alemanys is a gorgeous park and greenspace housing Roman ruins that have been used as barracks by German troopers throughout the nineteenth century Peninsular Battle, the wall. Be certain that to stroll as much as the highest of the ruins for views of the cathedral and metropolis of Girona.
15. Plaça de la Independència
Plaça de la Independència or Independence Sq. is the principle metropolis sq. of Girona. Situated within the historic centre of Girona, this sq. is a well-liked gathering place. With cafés lining the sq. it’s common with the vacationers. In case you are searching for issues to do in Girona at night time, Independence Sq. is a superb place to start out.
16. Casa Maso
Up there with the likes of Gaudi Rafael Masó most excellent Catalan architects of the early twentieth century. Actually, he was an admirer of Gaudi and helped to form and create Noucentisme (a substitute for Gaudi’s modernism). Casa Masó was his residence till 1912 and plenty of of his works may be present in Girona and surrounding areas resembling Sant Feliu de Guíxols and the backyard metropolis of s’Agaró.
Girona Museums
With a wealthy and storied historical past, it’s little doubt that Girona would have loads of museums. When you’ve got the time, try some museums to delve into Girona’s previous.
17. Jewish Historical past Museum
The Museum of Jewish Historical past stands out amongst Girona museums with 11 areas the place guests can find out about Jewish life, historical past, and tradition in Catalonia throughout medieval instances. The cemetery accommodates 29 tombstones of earlier Jewish inhabitants of Girona.
18. Girona Historical past Museum
The Girona Historical past Museum is situated within the former 18th-century convent of the Capuchin friars of Saint Anthony.
19.Girona Artwork Museum
The Girona Artwork Museum is situated within the former Bishops Palace courting again to the tenth century. In the present day it homes an enormous assortment of Romanesque and Gothic artwork. Be ready for previous paintings. This isn’t a recent artwork museum, as an alternative, it accommodates many non secular depictions and medieval and renaissance artworks.
20. Museum of Cinema
In the event you like motion pictures, you will love the Museum of Cinema. The Museum of Cinema-Tomàs Mallol Assortment celebrates the historical past of the transferring picture. From the pre-cinema period the place the magic lantern was used to venture photographs on a wall to the early age of cinema and stars of silent movie, this is a wonderful place to study in regards to the origins of transferring footage.
21. Gastronomy in Girona
Girona is among the world’s best meals locations. Girona is residence to 16 Michelin Star eating places together with El Celler de Can Roca, which was proclaimed the Finest Restaurant within the World! We’ve tasted their meals and it actually is a murals! When visiting Girona ensure to pattern its many excellent eating places that includes Catalan, and Mediterranean delicacies. Don’t neglect about dessert, in the case of gelato, most individuals consider indulging on this tasty deal with in Italy, however Girona has a number of the finest gelato outlets on the earth. Rocambolesc
Getting Round Girona
Getting round Girona is kind of simple. A lot of the essential issues to do in Girona are inside strolling distance and you may discover rather a lot in a day or a brief period of time. Biking can also be a good way to get round Girona with loads of bike rental choices. And to succeed in the encompassing areas for day journeys from Girona, we extremely advocate renting a automobile. Taxis are available in Girona as effectively.
Day Journeys from Girona
Girona is an incredible place to make a base as you discover Costa Brava and the Pyrenees. As we mentioned, we spent a summer time right here so we have been privileged to do rather a lot round this attractive area of Spain. Whilst you want a summer time to essentially discover every part close to Girona, listed here are just a few of our favourite day journeys from Girona to think about when exploring Catalunya.
21. Volcano of La Garrotxa
The most effective mountain climbing journeys exterior of Girona is the Volcano of La Garrotxa. You’ll be able to stroll proper contained in the crater to see the layers of volcanic exercise. There may be greater than 125 km of mountain climbing trails, so it’s positively a gorgeous place to hike. You’ll be able to trek by means of the volcanoes, lava flows, and forested paths. Take a look at this tour the place you’ll discover the pre-Pyrenees Mountains with greater than 40 volcanoes, the Banyoles Lake, and medieval villages.
22. Through Ferrata at Saint Feliu de Guixols
In case you are searching for a enjoyable journey, make your method to the Medieval City of Saint Feliu de Guixols to take a rare coastal through Ferrata. The Through Ferrata at Saint Feliu de Guixols provides gorgeous views, coronary heart racing traverses, and thrilling metal bridges that dangle over the Mediterranean Sea. This can be a should!
23. Sizzling Air Balloon within the Pyrenees
This actually was among the finest issues we did in all of Spain. E book this sizzling air balloon flight leaving from Garrotxa within the Pyrenees. It’s actually astounding to go excessive above the Spanish Pyrenees at dawn. Take pleasure in a glowing glass of Cava as you get pleasure from essentially the most romantic of issues to do in Girona. A Journey By way of The Pyrenees in Footage
24. Dali in Port Lligat
Simply exterior of Cadaques and we’re up on the North-Japanese tip of Costa Brava and the spotlight of this city goes to the Salvador Dali home the place Dali himself lived and embellished and designed all of it himself. Dali was a well-known surrealist artist from Spain and his life and artwork are celebrated in Port Lligat. This is among the hottest day journeys in Costa Brava, so make your reservations beforehand on-line. Take this Salvador Dali tour from Girona the place you’ll go to the city of Figueres, the Dalí Museum, and the village of Cadaqués.
And these are the very best issues to do in Girona Spain. Girona is a spot we took as a right when spending a summer time in Costa Brava, but it surely actually is among the finest locations to go to within the nation. In case you are planning a Spain itinerary, you’ll want to add Girona to your checklist.