Girona – A Hidden Gem of Catalonia, Spain

Girona – A Hidden Gem of Catalonia, Spain

Girona, one of Catalonia’s most charming cities, is a perfect mix of history, culture, and gastronomy. Famous for its well-preserved medieval old town, colorful houses along the Onyar River, and Game of Thrones filming locations, Girona is a must-visit destination in northern Spain.

image

🏰 Top Things to See & Do in Girona

1️⃣ Girona Cathedral (Catedral de Santa Maria) ⛪

  • One of Spain’s most impressive cathedrals, with the widest Gothic nave in the world.
  • Famous as the Great Sept of Baelor in Game of Thrones.
  • Climb the steps for a breathtaking city view.

2️⃣ Walk the Medieval Walls (Passeig de la Muralla) 🏰

  • Offers panoramic views of Girona and the surrounding countryside.
  • A great way to see the city from above and explore its medieval history.

image

3️⃣ The Colorful Houses of the Onyar River 🌉

  • Girona’s most iconic view, with brightly colored houses reflecting on the river.
  • Best viewed from the Pont de les Peixateries Velles, designed by Gustave Eiffel.

4️⃣ Explore the Jewish Quarter (El Call) 🏡

  • One of Europe’s best-preserved Jewish quarters, with narrow, medieval streets.
  • Visit the Museum of Jewish History to learn about Girona’s Jewish heritage.

image

5️⃣ Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs) 🏛️

  • A 12th-century Romanesque bathhouse, inspired by Moorish architecture.
  • Features a beautiful central dome with columns.

6️⃣ Game of Thrones Filming Locations 🎬

  • Walk in the footsteps of Arya Stark through the city’s winding streets.
  • Visit the steps of the cathedral, the Jewish Quarter, and Arab Baths, all featured in the series.

7️⃣ Eat at a Michelin-Starred Restaurant 🍽️

  • Girona is home to El Celler de Can Roca, a 3-Michelin-star restaurant, ranked among the best in the world.
  • Try local Catalan dishes like “suquet de peix” (fish stew) and botifarra (Catalan sausage).

image

🚗 How to Get to Girona

✈️ By Air: Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) is 20 min away, with budget flights from Europe.
🚆 By Train: High-speed AVE trains connect Barcelona (38 min), Madrid (3.5 hrs), and Paris (5.5 hrs).
🚘 By Car: 1 hr from Barcelona, 40 min from Figueres (Dalí Museum).
🚌 By Bus: Direct buses from Barcelona and the Costa Brava.

image

💡 Tips for Visiting Girona

Best time to visit? Spring & autumn (April–June & September–October) for pleasant weather. 🌤️
Wear comfortable shoes – The old town is hilly with cobblestone streets. 👟
Try xuixo – A delicious cream-filled pastry, unique to Girona. 🥐
Visit early for Game of Thrones spots – They get crowded during the day! 🎥
Take a day trip – Explore nearby Costa Brava beaches or Figueres (Dalí Museum). 🏖️

image


No comments yet.