Overview
Girona brings together a cathedral, medieval walls and winding hillside streets. Its historic centre rewards exploration beyond a stop on the way to the Costa Brava.
Architecture · History · Cycling
Did you know?
- The cathedral holds the Tapestry of Creation.
- The Banys Àrabs is a Romanesque bathhouse.
- The Ter, Onyar, Galligants and Güell rivers meet here.
Why go?
Girona is a fascinating ancient city in Catalonia, northeast Spain, with a cathedral, medieval walls, and winding streets on a hillside. Many travellers pass through on their way to Costa Brava beaches, but the city itself is well worth exploring.
Understand
Girona lies at the confluence of the Ter, Onyar, Galligants and Güell rivers. It was a Roman city, later captured by Moors and reconquered. It had a large Jewish population until the expulsion in 1492. The city walls remain on the east side around the Old Town (Barri Vell).
When to go
Girona is an all-year destination. Winters can be cold with temperatures below -5°C, while summers often soar to 30-40°C. Spring and autumn are mild. The city can be rainy, and many locals escape to the coast in summer.
Things to do
The Catedral de Girona is the highlight, featuring a wide Gothic nave and the Tapestry of Creation. Other sights include the Banys Àrabs (Romanesque bathhouse), the city walls, the Museu d'Art, and the Museu d'Història dels Jueus about the Jewish community. Visit Girona FC at Montilivi stadium, enjoy golf at nearby courses, or cycle long-distance routes like the Pirinexus. The Catalan Way of St. James passes through the city. Semana Santa (Holy Week) features processions.
Buy
Supermarkets are south of Old Town, like Spar at Ciutadans 15 and Novavende at Hortes 18. A flea market is held on Saturdays on the riverbank north of Devesa Park.
Food and drink
Plaça Independencia and Rambla de la Lliberitat are touristy with overpriced food. Better options include König (fast food), Casal Independentista El Forn (tapas), and numerous other restaurants offering Catalan and international cuisine. For drinks, try La Garrina (natural wine), Cu-Cut., or Sunset Jazz Club. Girona is within Empordà DO wine region.
Stay safe
Take usual caution over traffic, care of valuables, and avoid rowdy drunks.
Connect
As of Jan 2024, Girona and its approach highways have 5G from all Spanish carriers.
Go next
Barcelona is an hour south by train. Costa Brava beaches like Blanes, Cadaqués, and Tossa de Mar are accessible by bus. The Girona Pyrenees offer mountains and skiing.
Guide text adapted from Wikivoyage contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to start
Eat
8de7
Great variety of tapas. It has a small terrace outside and a small dining room within.
Eat
Arròs i Peix
Upmarket seafood chain. Mostly good reviews, a few found it overpriced theatre, picking out your fresh fish from the ice tray while juggling your glass of cava.
Eat
B-12
Bar/restaurant with veggie/vegan food and craft beer.
Eat
Bionbo
Informal, fresh modern cuisine with Catalan overtones.
Eat
Cafeteria Canigó
Generous portions of decent food and good wine.
Eat
Cafetería 1900
Coffees, teas, hot chocolates, pastries and waffles.
Eat
Casal Independentista El Forn
Original and delicious tapas or full meals.
Eat
Crepdequè
Serving traditional crêpes plus GF and lactose-free options.
Before you go
Connectivity
As of Jan 2024, Girona has 5G from all Spanish carriers.
Food
Plaça Independencia and Rambla de la Lliberitat are touristy; better food elsewhere.
Safety
Take usual precautions over traffic, valuables, and avoid rowdy drunks.
Transport
Girona Airport (Ryanair hub) is less than 100 km from Barcelona, with transfer buses to the city.
Weather
Winters can be cold (-5°C), summers hot (30-40°C). Rainy at times.