Why Girona should be on your Spain bucket list

While streams of tourists to Spain tirelessly make their pilgrimage to Barcelona, ​​just 100 kilometers northeast lies a city that feels like a well-kept secret: Girona.

Those who discover it usually fall in love at first sight – with the medieval maze of alleyways, the majestic cathedral, the colorful row of houses along the Onyar River. And with an atmosphere that lies somewhere between Mediterranean ease and an eventful past. Girona is not a destination for a quick photo stop, but perfect for travelers who want to experience the real Spain . We present the highlights of this Catalan pearl.

Girona's old town, Barri Vell, is one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Spain. You can wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets, where time seems to have stood still. The city's landmark is Girona Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María), which, at almost 30 meters, boasts the widest Gothic nave in the world.

The pretty streets of the old town.

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A lovely place to linger is the Plaça de la Independència. Lined with arcades, this neoclassical-style square is home to numerous restaurants and cafés, always bustling with activity. The tiled colonnades, reminiscent of Italian cities like Bologna, provide shade in the summer heat.

The best—and free—view of the city is available from a walk along the old city walls (Passeig de la Muralla). From here, you can gaze at winding rooftops, church towers, and, on a clear day, even the peaks of the Pyrenees. The entire walk takes just half an hour.

Walking on Girona's city walls is a great free activity.

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A visit to the Jewish quarter of El Call in the old town is also not to be missed. The quarter dates back to the ninth century and is now one of the best-preserved of its kind in Europe. Those interested in Girona's Jewish history can take a guided tour or visit the Jewish Museum in a former synagogue.

If you need a break after walking over the cobblestones, you should sit on the banks of the Onyar River. The river separates the historic old town from the modern Mercadal district. The colorful house facades reflected in the water are another highlight of Girona.

The striking bridge Pont de les Peixateries Velles.

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This view is particularly charming from the Pont de les Peixateries Velles, a red steel bridge constructed by Gustave Eiffel shortly before the construction of the Tour Eiffel. The relationship between the two structures is obvious even to a non-trained eye.

Gustave Eiffel’s bridge is a great photo spot.

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Another historic gem of Girona are the Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs), located not far from the cathedral. Although built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style, their architecture is inspired by Muslim bathhouses—hence their name.

This is what wellness looked like in the Middle Ages: The Arab Baths of Girona.

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The well-preserved complex provides a fascinating insight into what bathing and wellness culture looked like in the Middle Ages. The octagonal domed hall above the central cold water pool is particularly impressive. A visit is definitely recommended, even if you're not allowed to cool off in the pools.

For foodies, a detour to the Mercat del Lleó is worthwhile. At the market, centrally located in a hall, you'll find cheese from the Pyrenees, pickled olives, and freshly baked coca bread. A must-try is the xuixo ​​(pronounced chu-cho), a deep-fried sugar cone filled with vanilla cream.

You can buy regional food at over 50 stalls.

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You can also pack a picnic at the market and find a quiet spot to eat in Devesa Park. Home to over 2,500 shady plane trees, the city park is one of the largest in the Spanish region.

Not only is Girona itself worth a visit – the surrounding area also has a lot to offer. The Costa Brava, with its beautiful beaches and small coves, is just a short distance away. Many of the bathing spots can be reached in 30 to 40 minutes by car or public transport.

The beach of Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava.

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Among the most beautiful nearby beaches are the family-friendly sandy beach of Platja d'Aro, the pine-lined Cala Sa Conca bay near S'Agaró, and the bay of Tossa de Mar, which lies directly below the medieval old town. Other medieval villages with impressive, well-preserved old towns include Pals and Besalú. Like the beaches, they are ideal for a day trip from Girona.

Along with the Croatian coastal town of Dubrovnik, Girona also served as a backdrop for the hit HBO series "Game of Thrones." Fans of the series will definitely get their money's worth here, for example, with a guided filming location tour.

The famous steps in front of the church of Sant Martí Sacosta.

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Arya escapes through the winding alleys of Braavos, which actually lead through historic Girona. She runs through Carrer de Ferran el Catòlic, past the Arab baths, and tumbles down the stairs in front of the church of Sant Martí Sacosta. Blinded, she sits on the stone steps of Carrer del Bisbe Josep Cartañà.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Girona was one of the “Game of Thrones” filming locations.

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The city's mighty cathedral (Catedral de Santa María), which incidentally boasts the widest Gothic nave in the world, served as the backdrop for King's Landing. On its steps, Margaery Tyrell receives mercy and is spared the need to walk through the city like Cersei Lannister. The impressive cloister of the Church of Sant Pere de Galligants also becomes a part of King's Landing in the "Game of Thrones" universe.

The cloister of Sant Pere de Galligants also appears in the HBO series.

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Girona has long been a top-class gastronomic destination. The city is home to the restaurant El Celler de Can Roca, which has been repeatedly named the best restaurant in the world. However, those who don't reserve a year in advance at the three-Michelin-starred restaurant and don't have the cash for a tasting menu don't have to miss out on culinary extravagance.

There are other places in Girona where you can enjoy Roca's creations. One option is the VII wine and tapas bar. Reservations are required for this, but about a week in advance is enough. Another option is Rocambolesc, a creative ice cream parlor run by the youngest of the three Roca brothers. Be sure to try the baked apple flavor, a best-seller that consistently receives praise in online reviews.

There are several natural parks around Girona, each featuring a diverse range of landscapes. Visitors particularly appreciate the UNESCO Montseny Biosphere Reserve for its rich flora and fauna. Those interested in wildlife observation will also find plenty to enjoy in the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park, home to over 300 species.

The volcanic landscape near Garrotxa seems like it comes from another planet.

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While Cap de Creus is more impressive for its hilly coastal landscape with coves, the Garrotxa region is known for its impressive volcanic landscape. Cooled lava flows, volcanic cones, and fertile soils dominate the landscape – a unique natural setting that stands out from other parks. In winter, the mountains around Garrotxa are even covered in a thick layer of snow.

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