GIRONA: YOUR ULTIMATE ITINERARY
Stepping into Girona feels like traveling back in time. The medieval streets, the grand cathedral towering over the city, the colorful houses reflecting on the Onyar River - it’s all effortlessly beautiful. And if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll recognize parts of Girona as King’s Landing and Braavos, with the Cathedral of Santa Maria standing in for the Great Sept of Baelor.
But even if you’ve never watched the show, Girona has a magic of its own. Most visitors only experience it as a quick day trip from Barcelona, but staying overnight is a game-changer. If you can, give yourself more than just a few rushed hours here - it's worth it.
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GIRONA HIGHLIGHTS
If you’re looking for the absolute best of Girona, these are the spots you shouldn’t miss:
Cathedral of Santa Maria – A Gothic masterpiece with the widest nave of its kind. You might recognize it as the Great Sept of Baelor from Game of Thrones.
Passeig de la Muralla – Girona’s medieval city walls, offering panoramic views over the rooftops and surrounding countryside.
The Onyar River and its bridges – Cross the iconic Eiffel Bridge (designed by the same engineer behind the Eiffel Tower) for picture-perfect views of Girona’s colorful houses.
Arab Baths – A Romanesque-style bathhouse that’s been around since the 12th century.
The Jewish Quarter (El Call) – One of Europe’s best-preserved Jewish quarters, filled with history and hidden courtyards.
GETTING TO AND AROUND GIRONA
Getting around Girona:
Girona is a walkable city, with its compact layout and main attractions all within easy walking distance.
Getting to Girona:
Arriving by train? Girona is well-connected by high-speed AVE trains. You can get there from Barcelona (~40 minutes) and Figueres (~15 minutes).
Flying in? Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) is just 12 km from the city center, with buses and taxis available for an easy transfer.
Planning to explore beyond Girona? Renting a car gives you the flexibility to visit nearby gems like Costa Brava at your own pace.
Short on time? A day trip from Barcelona that combines Girona, Figueres (Dalí Theatre-Museum), and Cadaqués is a great way to experience a mix of history, art, and stunning coastal scenery all in one go.
GIRONA ITINERARY
Most people squeeze Girona into a quick visit, and Day 1 already covers a lot. But if you have more time, staying longer lets you slow down and explore hidden gems.
DAY 1
Morning: Head to Girona’s Old Town (Barri Vell), where history feels alive in every stone alleyway.
Your first stop - the Cathedral of Santa Maria, a breathtaking Gothic masterpiece with the widest nave of its kind. The stained glass inside is truly stunning.
To visit, you’ll need a ticket, which you can buy at the entrance - it also includes access to the Basilica de Sant Feliu, making it easy to see both.
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you might recognize its grand staircase - it played the role of the Great Sept of Baelor in the series.
Just a short walk away, the Basilica de Sant Feliu stands out with its towering bell and ancient tombs.
Then, step into the Arab Baths, a 12th-century bathhouse with stunning medieval architecture.
Lunch: Grab a table at NEXE, a modern spot that gives Catalan cuisine a creative twist.
Afternoon: Walk along Passeig de la Muralla, Girona’s medieval city walls. The climb is worth it - once you’re at the top, you’ll get some of the best panoramic views of the city. Then, wander through the Jewish Quarter (El Call), one of the best-preserved in Europe.
Evening: Stroll along the Onyar River and its famous bridges. The Eiffel Bridge - designed by the same Gustave Eiffel who built that tower in Paris - offers the best views of Girona’s colorful riverside houses.
DAY 2
If you want to take it easy on Day 2, just enjoy Girona at a slower pace. But if you're up for more exploring, here are some great options:
Explore Girona with a small-group walking tour – Want to dive deeper into the city's history? This guided tour is a great way to do it. Check it out here →
Visit Besalú – This medieval town feels straight out of a storybook, with its impressive Romanesque bridge and beautifully preserved historic center.
It’s an easy trip from Girona - about 30 minutes by car or 50 minutes by bus (E1 line, TEISA) from Girona Bus Station.
Relax at Plaça de la Independència – One of Girona’s most vibrant squares, lined with cafés and restaurants.
Unwind at La Devesa Park – Need a break? This lush, tree-lined park is the perfect spot to take a break and recharge.
Join a Game of Thrones walking tour – Join a guide to explore Girona’s most iconic filming locations, from the Cathedral (aka the Great Sept of Baelor) to the Arab Baths, Sant Pere de Galligants Monastery, and Plaça dels Jurats. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories and fun details about how the city was transformed into Westeros.
WHERE TO STAY
Staying overnight? Here are some great places to stay in Girona:
BYPILLOW Erba – A stylish, modern hotel near the train station and city center - perfect if you want convenience and comfort.
Hotel Peninsular – A centrally located stay with modern amenities, ideal for exploring the Old Town on foot.
Hotel Ultonia – Spacious rooms, great service, and easy access to Girona’s main sights.
Hotel Gran Ultonia – Elegant and refined, with amazing city views and a prime location near Girona’s landmarks.
Hotel Nord 1901 – A charming boutique hotel with sophisticated decor and a peaceful courtyard pool, right in the heart of the Old Town.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Is Girona worth visiting?
Girona is full of surprises - its medieval Old Town is beautifully preserved, with history around every corner. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll definitely recognize a few filming locations, like the Cathedral of Santa Maria (Great Sept of Baelor), the Arab Baths, and Plaça dels Jurats. If you’re visiting Barcelona and short on time, setting aside a few hours for Girona is highly recommended - it's an easy trip and absolutely worth it.
What is the best way to travel from Barcelona to Girona?
The high-speed AVE train is the fastest and easiest way to get from Barcelona to Girona, taking about 40 minutes. It departs from Barcelona Sants Station and arrives at Girona Train Station, just a short walk from the city center. If you prefer to drive, Girona is about an hour away via the AP-7 highway.
Does Girona have beaches?
No, Girona itself doesn’t have beaches, but it’s a great base for exploring the Costa Brava, known for its stunning coastline. If you’re looking for a beach day, there are plenty of beautiful spots nearby that are easy to reach.
How far is Girona to the beach?
The closest beaches are about 30 to 40 minutes away by car, with towns like Tossa de Mar, Platja d’Aro, and Lloret de Mar among the most popular. If you’re not driving, Moventis-Sarfa buses run regularly from Girona Bus Station, with travel times ranging from 45 minutes to an hour. There’s no direct train to the coast, but you can take a train to Blanes and connect by bus to nearby beach towns.
BEYOND GIRONA
Got extra time? Here are a few amazing places just outside Girona that are worth checking out.
Figueres – The birthplace of Salvador Dalí and home to the Dalí Theatre-Museum, a mind-bending tribute to the artist’s surreal world. Even if you’re not a big art fan, the museum is an experience in itself - think giant eggs on the roof and rooms that feel like stepping into one of Dalí’s paintings.
Costa Brava – If you’re craving the beach, this is where you want to be. The Costa Brava is famous for its rugged coastline, turquoise coves, and postcard-worthy towns like Tossa de Mar and Calella de Palafrugell. Want to know more? Take a look at our Costa Brava guide.
Cadaqués – A dreamy whitewashed fishing village that Dalí once called home. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger over a seafood lunch with ocean views.
Barcelona – Just 40 minutes by train, and you’re in one of Spain’s most dynamic cities. No matter how many times you visit, there’s always something new to discover. Want to make the most of your trip? Take a look at our Barcelona guide.