Girona often overshadowed by Barcelona but ‘deserves more attention’
Often overshadowed by Barcelona, Girona deserves more attention. Led by the Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca, the town is home to fantastic restaurants. And the medieval old town, world-class cycling and bustling wine and beer scene complete the ingredients for an excellent weekend.
Where to stay
Pension Bellmirall
Located just behind the cathedral in the prettiest part of the old town, this seven-room hotel is housed in a 13th-century building. There are exposed stone and wood floors throughout, and each room is uniquely decorated and finished with original art. Don’t miss the charming courtyard, which is centered around an old well.
Double B&B from £85, pensio-bellmirall-guest-house-girona.booked.net.
The Spanish city of Girona is ideal for a weekend away. Check in at Pensio Bellmirall, just behind the cathedral (above) in the old town
Hotel Ciutat de Girona
This modern hotel is located on the left bank of the river, close to the bars and restaurants in Placa de la Independencia. It has spacious rooms, an indoor pool, spa and gym.
Double Room B&B from £75, hotelciutatdegirona.com.
North 1901 hotel
Nord 1901 Hotel’s shaded garden with swimming pool (above) is an ideal escape in the summer months
Dating back to 1901 as its name suggests, this unassuming city center hotel has been tastefully brought up to date. The comfortable rooms embrace a warm color palette with stylish furnishings and useful additions such as kettles and coffee makers. The shaded garden with swimming pool and sunbeds is an ideal escape in the summer months.
Doubles from £94, nord1901.com.
What to see and do
Explore on foot
The colors of Girona: Bright buildings along the river, known as Cases de l’Onyar
Above is the rusty red iron El Pont de Ferro, designed by the famous Parisian Gustave Eiffel
A compact city, the best way to discover historical sites is by walking. Girona is known for its 11 bridges, most notably the fairytale Pont de Pedra and the rust red iron El Pont de Ferro, designed by the famous Parisian Gustave Eiffel.
You’ll also get the best view (and perfect photo) of the colorful houses along the river (Cases de l’Onyar). Don’t miss the cathedral with its impressive stained glass windows and the 86 steps made famous by Game of Thrones.
Enjoy the view
You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the city as you walk past Girona’s restored medieval walls
Built by the Romans, the restored medieval walls that protected Girona offer a great way to see the city from above. Once you’ve climbed up the cathedral, go up a bit further (look for ‘Passeig de la Muralla’ on the map) and join the old walkway. You’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the city, countryside and sometimes the snow-capped Pyrenees in the distance.
Rent a bike
Girona is a hub for cycling. With a community of professionals living here and amateurs holidaying in droves, you’re sure to see cyclists whizzing by. If you feel like getting involved, it’s a great way to explore the nearby wildlife. Electric bikes are available if you don’t feel like crawling up those hills (prices start at £35 for a day at Bike Rental Girona, bike rental girona.com).
Where to eat and drink
Le Bistrot
Restaurant Le Bistrot is located on the steps of Pujada de Sant Domenec (above)
In terms of charming locations, Le Bistrot surpasses them all.
Located on the steps of Pujada de Sant Domènec, grab one of the four outdoor tables and enjoy the view of this photogenic winding street above and below.
The best time to visit is lunchtime, where you can enjoy the reduced menu del dia (menu of the day: £17 for three courses, bread and a glass of wine). Dishes include braised pork with slivered almonds and cod with tomato and aioli salsa (Pujada de Sant Domènec, 4).
Creperie Bretonne
With the French border almost screaming distance, it’s no surprise that there’s a decent creperie out there.
This restaurant serves Breton-style crepes at reasonable prices (from £4.20) in a quirky setting decorated with vintage film posters and second-hand finds – don’t miss the bathrooms hidden in an old school bus (Carrer de la Cort Reial, 14).
Rocambolesc
Try some innovative ice cream flavors at Rocambolesc, pictured
Taste the desserts served at El Celler de Can Roca without the eye-popping prices at Jordi Roca’s ice cream shop.
The youngest Roca brother once held the title of the world’s best pastry chef and has injected this creativity into his ice cream venture. The Willy Wonka-style shop serves innovative flavours, crazy popsicles and famous brioche ice cream sandwiches (prices start at £2.80, Carrer de Santa Clara, 50).
Accessibility
Ryanair (ryanair.com) London Stansted to Girona from £22. Hourly buses 607 and 663 will take you from Girona airport to the city center in 15 minutes (£2).