One Day Break Girona
If you only have one day In Girona
Girona is a lovely medieval town. You might've heard of it before as a filming location for Game of Thrones (whilst walking around the old town, you might recognise parts of Kings Landing, Braavos and Old Town). If you're staying for one day in Girona, we recommend the following:
1. Visiting the Old Jewish Quarter/Call de Girona
Before the Spanish Inquisition (mid to late1400s), Girona had one of the largest Jewish populations in Europe. The Jewish Quarter is one of the oldest (and nicest!) parts of town - alleyways, cobblestone streets, archways, etc… Get lost in the maze of old streets or if you'd like to know more about the Jewish history of the city, you can visit the museu d'història dels jueus
2. Explore the old city walls/Passeig de la Muralla
Walking along the city's medieval walls (Passeig de la Muralla) is a great way to enjoy the views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Along the way you will be able to find perfect locations for beautiful pictures.
The wall was originally built in the 14th century and was still intact as recently as 1892. It has since been reconstructed. A great place to start the route is at la Plaça Catalunya, on the banks of the River Onyar.
3. Visit the Cathedral of Girona
Finish your walk at the Cathedral, a beautiful building with the widest Gothic nave in the whole world. Its original parts date back to the 11th century, but as all churches, it's had a lot of work done since. You will see Baroque, Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
4. Eat lots!
Girona is very well known for its food scene, and is home to the twice-ranked World's Best Restaurant: el Celler de Can Roca. You will be able to find something for all palates in Girona
5. Visit the public baths
Medieval Girona had a great tradition of public baths. You can go to the best preserved Romanesque public baths in the world - Els Banys Àrabs website here
6. Go to a spa
If after seeing the public baths, you feel like enjoying the Roman bath experience for yourself, you might want to pay a visit to Aqva Gerunda, a small Spa that preserves a Roman street in one of their thermal pools.
Three Day Break- 🎨Girona, Figueres, Banyoles and Besalú
IF you have three days
… and want to enjoy cultural sites and country scenery
🎨Girona, Figueres, Banyoles and Besalú
Getting around Girona is remarkably easy. Girona is a small city and all the sites are very close to one another, and all within walking distance. There is no need to bother with public transport (or driving!) when in Girona proper. However, if you're planning on going on any day trips from Girona, you will find that renting a car is the easiest option. If you haven't rented a car at the airport, there are rental car branches at Girona Train Station.
Day 1 🏰 Girona (see here)
Day 2 🏯 Besalú and Banyoles
Besalú is 40 min away from Girona by car. Besalú is no doubt the most spectacular medieval town of Catalunya (and one of the best preserved ones in the entire country). Besalú is quite small so immerse yourself in the magic of its streets. Walk around and take in the medieval heritage still standing. A must see is its spectacular romanesque bridge.
On your way to Banyoles, stop at Castellfollit de La Roca for a few minutes to take some pictures of the house on the top of this amazing cliff.
Banyoles is a very famous town given its impressive lake. Walk around the lake, which is specially beautiful before sunset. You can rent a rowing boat and swim too if that tickles your fancy!
The whole region is known for its food so you will not have any problems finding a place to eat!
You can always book guided tours for either of these locations - they are easy to find online.
Day 3. 🎨 Figueres
Figueres is known for being the birthplace of Salvador Dalí. He lived there with his wife and it's where he's buried. Today, Figueres is famous for the museum that Dalí opened up in the town, and where he set up his own museum with the largest collection of his work.
The Dalí Theatre-Museum is the main attraction in Figueres. The building itself is a Dalí masterpiece and it hosts one of his largest collections. This museum is very famous so it tends to be packed. It is recommended that you book in advance as you might not be able to enter otherwise. Mornings tend to be busier. Children under 8 have free access.
You can also visit the Dalí Jewels Museum to see a collection of the jewellery he designed. If you're interested in seeing both museums, you might want to consider buying a combined ticket in advance. Next the Jewels Museum, you will find where Dalí lived with his wife Gala (and locate the plaque where they explain all the unique features of the building, like the eggs).
Three Day Break -🌊 Costa Brava - Cadaqués, Begur and Calella de Palafrugell
IF you have three days
… and want to enjoy the seaside
🌊 Costa Brava - Cadaqués, Begur and Calella de Palafrugell
If you hope to spend some time in la Costa Brava, you will definitely need to rent a car.
Day 1 🎐Cadaqués (one day and night)
Cadaqués is one of the most beautiful towns of la Costa Brava. Once a small fishermen village, Cadaqués became an important cultural centre in the early 20th century, as its surrounding wild landscape attracted world-famous artists (Picasso, Buñuel, García Lorca…) and most importantly - Salvador Dalí, who made Port Lligat (very close to Cadaqués) his home.
Cadaqués is 1h15min from Girona by car. The last few miles are very windy, so if you suffer from travel sickness, you might want to consider taking a tablet - it will be worth it! Please note the next suggestions are not in any particular order - choose when, how and if to do them depending on when you arrive in Cadaqués
⚪ Get lost in Cadaqués old town and small alleyways. With their whitewashed walls and colourful doors and windows, Cadaqués holds that typical Mediterranean charm. The old town calls for a slow, chill stroll. Enjoy the village by getting lost in its winding cobblestone alleys. There are a lot of restaurants and bakeries around.
🎨 Visit Dalí's house in Port Lligat (10 min drive from Cadaqués). It's a must visit and much more than your average museum. It's a quirky, eccentric house and a journey through some of the most historical events and artistic movements of the early 20th century. Of course, there are also some of his works of art in the House Musuem. Given that this was Dalí's residence and not a built for purpose museum, it's important that you book in advance as you might otherwise not be able to get in.
🌅 Admire the sunset from El Cap de Creus Lighthouse. El Cap de Creus is the easternmost point of Spain, making it an ideal place to enjoy the sunset. There is a restaurant in el Cap de Creus too.
🌄 Explore el Cap de Creus and its hidden cales (hidden bays). The rugged coastline of Cadaqués is full of small coves and crystal clear water. Some of its cales, whilst worthwhile, are very difficult to reach. You might want to book a boat tour from the lighthouse (El Far del Cap de Creus).
Day 2 🐟 Begur (one day one night)
Begur is a beautiful seaside town (on a hill) with an iconic castle, good restaurants and great boutiques.
Platja de Sa Riera - a few minutes drive form the town (with plenty of parking), or walking distance if you feel up to the challenge in the heat. Sa Riera is a well maintained beach and there are also restaurants nearby.
Cala de Sa Tuna - turquoise water off a pebble beach surrounded by white-washed houses and a few walking paths.
Castell de Begur - a medieval castle that overlooks the town. Its hilltop location makes it for a lovely stroll and a beautiful panoramic view over the village and the sea.
Day 3 🥘 Camí de Ronda i Platges de Calella
🥾 Camí de Ronda is a seaside path that crosses the rugged coastline of la Costa Brava. If you're into hiking and exploring more hidden bays, look into this. There are routes posted on the website linked above.
🌊 Calella de Palafrugell is a small town near Begur and its famous for its beautiful beaches - you can find them here Cala Sant Roc is the most famous.
These are just some suggestions and if you have more time, I would suggest you stay longer in each location, and maybe consider some other ones - such as Pals, Llafranc, Tamariu, Tossa de Mar, Palamós, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, etc.
If you are planning your trip and have any specific questions about the area, or specific dietary requirements, contact us - we will be more than happy to help 📧 laurandrion@gmail.com