Girona Tourist Information and Tourism

(Girona, Catalonia, Spain)



Located on the far north-eastern side of Catalonia, where it is the biggest city, Girona is certainly a busy tourist destination in this part of Spain. This city is located approximately 100 km / 62 miles to the north-east of the famous Catalan metropolis that is Barcelona.

Although the city of Girona does sit inland, within a valley setting, it is actually comfortably under an hour from the coastline and the seaside resort towns and municipalities of Tossa de Mar (south), Sant Feliu de Guixols (south-east) and Palafrugell (south-east-east). However, tourists will find more than enough to occupy their time within the medieval centre, which stands above the meandering Onyar River and is packed with character.

Wandering around the historic 'Old Town' area of Girona is a must for avid sightseers, with its winding narrow alleyways and streets being easy to walk around and explore. The 'New Town' area is nearby and connected by a series of bridges, while the railway station is roughly a 15-minute walk away and to the south-west, being situated off the Placa d'Espanya. For local tourist information, the city's official tourism outlet is sited on the Rambla de la Llibertat and is easy to find, standing on the southerly side of Girona's Old Town.





Girona Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights

Although the nearby coast of the Costa Brava may be preferable for many a holiday maker, a steady stream of tourists choose to visit Girona throughout the year, particularly during the sunny summer months. Amongst the main tourist attractions in the city are the historic Arab Baths (Banys Arabs), which date as far back as the 12th century and show how bathing has long been a significant leisure activity for Catalans.

Further sights of note tend to have their roots in religion and include Girona's impressive cathedral with its especially wide Gothic nave, the Basilica of Sant Feliu and its assortment of architectural styles, and the Gothic-style Convent of Sant Domènec, established in the middle of the 13th century. On the outskirts of the city, the Valley of Sant Daniel makes for a worthy excursion, with its beautiful countryside and hiking trails, as well as its famous 11th-century monastery. More information about Girona Tourist Attractions.

There are so many historic sights and architectural landmarks to explore in Girona, ranging from spacious and sociable plazas, to old city buildings and thoroughfares from previous centuries. Particularly special are the Roman remains of the City Walls, which boast a number of observation towers with rooftop views stretching as far as distant vineyards. The Torre de Gironella marks the highest spot on the wall and was heavily used as a defensive tower in the 14th century, being destroyed by Napoleon's army in the early 19th century and later rebuilt. However, the years haven't been kind to this tower and it remains in ruins. The Placa de la Independencia is a major tourist destination for holiday makers in the city and this spacious square is bounded by a series of eateries. Another bustling square in central Girona is the Placa del VI, where numerous historic buildings await sightseers. More information about Girona Landmarks and Monuments.

For many tourists enjoying a holiday in Girona, the city's museums are certainly a big draw, particularly since there are so many to choose from. The City History Museum is a good place to start and comes with more than a dozen dedicated exhibition rooms, covering topics such as traditional Spanish dancing and religion.

At the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia, within the Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants, there is a wealth of historical information and ancient artefacts that outline the story of the city's evolution. Film buffs will likely fully appreciate the movie nostalgia and memorabilia provided by the Museum of Cinema, and art lovers will be sure to enjoy a visit to see the pre-Romanesque creations at the Museum of Art, located part-way in between the cathedral and the Casa Cundaro. More information about Girona Museums and Girona Art Galleries.

There is plenty to distract you in the city of Girona, although if you are keen to experience more of Catalonia, then it will probably make sense to hire yourself a rental car and explore one or more of the surrounding villages, towns and cities. Roughly 20 minutes away is the small village of Pubol, where attractions include a noticeable medieval atmosphere and the Gala Dali Castle, which was purchased by famed artist Salvador Dali for his wife.

The Salvador Dali theme is continued in nearby Figueres, some 45 minutes to the north of Girona, where the artist once lived. Also to the north and a little further away is the medieval village of Perelada, while the town of Banyoles is a little closer to home and offers up an extensive Catalan history, with its museums and archaeological sites. Of course, both the resorts of the Costa Brava and the exciting city of Barcelona serve as the most popular day trip destinations, although an early start will ensure more time to sunbathe or sightsee respectively. More information about Girona Attractions Nearby.

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Girona, Spain - Information and Tourism - Last updated 7/9/2019 - gprofile - Google+

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