Attractions Nearby Girona, Day Trips and Excursions

(Girona, Catalonia, Spain)

Whilst there is plenty to see and do in Girona itself when it comes to attractions, the city is also handily located between the Pyrenees and the rugged coastline of the Costa Brava. In fact, the Spanish seaside is just a short drive away.

In between are some beautiful stretches of surrounding countryside, as well as many fascinating Catalan towns and villages begging for a day trip or two. Girona is also a train journey from the nearby city of Barcelona, a destination that attracts droves of tourists throughout the year and is perfect for an excursion.

Art-lovers will also be tempted by the fact that the city of Girona lies within easy reach of the 'Dalinian Triangle' portion of the Empordà region. This area comprises attractions and places that world-famous artist Salvador Dali once called home, such as Pubol, Portlligat and Figueres.

Pubol

Pubol is a small village that has plenty in the way of medieval atmosphere and is to be found roughly 20 km / 12 miles to the east of downtown Girona. Its historic buildings include the 14th-century Church of Sant Pere. One of Pubol's other architectural jewels is the Gala Dali Castle. This medieval castle was bought by Salvador Dali for his wife, Gala. It now serves as her mausoleum and a museum.

Banyoles

Banyoles is situated just 50 km / 33 miles from the French border and some 21 km / 13 miles to the north of Girona. The Catalan influence on the town is strong - around 90 percent of the people who live here speak the Catalan language. This town has a long and rich history, which dates back to the 9th century and was rooted in the setting up of a Benedictine monastery in the area. In 1992, Banyoles saw an influx of international athletes when it hosted the Olympic rowing events. Today's visitors to the town can enjoy a stroll or cycle ride around its lake, or visit one of its museums or archaeological sites. Of particular interest is the Darder Museum attraction.

Barcelona

Located some 99 km / 62 miles to the southwest of Girona, Barcelona is one of those cities that has something for everyone. Founded by the Romans around 15 BC, it is bristling with ancient monuments, including a temple, aqueducts, the Placa Nova and old city walls. Visitors can also stroll around the city's medieval quarter, with its cathedral and historic Gothic buildings. Whilst Barcelona is the home of traditional Catalan architecture, it is also a showcase for all things modernist.

The 'Quadrat d'Or' includes some of the city's best 'modernista' buildings. Antoni Gaudi was one of the city's most eminent architects. The city's many official tourist attractions and museums include the Picasso Museum, which is housed in several medieval palaces. And, of course, when sightseeing gets too tiring, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy - after all, Barcelona is known as the 'city that never sleeps'.

Costa Brava

The Costa Brava extends from the town of Blanes, which lies north of Barcelona, all the way to Spain's border with France. Unfortunately, this stretch of coastline has acquired something of a reputation for itself, thanks to an influx of package holiday tourists from the 1960s onwards. Blanes, Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar all grew rapidly, with these quaint fishing villages turning into busy holiday resorts. In fact, this rugged coastline has much to offer visitors today. Small traditional towns and villages still exist, including Cadaqués, where Dali had his summer house, Begur and Tamariu.

Figueres

Perhaps best known as the home of Salvador Dali, the town of Figueres has plenty of tourist attractions, many of which are related to this famous Surrealist artist. The Dali Theatre-Museum, in particular, is a major cultural centre in the town. Other historic gems include the Castle of Sant Ferran, an 18th-century fortress which dominates Figureres. The town itself lies approximately 42 km / 26 miles to the north of Girona and is surrounded by a medieval wall. At its heart is the busy street of La Rambla.

Perelada

A short distance from Figueres and some 51 km / 32 miles north of Girona is Perelada, a medieval village that is well worth a visit. Most people come to see the Castle Museum, which has one of the best collections of artefacts relating to the region, as well as a vast library. Also on view is the wine cellar where the village's wines were produced until the 1960s. Fragments of the medieval walls of Perelada can still be seen, although many visitors come to the village for its lively music and dance festival, which is held here each summer.