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🇪🇸 Spain · Places to discover

What to see in Gérone ?

17 places curated by Hozy - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.

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Girona operates on two speeds: the Barri Vell, its medieval centre ringed by Roman walls, functions by its own rules, indifferent to the tourist surge pouring in from Barcelona. The Gothic cathedral and the coloured houses along the Riu Onyar are enough to understand why the city served as a Game of Thrones set, but Girona existed long before that and will endure long after.

Spring and autumn are the seasons to prioritise, when the light is sharp and the streets breathable. Two days will cover the essentials without rushing. You arrive by train from Barcelona in forty minutes, which settles the transport question. The classic pitfall: confining yourself to the Jewish quarter and cathedral without walking the city walls, which offer the best vantage point for understanding the place from above.

Landmarks & heritage (8)

Onyar HousesWikipedia (ca) - CC BY-SA

Onyar Houses

Landmark

Row of medieval houses with coloured façades (ochre, pink, yellow) overlooking the Onyar river. The best viewpoint is from the Pont de Pedra, especially in the late afternoon.
Banys Àrabs de GironaWikipedia (ca) - CC BY-SA

Banys Àrabs de Girona

Landmark

Remarkably well-preserved 12th-century Arab baths, a rare blend of Romanesque and Moorish styles. One of the few medieval examples of this type in Spain outside Andalusia.
Catedral de GironaWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Catedral de Girona

Landmark

The widest Gothic nave in the world, at 23 metres across. The monumental staircase and austere interior are striking—less crowded early in the morning before tour groups arrive.
Girona Medieval RampartsWikipedia (ca) - CC BY-SA

Girona Medieval Ramparts

Landmark

Walkable medieval ramparts offering a elevated stroll around the entire old town. The northern section leads to the Gironella Tower with a panoramic view over the rooftops.
Basilica of Sant Feliu of GironaWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Basilica of Sant Feliu of Girona

Landmark

Gothic church of imposing proportions nestled at the foot of the cathedral, with Roman sarcophagi set into the walls. Less visited than the cathedral but equally fascinating.
Monestir de Sant Pere de GalligantsWikipedia (en) - CC BY-SA

Monestir de Sant Pere de Galligants

Landmark

12th-century Benedictine Romanesque abbey housing the Museum of Archaeology of Catalonia. Its cloister with sculpted columns is one of the finest Romanesque examples in the region.
Pont de les Peixateries VellesWikipedia (ca) - CC BY-SA

Pont de les Peixateries Velles

Landmark

Red metal footbridge spanning the Onyar, designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1877. Iconic view of the colourful houses reflected in the river – the postcard image of Girona.
Call Jueu de GironaWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Call Jueu de Girona

Landmark

One of the best-preserved medieval Jewish quarters in Europe, with its labyrinthine alleyways and Jewish history museum. Getting lost in its narrow streets at dusk is a unique experience.

Nature & parks (2)

Jardins de la FrancesaWikipedia (ca) - CC BY-SA

Jardins de la Francesa

Nature

Terraced gardens clinging to the medieval walls, little known to tourists. They offer a peaceful view over the old town and cathedral, with rose bushes and a romantic atmosphere.
Devesa ParkWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Devesa Park

Nature

Europe's largest plane tree park, with century-old trees forming vegetable cathedrals. Locals come here to jog, picnic and stroll – far from any tourist bustle.

Viewpoints (3)

Gironella TowerWikipedia (ca) - CC BY-SA

Gironella Tower

Viewpoint

Medieval tower at the summit of the northern ramparts offering a 360° panorama over the old city, the plain, and on clear days, the Pyrenees. Accessible via the rampart walkway.

Jardí dels Alemanys Viewpoint

Viewpoint

Small secret garden on the ramparts with a direct view over the Romanesque apse of the cathedral. Very little frequented, it's the preferred photo spot for locals to capture the cathedral.

Riu Onyar - Passeig de la Muralla

Viewpoint

Promenade along the Onyar river between the bridges, with views of the colourful houses from below. In the evening, reflections in the water and the lighting of the facades create a magical atmosphere.

Activities (4)

Via Verda del Carrilet - Girona-Olot SectionWikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SA

Via Verda del Carrilet - Girona-Olot Section

Activity

Former railway converted into a cycle and walking path traversing the volcanic Garrotxa. 54 km of nature between Girona and Olot, accessible to all levels with bike rentals available in town.
Temps de Flors – Girona Flower FestivalWikipedia (ca) - CC BY-SA

Temps de Flors – Girona Flower Festival

Activity

Each May, the old town transforms into a giant floral gallery – courtyards, ramparts, alleys and monuments are filled with spectacular flower installations. It is the most eagerly anticipated event for locals.
Girona Art MuseumWikipedia (ca) - CC BY-SA

Girona Art Museum

Activity

Fine arts museum housed in the former episcopal palace adjoining the cathedral, with a collection spanning medieval to modern Catalan painting. The architectural setting is as impressive as the artworks.
Girona History MuseumWikipedia (ca) - CC BY-SA

Girona History Museum

Activity

History museum housed in a former Capuchin convent, retracing 2,000 years of the city's history with remarkable archaeological collections. Free entry on Sundays for residents.
What to see in Gérone - Spain? 17 places · Hozy