Girona Travel Guide

Girona is the capital of the province of Girona, which means it is the regional political and administrative centre with a population of some 95,000 people. It is situated on the main corridor from France to Barcelona and is well communicated by road, rail and air. The Girona/Costa Brava airport is only 12 kms out of town. 

Girona is in a privileged position. It is close to the Pyrenees mountains and the justifiably famous wild Costa Brava coast as well as to France and Barcelona, all within an hour's drive. This makes it the perfect base for exploring the region. It is only a half-hour's drive to the Costa Brava from Girona, with plenty of Blue Flag beaches for safe swimming and fishing villages to walk around.

If you are interested in gastronomy, then this part of Catalonia is a great plae to visit. It has a wonderful selection of restaurants, ranging from the world-famous El Bulli (5 times voted best restaurant in the world) and El Celler de Can Roca (voted second-best restaurant in the world in 2011) to many other Michelin-starred restaurants and other aspiring offerings. This area has excellent wines from the Empordà region as well as top quality olive oil, walnuts, hazelnuts, fruit, cheese and meat, with fresh fish and seafood directly from the Mediterranean. The indoor and outdoor fresh product markets are a must to visit for the best selection and quality of foods.

Culturally this area has had influences from the Greeks and Romans, who brought many products that still thrive here today, some 3,000 years later, like wine and olive oil, as well as some of the finest classical ruins anywhere in Spain. Medieval villages such as Besalu, Pals, Peretallada and Madremanya are wonderfully preserved and fun to explore. Then we have the slightly crazy influence of Salvador Dalí and his triangle of places to visit, starting with his museum in Figueres, his house and studio in Port Lligat, and the castle he gifted his wife Gala in Pubol, only 20 kms from Girona.

For those looking for sports action, the cycling has been endorsed by no less a figure than Lance Armstrong, who was based here for 5 years during his peak. Girona now has several professional teams in residence because of the fortunate climate and challenging variety of terrain. A selection of top golf courses are available, along with scuba, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing all along the Costa Brava and horseback riding and hiking in the numerous parks around the Province.

Girona has it all! So come and visit and experience it for yourself.