Girona city travel information and video

Girona

The city of Girona is situated in the north of Spain, close to the Pyrenees. The city is partly surrounded by an impressive city wall; the characterful interior is delightful, with pleasant squares, cobbled streets, and a wealth of historical monuments and buildings. Although a city, Girona isn’t hectic and it provides a relaxing environment to do some local sightseeing and there are an excellent choice of restaurants, cafés and shops.

The old city is built on a fortified hill and part of the walled fortifications still exist. The modern cosmopolitan Girona spreads out across the plain alongside.

It has it's own international airport and the city of Barcelona is a 100km distance away.

History & Culture
A regional capital, the city is steeped in a rich history, from the first Iberian occupation, through the Romans, the Holy Roman Empire and in 1809 Napoleon took occupation of the city after a long siege.

In the 12th century the Jewish community was thriving and an important Kabbalistic school was constructed; however in the 14th century the catholic king’s drove them out of the city. The different cultures that have occupied and resided in Girona are evident throughout this beautiful, historic city.

The famous Jewish neighbourhood with its ancient narrow streets, the antique Banys Arabs, the Arabic baths and the Gothic style cathedral all exude the rich history of Girona.

Also worth a visit are The Collegiate Church of San Feliu and the Romanesque-style Benedictine Church of Sant Pere de Galligants.

Beaches
The glorious beaches of the Costa Brava are approximately 20 minutes away by car and are regarded as being some of the best in Spain.

Leisure & Recreation


If you want to get out of town and get some fresh sea air, then the cosy costal town of L'escala is just 20 km. away. On the way you could stop to visit the Medieval Dalí Castle in Púbol or enjoy a meal in one of the local restaurants in the charming villages in the Girona region.

The Cap de Creus Natural Park which incorporates rugged and stunning coastlines, hidden bays, inland meadows and forests is a great environment for hiking, cycling and for wildlife lovers. There are many marked and easy to follow paths and if you enjoy a jog or run in the morning then the tranquil environment of the park of the city sights Girona provide excellent environments for a spot of healthy exercise.

Golf
The Golf Girona Club offers a challenging course at reasonable prices. The club also boasts a fine clubhouse and restaurant.

Cuisine
Girona and particularly the region of L´Empordá is famous for its rich and varied cuisine, which incorporates the many delicacies from sea and land that are abundant in the region: fresh fish, shellfish, meat and poultry, local wild mushrooms that can be picked throughout the year and delicious organic fruits and vegetables.

Specialities of Girona include dishes such as rich goose with pears and the wonderful Gamba Roja de Palamós.

The local organic farms yield tomatoes, aubergines, onions, courgettes and peppers of excellent quality that constitute the essential elements of many dishes.

Climate
Girona enjoys long pleasantly hot, dry summers. Winter temperatures are cool but pleasant. The city has around 300 days of sunshine per year.