My trip to Girona was by far one of my absolute favorite trips that I’ve ever taken. It’s been about a year since this trip, yet it was so memorable that I feel like I was just there a week ago. (you can also check out my video version of this trip)
Last July (actually exactly a year ago from today!) Rafa took me on a surprise trip to Girona for my birthday. I didn’t know too much about Girona, but I had seen one photo of the beautiful riverfront. That photo was all I needed to fall in love with Girona and I immediately added it to my (very long) list of places that I wanted to visit.
Girona was a place that had been on my list since I moved to Barcelona two years prior but I still hadn’t made my way there. I didn’t have too many expectations, I didn’t know much about the city beyond the one iconic photo I had seen of Girona. When I finally did make my way there … it absolutely did not disappoint. Girona took me by surprise. It was even more beautiful than I thought that it would be.
Girona is very close to Barcelona, about 30 minutes by high speed train or an hour and a half by car. We took the high speed train, and honestly it was great! Super easy, super comfy and incredibly quick. (not to mention the gorgeous views of the spanish countryside during the highspeed journey) I couldn’t recommend taking this trip enough!
Girona is quite honestly one of the most beautiful towns I’ve ever been to, it’s like stepping foot into a post card. Old churches, cobbled streets, medieval walls, multicolored houses, a beautiful river.. the list seriously goes on and on. Girona is the perfect trip for history and culture lovers. The river Onyar divides Girona into two parts – the old and the new. The old town ‘Barri Vell’ lies on the east bank and the newer part of the city on the west bank. (We spent most of our time in the old part)
Girona’s unmistakable riverfront quickly captured my attention, its red and yellow buildings nicely pairing with the Catalan flags. The river is scattered with bridges, the most iconic being the bright red and incredibly interesting Eiffel bridge. It was constructed by the same man who built the Eiffel Tower, the bridge gives off some incredible views and makes a great backdrop for some incredible photos.
And the spectacular sights of Girona might look familiar to some of you. Beautiful Girona was featured on Game of Thrones as the fictional city of Braavos and the impressive Cathedral of Girona was also featured as the Great Sept of Baelor from Season 6 in King’s Landing.
Girona is definitely a town to get lost in. I would recommend exploring its historic old town filled with narrow cobblestone streets by foot…no map necessary. Walk along the old city wall, take in the view from a tower, and then make your way back down, stopping at a sidewalk café (or my favorite a river front cafe). Getting lost (seriously we got lost so many times) and wandering around the narrow streets was quite honestly the best part of the trip.
Girona was originally founded by Romans, and some of the walls of the two thousand years old fortress still stand. You can see lots of Roman influence throughout the streets of the old town and in all medieval architecture.
The best view of the city is definitely when you climb up to the walls which once surrounded and protected the old city. A lot of the walls were damaged or removed, and the part that stands today is mostly due to extensive restoration work. A walk up here shows the Roman and medieval structures of the old town. By far walking along the walls was one of my favorite parts of the trip. Climbing up along the old city walls is definitely a must do in Girona, it does give you the best view (& the best photo backdrops).
You’ll want to bring your camera, or have a full charge on your phone… as just about every corner is picture perfect. (I took more than 200 photos in my two short days in Girona).
If the post didn’t convince you to plan a trip to Girona.. here are some more photos!
Happy traveling…
I am always put of travelling to Spain as I just think about Benidorm and the Costa del Sol. It’s good to be reminded that it’s such a rich, variety-filled country.
I love Spain!!! There’s so much to do there, tons of amazing towns. I’ve visited many different parts of Spain so keep reading along to hear more about other parts!!! Thanks for checking out my post 😊
I enjoyed reading this post, unlike a lot of travel posts you shared with us a brief background of Girona.
http://www.underaytedray.co.uk
thank you! I like to know a bit about the history when I travel, it helps me enjoy the trip even more!
How have I missed this charming place in all my travels in Spain?! I’ll have to put it on the list for next time.
i could not recommend it enough!! it’s not well known… but it’s definitely worth a visit.
Great post. Thanks.
I am for sure going to visit this place when I go to Spain. I love architecture and have always wanted to visit Spain particularly Barcelona, you are so lucky that you live there!
I actually don’t live in Barcelona anymore, I’m currently living in Colombia! But I was so lucky to get to live in Barcelona for 2 years 🙂 … it’s an amazing place (Girona too) I definitely recommend you visit both if you can!
Girona is a beautiful city and probably one of the most underrated cities I know. I so agree with you on the pleasures of wandering around the old town, and so few tourists compared to Barca.
Wow, Girona looks insanely beautiful and clearly is very picturesque. The architecture and rivers throughout the city looks like a dream place to live. I love places rich in history 🙂
looks like an interesting place!
Great photos! Actually looking at your photos makes me think about Ecuador’s cities (in South America). Perhaps it is because SA has strong Spanish influence. I never heard of Girona, but it looks interesting. I have bookmarked your post to refer to it when we finally get to Spain.
Beautiful photos! Looks like a lovely city. 🙂
It’s truly one of my favorite places I’ve been! Thanks for checking out my post 😊
Girona looks like the real deal! I have a confession: I do not like Barcelona that much but I know I have to go back to Catalonia to check out towns like these (and the coast). Now, I am excited about that!
Really looks appealing. I was in Catalonia this year…but missed this jewel. :\
What a beautiful place! I hadnt considered it before, but now its definitely joining the list, thanks!
Wow! This really does look like the perfect town to just walk around and get lost in. I love the architecture and charm. Thanks for sharing!
It looks beautiful! Definitely need to go here next time I visit Spain! Thanks for sharing! Love your pictures as well!
I somehow totally missed that they used Girona as a Game of Thrones filming location, but it looks like such a beautiful town! I am definitely going to have to make a stop next time I am in Spain.
I ate at that exact cafe and sat in the same exact seat as you! Girona is lovely.
Girona looks truly lovely! Barcelona has been on my list of cities to visit for so long and with Girona being so close by, maybe I need to do the two cities in one trip! 🙂
Girona is a great break from the busy city life of Barcelona. It’s so close (& so beautiful) … you absolutely should visit it as well!
thanks for checking out my post!
What a beautiful place! It looks like a dream. I can just imagine sipping a glass of wine and enjoying the view!
I loved Spain and will have to add Girona to my next trip. What great photos
Lovely photos! Girona looks beautiful, would love to visit some day!
Your video is So Cute! What a fun trip, I’m jealous 🙂
I’ve never been on a surprise trip! How lucky of you to get surprised with a trip to Spain. I love all the cobblestone streets in the photos 🙂
i spent quite a bit of time in Spain this year and I am sad I never made it to Girona it looks like a beautiful place. But lucky me gets to head back to Spain in the spring next year for 8 weeks so I will make sure I add this beautiful place to my must visit list.
wow! such a nice idea for a birthday present:))) I like how you presented the city, I’ve been to Spain before, but haven’t been to Girona. You made me wanna go!:)
Girona looks beautiful and so do you! I haven’t been to Spain yet but it’s on my list. Good to know it’s only 30min from Barcelona! will definitely be adding it to my list 🙂
I’ve never heard of this town before, but I love the buildings! There are really beautiful!