Nestled at the confluence of the rivers Onyar, Galligants, Ter and Güell, Girona is also known as 'City of the Four Rivers'. The largest city in Spain’s northern Catalonia region, it has a population of over 99,000. Girona is well known for its medieval architecture, cobbled streets, museums, art galleries and Gothic churches. A weekend in Girona effortlessly combines the old and the new.
For city breaks in Girona, it's advisable that you book your flight to and hotel in Girona in advance. By booking your Girona flight and hotel together, you can save money and time. Whether you're planning to enjoy a weekend in Girona or an extended vacation, package holidays in Girona can make your trip planning simple and affordable.
What to know before visiting Girona?
Flights to Girona arrive at Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO). This important aviation hub is well connected with other major destinations, such as the Costa Brava, the Pyrenees and Barcelona. If you're travelling from the UK, you can book a direct flight from London or Manchester to Girona.
If you're a British citizen, you likely won't need a visa for a holiday in Girona. While the official language is Catalan, you probably won't encounter a language barrier in Girona, as many locals understand English. The time difference is one hour between Girona and the United Kingdom. The currency used in Girona is the euro.
When is the best time to visit Girona?
Girona enjoys a subtropical climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Temperatures hover around 32°C during summer. In winter, you can expect average temperatures around 10°C during the day. With package holidays in Girona from April to early June, you can look forward to perfect weather for strolling, cycling and sightseeing. One of the area's most popular festivals, Folc de Sant Joan, is celebrated in June. If you're planning to enjoy a weekend in Girona during this time, it's recommended to book in advance to avoid any last-minute rush.
What to do in Girona
With a serene atmosphere and an amazing choice of cafés, restaurants, shops and bars, Girona also makes an ideal base from which to explore surrounding areas such as Barcelona and the Costa Brava. Girona’s majestic walls are the best vantage points for taking in the city’s incredible skyline. Go hiking and relax on the tranquil waters of the Onyar River and Lake Banyoles.
For a different perspective of the city, book a hot air balloon ride and enjoy the breathtaking aerial views of the landscape. Alcohol aficionados will have fun sampling the wide range of gin and cocktails at Nykteri's. If you're a music fanatic, a must-see venue is Sala la Mirona de Salt, where you can hear some great music. Lola Cafè is the perfect destination if you love dancing and partying.
Places to visit in Girona
During city breaks in Girona, make sure to check out these intriguing cultural attractions:
See the unique collections at the Museum of Jewish History and the Castle of Pubol, home to Salvador Dalí's paintings. Museu d'Història dels Jueus (which exhibits Jewish culture and history), Museu d'Art, Museu d'Arqueologia and Casa de Cultura (a great venue for exhibitions, concerts and cultural activities) are also worth a visit.
Don't forget to visit the old Benedictine abbey of Sant Pere de Galligants for some spiritual reflection and peace of mind.
One of the highlights of Girona holidays is a visit to the Girona Cathedral, a scenic spot and a popular city landmark.
Just a few minutes' walk from the Girona Cathedral, you'll find the 12th-century Banys Àrabs (Arab Baths), featuring a changing and steam room.
A stroll across the Ciutat Antiga (Old City) gives you the chance to explore stone walls, crevasse-like alleys and secret gardens.
If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Girona.
What to eat in Girona
Girona is known for its outstanding food scene, characterised by Catalan, Mexican, Japanese and Italian cuisine. Girona is home to some amazing restaurants, including Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca, seen as one of the best restaurants in the world. One typical Girona dish you must try is pollastre amb escamarlans, an unusual combination of chicken, chocolate and shellfish. Other regional specialities worth sampling include escalivada (made from roasted eggplants, tomatoes, peppers and onions) and esqueixada (cod salad seasoned with onions, tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar and salt).
What souvenirs can you find in Girona?
Girona offers unique souvenirs. Girona ceramics can be a great gift to bring back home. You can also take home Trias cookies (famous almond delicacies), or a bottle of ratafia. La Carpa, a traditional toy shop packed with colourful handmade wooden toys, is the perfect place to find souvenirs for children.
Explore other destinations
Planning on flying to Spain? If a city break in Gerona doesn't quite convince you, why not explore other exciting cities in Spain ? Check out our amazing flight and hotel packages for your next holiday adventure!