Girona has an almost complete medieval centre, the walls you can walk along, a cathedral reached by a huge stairway and a Jewish quarter of narrow lanes. It became famous worldwide as a filming location for Game of Thrones.
Many professional cyclists live here, and it is a popular choice for families who want Barcelona within reach without Barcelona prices.
Climate: Mediterranean with colder winters than the coast; warm summers.
Visiting Girona
How long: 1 to 2 days
Don’t miss
- Cases de l’Onyar riverside houses
- City walls walk
- Cathedral steps
- El Call (Jewish quarter)
- Day trips to the Costa Brava and Figueres (Dalí museum)
What to eat
- Xuixo pastries
- Catalan home cooking
- Costa Brava seafood
Tip: Temps de Flors in May fills the old town with flower displays and visitors; book early.
Plan a visit
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A perfect first day
- Morning: walk the old city walls for views over the rooftops.
- Afternoon: the cathedral steps, the Jewish Quarter and the coloured houses on the Onyar river.
- Evening: eat around the Plaça de la Independència.
Easy day trips
Where to stay as a visitor
For the old town.
For easy access to the station.
More of Girona
Living in Girona
Best for: Families and cyclists who want a safe small city near Barcelona.
Neighbourhoods and areas
Old town, beautiful, car-free.
Modern centre near the station.
Residential near the university.
Pros
- Safe and walkable
- Fast trains to Barcelona
- Close to beaches and mountains
Cons
- Catalan used widely
- Rents rising
- Quiet nightlife
Cost tiers compare places within Spain (€ = among the cheapest, €€€€ = among the most expensive). Rents change quickly: check current listings for the exact area before you decide.
Thinking of moving?
Get your personal paperwork list for visas, NIE, padrón and more.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Girona?
1 to 2 days is enough for the main sights: cases de l’onyar riverside houses, city walls walk, cathedral steps. Temps de Flors in May fills the old town with flower displays and visitors; book early.
Is Girona expensive to live in?
On our scale it is high (€€€). Rents are above the Spanish average.
How do I get to Girona?
By air: Girona (GRO), 20 minutes; Barcelona (BCN) about 1h15. By rail: AVE to Barcelona in about 40 minutes.
Have you been to Girona?
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