Girona
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Tip - What to See & Do,
Town / City
Girona - also known as Gerona - has long stood at the crossroads of important trade routes, at the confluence of four rivers (the Ter, Onyar, Galligants and Güell), and between the Iberian Peninsula and France. Its mercantile wealth over the millennia is expressed in outstanding buildings, from the colorful art nouveau waterfront facades to the millennia-old stone buildings of the medieval Old Quarter.
Perhaps the most impressive edifice is the massive 11th-century cathedral; it stands atop the ruins of a mosque and even older church. This is not the only sacred site, however; in the Call, or old Jewish quarter, you'll find what were once among Europe's most important Kabbalah Schools and Yeshivas, the latter only recently rediscovered.
A handful of museums offer even more cultural enrichment, though some may prefer to experience Catalonia at the table. This region of fine cheeses and olives, so close to the sea, is famed for its fine gastronomy.
Latest Reviews
Review by Allan R, June 2012
Doing what: 4-Day Best of Catalonia Tour from Barcelona
Excellent tour. Fabulous tour guide, great accommodation and food.
Review by Kristine Mo., June 2012
Doing what: 4-Day Best of Catalonia Tour from Barcelona
Bestbestbest. The $700 alone I would pay for food, lodging, and transportation but we got tours and museum admissions and our own personal guide on top of all that?! What a steal. The meals included were hefty (starter, entree, dessert, wine, coffee) and all the hotels were clean, spacious, and modern (gyms and/or pools in all of them). We got a huge bus for our small group of 4 which felt special (but think of the environment!) and our drivers were always reliable (drove us safely up and down Montserrat, thank you!). We were very impressed with our tour guide Olivier--although he hasn't been a Catalonia native all his life he's basically a walking history book and city paper all in one. We threw a lot of questions at him, and was able to elaborate remarkably on all of them, in spite of some funny French-Espanol-ish-isms. In retrospect, wish we'd tipped him, and graciously!!! We took this tour before exploring the city center, so I felt that I really got to know Catalonian culture and history, muchmuch more than the typical Barcelona visitor (or expat resident, even)! The only things I would change would be: [1] less time in Sitges (can't go to the beach after we've packed our things! check-out at 12 would be best), more time in Tarragona [2] nix the Torres wine tour!--I was expecting a small, intimate winery with at least 3 different wines to taste--not so with Torres [3] More time at the Dali Museum (3 hours would be nice for both parts). We bought a lot at the Vic food market (wish we could have gone during the mushroom harvest) and ate a superb lunch. Surprising faves: Dali museum, Santes Creus, morning run by the beach in Sitges.
Review by Beverly P, May 2012
Doing what: 4-Day Best of Catalonia Tour from Barcelona
The pace was perfect. The guide was knowledgeable. We ate well and enjoyed.
Practical Info
The city of Girona is rapidly becoming a regional transport hub, largely due to Ryanair's massive expansion of services at convenient Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO), offering year-round direct flights to international destinations
Girona's train station is also just outside town (taxis are plentiful), and links the city to Barcelona, Figueres, and the Costa Brava; a Paris train is due to be inaugurated soon.
Girona's old quarter, including El Call (the Jewish Quarter) and La Rambla, are easily explored on foot. Taxis are available for visiting the more modern outlying neighborhoods.
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