Catalonia, Spain
Engaging in local activities often builds connections with the destination and its people. Consider signing up for a cooking class to learn traditional recipes or exploring the countryside on a bicycle to appreciate the varied terrain. Girona's blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy means something unique awaits, inviting you to actively participate rather than just observe. Plan your activities to create a rich and varied itinerary that captures Girona's true spirit.
Girona and its surrounding province present various outdoor pursuits, capitalizing on the region's diverse landscapes.
City Walls (Passeig de la Muralla): An easy, mostly flat walk on ancient city walls, offering excellent views. Sant Daniel Valley: Easy to moderate trails just outside the city walls for a peaceful natural escape.
Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park (day trip): Numerous well-marked hiking trails, from easy strolls to moderate climbs, explore volcanic cones and craters within a lush landscape.
Pyrenees (further afield): For serious hikers, the Catalan Pyrenees offer challenging multi-day treks and mountaineering. Consider specialized tour operators for safety.
Always check weather conditions before engaging in outdoor activities, especially hiking or water sports.
Girona presents rich opportunities to immerse yourself in Catalan culture and traditions.
Support local businesses, frequent local markets (Mercat del Lleó), and stay in locally-owned guesthouses. These ways contribute to community-based tourism and authentic local life.
Spanish and Catalan language schools in Girona present short-term courses, from intensive programs to conversational lessons, for local engagement.
Temps de Flors (Girona Flower Festival) mid-May, city adorned with flower displays. Sant Narcís Fairs (late Oct/early Nov), Girona's main annual festival. Sant Jordi's Day (April 23), exchange books and roses.
Higher-end hotels offer spa facilities. Independent urban spas also exist. La Garriga, 45 mins south, is known for thermal baths. Yoga and meditation studios are in Girona.
Limited dedicated live music venues. Teatre Municipal and Auditori for plays and concerts. Nightlife is more relaxed, with convivial bars in Plaça de la Independència and Barri Vell.
Mercat del Lleó is the main covered market. Artisan workshops in Barri Vell. Souvenirs: Xuixos, local wines, Catalan ceramics, espadrilles, "Caganer" figurines.
Girona presents avenues for rest and rejuvenation, both within the city and nearby.
A few small studios in Girona offer yoga or meditation classes. These provide opportunities for quiet reflection and physical well-being.
Girona, being inland, does not have beach clubs. However, many towns on the nearby Costa Brava boast beach clubs. Some hotels in Girona feature outdoor or indoor pools for guest use.
Parc de la Devesa or Jardins dels Alemanys offer peaceful settings for a stroll or picnic, ideal for unwinding after sightseeing.
Girona has a limited number of dedicated live music venues. Some bars occasionally host local bands. Teatre Municipal de Girona and Auditori de Girona host plays and concerts.
A few nightclubs exist, mainly outside the immediate city center, for a younger crowd. Nightlife is generally more subdued. Plaça de la Independència and surrounding streets are popular for evening drinks and tapas. Barri Vell has atmospheric bars.
Restaurants typically serve dinner until late. Bars often remain open until 2-3 AM, especially on weekends. The focus is more on conversation and drinks than high-energy clubbing.
Girona presents a blend of traditional markets and charming boutiques for unique finds.
Xuixos (iconic Girona pastry), local wines and Cava from the Empordà region, Catalan ceramics (hand-painted pottery), traditional espadrilles (espardenyes), "Caganer" figurines, products featuring the "mosca de Sant Narcís."
Girona has limited high-end luxury brand stores. Independent fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, and design shops are on main shopping streets in Eixample and around Mercadal.
Support local artisans and businesses directly. Look for products labeled "Fet a Catalunya" (Made in Catalonia) or "Fet a mà" (Handmade) for local production.
To maximize your experience, check local event listings upon arrival. Girona often hosts seasonal festivals, markets, and performances that are not always widely advertised in advance.
