Some say it’s extremely important to love where you were born. The Girona region makes that easy for us. It’s impossible not to fall in love with the stunning array of landscapes and the cultural and patrimonial legacy that the Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees offer.
We’re well aware of the extensive range of natural, cultural, and historical sites dotted around the Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees. Therefore, here’s a list with ten must-see places in the Girona region, which we highly recommend visiting when in the region.
The narrow streets of its historic centre have witnessed several events and constant change in the lives of the local residents. Girona is indeed such a charming spot that it has been the setting for major productions, including Game of Thrones. Highlights include the imposing cathedral, the Jewish quarter, the colourful houses of the Onyar river, the green hues of the Devesa, and much more. Visiting Girona is a must when in the region. If you’ve yet to visit, what are you waiting for?!
Romanesque, Gothic, baroque, modernism, etc. The Girona region is home to numerous architectural and artistic styles. However, in the art world, Salvador Dalí is the genius par excellence. Three regional highlights: Púbol, Portlligat and Figueres. These three towns form the Dali Triangle, telling a detailed story of the artistic universe created by the greatest exponent of the surrealist movement. Visit these towns and their museums to understand and get a peek into the mind and thought processes of an artist who knew no limits.
To understand the present, we must understand the past. Therefore, we suggest travelling back in time and visiting the archaeological site of Ampúries. Another must when in the Girona region. Empúries was the gateway for Greek and Roman civilisations to the Iberian Peninsula. Both chose the shores of the Mediterranean Sea for their settlements, formerly known as Emporion and Emporiae. Learn about this chapter in the history of the Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees and let history surprise you.
Bordering the sea and creating one of the Costa Brava’s most idyllic settings, there lie gardens including Marimurtra, Santa Clotilde, and Cap Roig. Marvel at the perfect blend of the blue of the Costa Brava and unique spots that all visitors fall in love with.
Still at the coast, we must mention the Costa Brava’s beauty from all angles. Beaches, coves, and cliffs create small paradises waiting to be discovered. We are particularly fond of the small fishing villages. Charming towns with strong links to the maritime trades, which still preserve their authentic nature in the modern day and age. Tossa de Mar, Calella de Palafrugell, Palamós, Tamariu, etc. Which is your favourite spot?
But we’re not only fans of the fishing villages. We also love exploring the Girona region’s atmospheric medieval villages. We recommend a stroll around their narrow streets carved in stone to discover a past that comes alive in the present. Places where you’ll feel like you travelled back in time.
We must also confess that we’re deeply in love with the colours found in the Girona Pyrenees. La Vall de Camprodon, Núria Valley, La Cerdanya, etc., are home to picturesque landscapes and create the perfect setting for adventure sports and nature activities. This is a place full of peace and tranquillity, with surprisingly beautiful villages and towns.
If you like mountain landscapes, the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Nature Reserve is a must. Explore the Iberian Peninsula’s most important volcanic landscape, with over forty dormant volcanoes. This area is also home to the Fageda d’en Jordà, a beech forest ideal for hiking and admiring the beauty of the green trees. Come and visit La Garrotxa’s natural environment – you’ll love it!
Another must-see place in the local area is the Banyoles Lake, the largest in Catalonia. Its size meant it was chosen for the rowing events at the 1992 Olympic Games and the World Rowing Championships in 2004. A walk around the lake means enjoying an incredible natural environment, which has become a popular spot for sports and hiking. The lake also features walkways, which offer an excellent vantage point for watching postcard-perfect sunsets..
We couldn’t end this post without mentioning the Girona region’s cuisine. The sea and mountains merge to create innovative dishes, which have carefully preserved and promoted their local roots. Dedication and passion for cooking have placed Girona firmly on the foodie’s map. The region currently has 18 Michelin stars. If visiting the Girona region, you must try some traditional local products such as meats and sausages, fish, seafood, wines, and pastries. A pastry highlight is the Xuixo de Girona (a deep-fried, sugar-coated cylindrical pastry filled with crema catalana).
This has been our choice of the Girona region’s highlights. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading and recommend exploring the Girona region to your heart’s content.
See you soon!