Europe a la Carte

Girona is an ideal short break destination easily reached from all over Europe with Ryanair flights. Most people get straight on the bus to go to Barcelona. However if you are looking for somwhere a bit quieter and different, Girona is a good choice. Girona was christened one of the most underrated and overlooked destinations by Fodor’s and I certainly agree.

The riverside in Girona

Girona is a really beautiful city, with medieval origins, situated on the River Onyar. You could easily spend a couple of days wandering round the old town, walking the city walls, visiting the cafes, restaurants and shops. With the Tiquet M5 you pay the full entrance fee at the first city museum you visit and receive a 50% discount when you visit the other musuems. The grand cathedral, housing the widest unsupported Gothic arch in the world, dates from the 11th century. The Jewish quarter is one of the largest and best preserved in Europe.

Square in Girona

I’ve visited Girona couple of times but all too briefly, once an overnight after an evening arrival at Girona airport and the other visit was on a day trip when I was staying on the coast.

If you have more than a couple of days, Girona offers many possibilities for day trips either by rail or bus or hiring a car. You could have a day by the sea, I really liked Cadaques on the Cap de Creus penisula, north of Girona. It was a favourite of both Picasso and Dali. You could go inland and visit Besalu, the Dali Theatre-Museum in Figueres or the lake at Banyoles. If you’re feeling adventurous it doesn’t take long to reach the the Perpignan area in the south western corner of France.

Where to stay in Girona

The Hap Dreams Apartments are in a great location, next to the city walls of Girona. There are eleven apartments in this restored building over three floors (there is no lift). The apartments have a large sitting room/kitchen with a double sofa bed, a double bedroom and a bathroom. The apartments are cleaned daily. There is a shared 290m2 garden and a common room with washing machine, dryer and ice machine. Apartments cost 105 euros per night, plus 7% tax, based on two sharing,

The Hotel Historic is located in the old town, close to the Cathedral Art Museum and the Jewish quarter. It has has six double bedrooms, one junior suite and a large suite. There is a combination of the old building with its stone walls with modern design and comfort. A double rooms costs 102 euros per night, a triple (a double with extra bed) 124 euros, the junior suite 150 euros and the large suite 300 euros. Tax of 7% is added to these prices. A buffet continental breakfast costs 6 euros per person, a full buffet or menu breakfast costs 9 euros per person.

The Hotel Historic Apartments are located in the old town, close to the Cathedral Art Museum and the Jewish quarter. They are an imaginative combination of old and new. Each apartment has a living room and a well equipped kitchen with fridge, freezer, cooker, oven and microwave. There is central heating and internet connection. Bed linen and towels are provided and the apartments are cleaned on a daily basis. An apartment for 1 - 3 guests cost 90 euros per night, the price for 4 guests is 120 euros, plus 7% tax. If you wish to have breakfast the cost is 6 euros per person for a continental buffet or 9 euros for a full buffet/ menu breakfast.

The 3 star Costabella is located a 10 minute walk from the city centre. It has an outdoor swimming pool and free parking, A double room costs from 60 - 100 euros depending on the time of year.	The 3 star Fornell Park hotel is situated 3 kilometres from the city centre in a lush Mediterranean garden with an outdoor swimming pool. It is in the south of Girona therefore convenient for the airport. A double room costs from 55 to euros per night

You can use the price comparison search facility below to find the best deal on hotels in the Girona area.

If you have more than a couple of days, Girona offers many possibilities for day trips either by rail or bus or hiring a car. You could have a day by the sea, I really liked Cadaques on the Cap de Creus penisula, north of Girona. It was a favourite of both Picasso and Dali. You could go inland and visit Besalu, the Dali Theatre-Museum in Figueres or the lake at Banyoles. If you’re feeling adventurous it doesn’t take long to reach the the Perpignan area in the south western corner of France.