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Girona is one of Catalonia's most captivating cities — a compact medieval jewel that packs a Gothic cathedral, Europe's best-preserved Jewish Quarter, world-class restaurants, and dreamy riverside views into a walkable setting that sees far fewer tourists than Barcelona. The city sits on the Onyar River, where candy-coloured houses in ochre, terracotta, and apricot lean over the water like a living painting. Cross the Eiffel Bridge — designed by Gustave Eiffel himself before the tower — and you step into the Barri Vell, the old quarter, where every narrow alley leads to a centuries-old discovery.
Game of Thrones fans will recognise the Cathedral's 90 steps from Season 6 — they served as the Great Sept of Baelor in Braavos. But Girona offers far more than screen tourism. The Call (Jewish Quarter) is a labyrinth of stone lanes that has remained largely unchanged since the 15th century, one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in all of Europe. The Arab Baths, the City Walls (Passeig de la Muralla), and Romanesque monasteries like Sant Pere de Galligants add layer after layer of history to explore.
Girona is also a serious food destination. El Celler de Can Roca, consistently ranked among the world's best restaurants, calls this city home. Beyond the Michelin stars, you'll find exceptional ice cream on Rambla de la Llibertat, bustling markets, and Catalan cuisine that draws on the rich produce of the Empordà region. With Costa Brava's coves just 40 minutes east and Barcelona 38 minutes by high-speed train, Girona is the ideal sustainable base for exploring northeast Spain — and every booking through EcoHotels offsets 1 tonne of CO₂.
Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) is just 12km south of the city centre. The airport bus runs every 30–60 minutes and drops you at the bus station near the Old Town in about 25 minutes for around €4. Taxis cost roughly €20–25. Alternatively, Barcelona's El Prat Airport is 100km south with a direct high-speed AVE train connection — you can be in central Girona just 38 minutes after leaving Barcelona Sants station.
The city is remarkably walkable. Start at the Onyar riverfront, cross the Eiffel Bridge into Barri Vell, and spend the day exploring the Cathedral, Jewish Quarter, and City Walls entirely on foot. The Walls (Passeig de la Muralla) offer a 2km elevated walkway with panoramic views over the Old Town rooftops, Cathedral, and surrounding hills — it's the best free activity in the city. Wear comfortable shoes; those cobblestones are authentic.
For day trips, Figueres (home to the surreal Dalí Theatre-Museum) is 40 minutes north by train. The Costa Brava towns of Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar, and Begur are 40–50 minutes east by bus or car. Barcelona makes an easy day trip — but Girona's quieter, more affordable charms will likely keep you here longer than planned. Every booking through EcoHotels offsets 1 tonne of CO₂ and earns 5% cashback. Same prices as Booking.com. First booking gets €5 de crédito gratis.
Historic Old Town. Cobbled alleys, cathedral, best restaurants, most atmospheric. Best for first-time visitors.
Modern grid, shopping, wider streets, quieter at night. Best for families and business travellers.
Park-side, riverside walks, leafy. Devesa Park is Girona's green lung. Best for nature lovers.
Near the train station. Practical, lower prices, good transport links. Best for budget travellers.
Below are real Girona hotels. Book through EcoHotels for the same rates as Booking.com plus 5% cashback and 1 tonne CO₂ offset per stay.
The 2km elevated walkway along the old Roman and medieval fortifications offers the best views of the Cathedral, the Old Town, and the surrounding countryside. Start at the Portal de Sobreportes gate and walk the full circuit. Free entry.
Follow both banks of the Onyar from the Eiffel Bridge south past the colourful houses. Cross at the Pont de Pedra (Stone Bridge) for perfect photo angles. Extend into Devesa Park for a leafy riverside stroll under towering plane trees.
Start at Plaça del Vi, wind through the Call's narrow streets (Carrer de la Força, Carrer de Sant Llorenç), visit the Centre Bonastruc ça Porta museum, climb to the Cathedral, descend the famous 90 steps, and finish at the Arab Baths. Allow 2 hours with stops.
100km south · 38 min by train. Gaudí, Gothic Quarter, beaches.
40km north · 40 min by train. Dalí Theatre-Museum, surrealist art.
150km west · 1h 45min by train. La Seu Vella cathedral, Roman history.
190km south · 2h by train. Roman amphitheatre, Mediterranean coast.
Spring (April–June) is the sweet spot — the Temps de Flors flower festival transforms the city in May, temperatures are warm but not hot, and crowds are manageable. Autumn offers harvest season dining and mild weather. Winter is quiet with lower hotel prices.
Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO) is 12km south. The airport bus runs every 30–60 minutes (€3–4, 25 minutes). Taxis cost about €20–25. Alternatively, Barcelona El Prat connects via high-speed train in 38 minutes.
Absolutely. The Cathedral steps are the defining GOT location — they served as the Great Sept of Baelor in Braavos during Season 6. The Arab Baths, Jewish Quarter, and various alleys were also used. Several walking tours specifically cover Girona's GOT filming locations.
The Costa Brava coast is 40km east. Lloret de Mar is about 40 minutes by bus, Tossa de Mar is 50 minutes, and the quieter coves of Begur and Calella de Palafrugell are about an hour. Day trips are easy and popular.
Girona offers sustainable stays ranging from the historic Hotel Nord 1901 (renovated with energy-efficient systems) to budget-friendly Pensió Bellmirall in the Old Town. Hotel Ciutat de Girona and B&B Plaça Bell-lloc also prioritise local sourcing and reduced environmental impact.
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