When we travel, we want to see things that differ from our normal surroundings and experiences of the world and for many of us, that means escaping the hustle and bustle of the modern towns, suburbs, and cities in which we live to explore beautiful places steeped in heritage that make us feel as though we have somehow stepped back through history. A famous destination that fits this particular criteria to a tee is the city of Girona, in Catalonia. Utterly picturesque and maintaining a storybook historical appearance, this charming city is a must-see for those who have found a vacation rental in Catalonia and who are looking to discover a world and time beyond our own.
There is a reason why lots of different production companies have chosen to shoot in Girona, with “The Monk,” and, “Game of Thrones,” both having filmed various scenes in the city, among other films and television shows. The largest city in northern Catalonia, Girona is characterised by Roman origins, medieval walls, winding little streets to get delightfully lost in snaking about the city, one of the best-preserved Jewish Quarters in Europe, and distinctive historic palaces picked out in bright colours lining (and reflecting prettily in) the riverside. A decadent feast for the eyes, it is the type of town that greatly rewards idle wandering around without a purpose but also boasts plenty of specific attractions to pencil into an itinerary too.
There is a reason why lots of different production companies have chosen to shoot in Girona, with “The Monk,” and, “Game of Thrones,” both having filmed various scenes in the city, among other films and television shows. The largest city in northern Catalonia, Girona is characterised by Roman origins, medieval walls, winding little streets to get delightfully lost in snaking about the city, one of the best-preserved Jewish Quarters in Europe, and distinctive historic palaces picked out in bright colours lining (and reflecting prettily in) the riverside. A decadent feast for the eyes, it is the type of town that greatly rewards idle wandering around without a purpose but also boasts plenty of specific attractions to pencil into an itinerary too.
Visit the Jewish Quarter and the Museum of Jewish History, walk the medieval walls around the city and take in amazing views over the buildings and surrounding landscape, and cross the bridge Gustav Eiffel designed before he created that impossibly famous tower in Paris. Then take in the colourful palaces on the Onya River from Eiffel's bridge or any of the others crossing the water and snap some commemorative photos at this perfectly Instagrammable spot, be sure to also feast your eyes on the city's stunning Gothic cathedral, and indulge in a spot of leisurely people-watching (surely, the most indulgent, “I'm on holidays and have all the time in the world!” of activities) while sipping coffee in the picture-perfect Plaça de la Independència square.
Be sure to also take in Catalan art in the Girona Art Museum and to explore the city's various other museums (including an Archaeology Museum, a Modern Art Gallery, and a Cinema Museum, to name but three), making the most of the M5 card, which can be picked up after you purchase your first museum entrance ticket and then used to get half-price tickets for any of the city's other four big museums. If you've well and truly trekked all of the little streets inside the city, then why not head to the pretty woods just outside Girona's city walls and visit the Arab Baths right next to them? Those interested in retail therapy will be glad to know that there are some wonderfully plush boutiques selling the designs of local Catalan brands such as Castaner (who make, “espardenya,” or espadrille, shoes) and David Valls and unique shops such as Context, which is both an excellent book store and restaurant and event space where literary events and dinners accompanied by live music are held.
So, if you have found a vacation rental in Catalonia and are looking to plan some day-trips in this stunning part of Spain, we highly recommend a visit to explore the stunning and wonderfully historic gem of a city that is Girona. You'll never find yourself short of things to see or do or of the most picturesque of surroundings in which to do them!
Be sure to also take in Catalan art in the Girona Art Museum and to explore the city's various other museums (including an Archaeology Museum, a Modern Art Gallery, and a Cinema Museum, to name but three), making the most of the M5 card, which can be picked up after you purchase your first museum entrance ticket and then used to get half-price tickets for any of the city's other four big museums. If you've well and truly trekked all of the little streets inside the city, then why not head to the pretty woods just outside Girona's city walls and visit the Arab Baths right next to them? Those interested in retail therapy will be glad to know that there are some wonderfully plush boutiques selling the designs of local Catalan brands such as Castaner (who make, “espardenya,” or espadrille, shoes) and David Valls and unique shops such as Context, which is both an excellent book store and restaurant and event space where literary events and dinners accompanied by live music are held.
So, if you have found a vacation rental in Catalonia and are looking to plan some day-trips in this stunning part of Spain, we highly recommend a visit to explore the stunning and wonderfully historic gem of a city that is Girona. You'll never find yourself short of things to see or do or of the most picturesque of surroundings in which to do them!
