Girona isn’t just another pretty European town — it’s a place where every stone tells a story, every meal carries centuries of tradition, and every landscape feels painted by nature itself.
Located just an hour from Barcelona and stretching from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean, Girona’s province offers the perfect mix of culture, food, mountains, and sea.

In this 3-day itinerary, we’ll explore the soul of Girona:

• Day 1: The city’s ancient heart, where Roman walls meet modern creativity.
• Day 2: The rugged Costa Brava, with its turquoise coves and medieval villages.
• Day 3: The volcanic forests and timeless stone towns of La Garrotxa.

You won’t just see Girona — you’ll feel it.

Day 1: Discovering Girona City – History, Food & Hidden Corners

The first day is ideal to immerse yourself in the city’s historic center and discover its medieval and modernist soul.

Ancient city walls

Start early, when the light is soft and the streets are quiet. Begin your day at the City Walls (Passeig de la Muralla) — originally built by the Romans and expanded in medieval times.
Walk along the narrow stone paths that wind above the city. From here, you’ll see terracotta rooftops, cathedral spires, and the distant Pyrenees. It’s the perfect panoramic introduction to Girona — calm, elegant, and timeless.

Girona Cathedral

Next, descend to the Cathedral of Girona, with its monumental staircase that has appeared in Game of Thrones. Inside, you’ll find the widest Gothic nave in the world, a breathtaking space that feels both powerful and peaceful. Don’t miss the Tapestry of Creation, an 11th-century masterpiece of medieval art.

Jewish Quarter & Arab Baths

Continue through the Jewish Quarter (El Call) — one of the best-preserved in Europe. Its labyrinth of cobbled alleys tells the story of a once-flourishing Jewish community that shaped Girona’s culture for centuries. Nearby, visit the Arab Baths, inspired by Roman models, where you can almost imagine the steam and murmurs of a different time.

Red iron bridge

Stroll down to the Onyar River, crossing the red iron bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel before the Eiffel Tower. The colorful houses reflecting in the water are Girona’s postcard view — but up close, you’ll notice laundry hanging from balconies, children laughing, and locals crossing by bike.

Sant Pere Galligants

In the late afternoon, head towards Sant Pere de Galligants, a Romanesque monastery that now houses an archaeological museum. From there, follow the path into the Sant Daniel Valley, a green oasis just 15 minutes from the city center. The walk is peaceful, with streams, olive trees, and the faint hum of cicadas.

📍 Local secret: Step into the hidden Jardí de la Francesa, behind the cathedral. It’s a quiet garden where the scent of rosemary and the sound of church bells feel frozen in time.

📍 Local secret: If you have a car, drive or hike up to Montjuïc Castle for a golden-hour view of Girona glowing under the sunset. Few tourists make it up there — it’s mostly locals watching the city lights flicker on.

Day 2: Costa Brava North

This is the day to fall in love with the sea.
Rent a car and head east — within 40 minutes, the landscape shifts from inland forests to sparkling coves, whitewashed villages, and cliffs scented with pine and salt.

Empúries Archaeological Site

Start at Empúries, an extraordinary archaeological site right on the beach. Here, Greeks and Romans once lived side by side, and you can still walk among their temples, mosaics, and ancient streets with the sound of the waves nearby.
It’s a place where history and nature coexist — you might find fishermen on the same shore where ships docked 2,000 years ago.

Camí de Ronda

After exploring, take a walk along the Camí de Ronda, a coastal trail that winds through rocky cliffs and sandy coves. The section from Empúries to L’Escala is especially beautiful, passing pine groves and hidden beaches. Dip your feet in the Mediterranean — you’ve earned it.

Begur

Continue to Begur, perched high above the coast. Climb to the old castle ruins for panoramic views of turquoise bays and distant mountains.

Then descend to one of Begur’s coves — Aiguablava, Sa Tuna, or Platja Fonda — each small, framed by cliffs and pine trees. Take a swim or simply lie on the rocks watching boats drift by.

Calella de Palafrugell

End your day in Calella de Palafrugell, a postcard-perfect fishing village with white houses, blue shutters, and boats pulled up on the sand. Walk along the coastal path to Llafranc as the sun sets — the light here turns the sea into gold.

📍 Local secret: Drive 5 minutes up to the Sant Sebastià Lighthouse viewpoint in Llafranc. From there, you can see the entire curve of the coast — it’s breathtaking, especially after dark.

Day 3: La Garrotxa Volcanic Landscapes & Medieval Towns

The Volcanic Zone of Olot

Drive to La Fageda d’en Jordà, a beech forest that grows on ancient lava flows. Its soft light, smooth paths, and gentle silence make it feel almost enchanted. Walk or rent bikes to explore — the air smells of moss and wet leaves.

Next, climb the Santa Margarida Volcano, where a small Romanesque chapel stands in the middle of the crater. The hike takes about 1.5 hours round trip — moderate, but rewarding.

Nearby is the Croscat Volcano, the largest in the Iberian Peninsula. You can see its unique red and black layers exposed by erosion — it’s like walking through geological time.

If you’re interested, visit La Fageda Cooperative, a local social project that employs people with disabilities and produces some of the best yogurts in Catalonia. Their tours are both inspiring and delicious (book ahead).

Besalú

End the trip in Besalú, one of Spain’s most beautiful medieval towns. Cross its 12th-century stone bridge over the river Fluvià, wander through its cobblestone streets, and discover the Jewish mikveh (ritual bath) hidden below the old quarter.

Grab a drink in the main square and simply watch life go by — children playing, locals chatting, bells ringing. It’s the perfect, peaceful goodbye to Girona’s countryside.

📍 Local secret: If you still have daylight, drive up to the Sanctuary of Mare de Déu del Mont. From the top, you can see the sea on one side and the Pyrenees on the other — a view that perfectly sums up the diversity of this land.

📌 Conclusion

Girona is a place that quietly captures your heart.
In just three days, you’ll have walked ancient Roman walls, watched the sun sink into the Mediterranean, and stood on the rim of a volcano. But more than that — you’ll have felt the warmth of a land that lives deeply through its traditions, its flavors, and its people.

This isn’t a trip to check off places. It’s a journey through stories, sensations, and smiles — the kind that stay with you long after you’ve left.

Welcome to Girona — and don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning your return before you’ve even left.

• Best restaurants in Girona
• Best excursions in Costa Brava