This week, I’ve got a photo of Catalunya’s second most-famous city (probably): Girona!
Girona is just about an hour away from Barcelona by train. Its small-town feel is so different from Barcelona’s edgy cosmopolitan vibe. I’d always heard that Girona is Catalonia’s second-biggest city, but actually it’s quite small (most of Barcelona’s suburbs are bigger according to all the numbers I found online).
It’s probably the second-biggest tourist attraction city though, and it definitely deserves a visit…and not just if you get stuck there because Ryanair calls it “Barcelona”!
It’s beautiful and green, and the gentle Onyar River runs through the city filled with old, interesting buildings. The huge mix of the city’s religious history shows up in the architecture – a huge cathedral (originally a mosque), a Roman copy of Arab baths, and a winding Jewish quarter are three of Girona’s most impressive sights.
Every May, Girona has a flower festival (the Temps de Flors) where they cover the entire city in flower carpets. I was there just as they were cleaning up and it was still stunning, so I’m hoping I can go back this spring to see the full display .
Besos!
-Jess
Great photo. I like the perspective!
Thank you very much!
Out of all the regions of Spain I have yet to explore, Catalonia has always been at the top of the list! I’ve been to Barcelona once but I’ve always wanted to go to Girona as well. If you ever get around to writing a guidebook to Catalonia, I will definitely be first in line to buy it! 😀
Ok, deal! 🙂 Catalonia is cool – it has so many beautiful places! Plus, hey like to emphasize that it’s different and not really Spanish, so that’s an interesting perspective to explore.
I secretly love Girona more than Barcelona. Don’t tell anyone!
Haha I’ll keep it a secret! Girona is awesome, I’d love to go back.
I saw a great portion of Girona on the Spain: On the Road Again video series! I’m jealous that I am not in Spain! Keep telling us more!
Ooh I love On The Road Again! I’ll have to check out the Girona episode now.
Girona is beautiful. Had a long walk around before an amazing lunch at El Celler de Can Roca. Great day trip out of Barcelona. Could sit looking out of over those bridges all day.
I agree, it’s stunning and very different from Barcelona as well.
We’ve been to Barcelona a couple of times, but have never ventured out of the city. I love Southern Spain, and based on your recommendations, I will add Gerona to the list. Great photo BTW. ~James
Cheers! Girona is a great day trip from Barcelona, and it’s so nice.