If you are traveling in Catalonia, you will discover all that offers the interesting province of Girona. Here you will find the most complete and detailed guide to the points and places of interest offered by this fascinating corner of Spain.
A province full of places to visit.
Girona is internationally known for being home to one of the most beautiful coasts of Spain: The Costa Brava. In summer it receives thousands of national and international tourists in search of sun and beach. But this province is home to much more: beautiful inland villages, archaeological sites, dream castles, wonderful coves and impressive volcanic landscapes. A province full of places to visit that will delight any traveler.
Route along the Costa Brava: Beaches and coves
We start in Blanes:
We start the route in Blanes: beginning of the Costa Brava
We visit the town of Blanes, a town that stands out for its environment full of rocky cliffs and quiet coves. Here do not miss the remains of the castle of Sant Joan of the thirteenth century, a monumental complex with Gothic buildings of the fourteenth or fifteenth centuries, as well as the Gothic Fountain, the Church of Our Lady of Hope or the Sanctuary of the Holy Image of Pilar, as well as the impressive Marimurtra Botanical Garden, a jewel landscape that falls in love completely.
Continuing on to Cadaqués: dreamy seascapes
From here to Cadaqués there is a great variety of dreamy seascapes. One way to discover them is to walk along the fascinating Camino de Ronda. These are old paths used by pirates and smugglers to hide their booty or later by the carabinieri for their surveillance work. Many of them have been recovered and enabled for the enjoyment of travelers.
Very close by is Cala Traumal: a small and genuine space of golden sands that you will fall in love with. It is characterized by a wild environment surrounded by cliffs and lots of vegetation, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
If you want to discover paradisiacal coves, the Santa Clotilde Gardens, located on top of a cliff, offer priceless views with Renaissance inspiration. These gardens, designed by the Marquis of Rovialta in 1919, are part of the European Route of Historic Gardens.
Let’s go to Lloret de Mar: beach, stores and nightlife
Lloret de Mar offers the visitor an endless number of beaches and coves with crystal clear waters, combined with an interesting historic center and a wide range of accommodation and leisure activities. If you find yourself there, don’t miss the Modernist Cemetery, structured as if it were a small village; the Casa Font, the only Indian-style House Museum in Catalonia; or the Benedictine Monastery of Sampere del Bosque.
Cala Sa Caleta: in Lloret de Mar
Sacaleta is one of the most famous coves of the Costa Brava, guarded by a photogenic Medieval Castle located on top of a cliff. Its dreamy postcards, with small colorful boats that add to its charm, clean and crystalline waters and a shallow seabed, make it a very popular spot for tourists.
Visiting Tossa de Mar: Medieval Castle on the beach
Tossa de Mar is one of the most beautiful villages of the Costa Brava, located between beautiful coves, where a huge medieval complex sits on a hill. This town still preserves a beautiful medieval village of the eleventh century and it is a luxury to walk through it. Also of the Villa are its houses, walls and towers, as well as the old fishermen’s quarter and other monuments such as the Parish Church of San Vicente of classical style, built in the mid-eighteenth century.
Giverolla and Giveroletta coves, in Tossa de Mar
A short distance away are the coves Girebolla and Giberoletta, two beautiful coves very pleasant, located in the middle of nature and offering all kinds of services to the traveler. The first one is a beautiful horseshoe-shaped sandy beach.
Cala Pola, in Tossa de Mar
Cala Pola is another small cove that stands out for its crystal clear waters and the large number of services it has, something that makes it a very popular spot for tourists enjoying the warm summer days in Catalonia.
Touring the Costa Brava: places that inspire out of the water
The interior of the province of Girona is a modern tourist paradise with charming villages, stunning landscapes with lots of history and gastronomy to discover.
We start the route in Portaferrada
It has an impressive monumental complex consisting of the Parish Church and various elements of the Romanesque Monastery of the Villa, with its famous Portaferrada. Nearby we find Zagaró, a population center that was born as a project of noucentista style and has been declared of cultural interest as a protected historical site since 1995. Designed for family tourism, it is one of the jewels of the province and the Costa Brava.
Visiting Platja d’Aro, much more than beach
Here is Cala sa conca, a paradise formed by an extensive sandy beach and a large number of services, in a privileged location, surrounded by a natural environment delineated by a lush pine forest. Different prehistoric funerary monuments show that Platja d’Aro was an important settlement since ancient times. Its original nucleus began in the Middle Ages around the Church of Santa Maria, when the construction of the Castle of Venedor, origin of Castell d’aro, began.
We continue towards Calonge
There are few remains of the fortress destroyed in the nineteenth century. Another of the great attractions of the town are its coves or long beaches, where you can practice nautical activities. Calonge stands out for its medieval castle dating from the twelfth century, the Church of San Martin or the street of Cancun. Its origins date back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by the existence of dolmens and menhirs or the Roman settlement of Castell Barril.
Its castle, one of the largest fortresses in the region of the sixth century, and the Torre Valentina are other outstanding buildings.
We go to Palamós: ideal to taste seafood and its Red Shrimp
Palamós: It offers excellent beaches such as La Foca or El Castell, as well as beautiful coves. It is one of the gastronomic destinations par excellence of the Costa Brava thanks to its famous Red Shrimp. Walk through its historic center and discover incredible places.
Enjoying Calella de Palafrugell, a charming fishing village
Another charming fishing village in the province of Girona is Calella de Palafrugell. It is a postcard village, full of white houses and dreamy coves that inspired Joan Manuel Serrat when composing his song Mediterráneo.
Let’s go to Begur, the Costa Brava Village
To the north, Begur is one of the most beautiful villages of the Costa Brava. Wedged between the Begur Massif and the coast, it has become one of the most attractive destinations in the region. Among its most outstanding monuments are the Castle and the Defense Towers, built between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries to protect the town. Also surprising are the colonial and Indian style houses of the neighbors who returned from America with great fortunes.
Cala Sa Tuna, a Wild Corner
In the surroundings of Cala Sa Tuna we are surprised by a small group of old white fishermen’s houses and a beautiful stone tower, as well as a small beach that is one of the most beautiful and well-known coves in Catalonia.
Cala Isla Roja, a Planet
As if it were another planet, Cala Isla Roja is a beautiful beach of 120 meters long that owes its name to the reddish color of the mountain that surrounds it and that contrasts with the turquoise blue of its waters.
We visited Pals, a Medieval Village
Finally, we highlight Pals, a beautiful medieval village. A town that emerges behind the mountains, with a charming environment, medieval layout adapted to the massif and the coast and the monuments that characterize it: the Castle, the Defense Towers and the colonial and Indian style houses of the neighbors who returned from America with great fortunes.
Cala Isla Roja, a Planet
As if it were another planet, Cala Isla Roja is a beautiful beach 120 meters long that owes its name to the reddish color of the mountain that surrounds it and contrasts with the turquoise blue of its waters
Discover the city of Girona
don’t miss the opportunity to discover some of the most charming medieval villages of the province! The mountains of Begur offer an unbeatable environment to enjoy the perfect preservation of civil and religious buildings of defensive character, as well as an amalgam of architectural styles such as Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque. If you are looking for a unique experience, do not miss these villages.
Stroll through their streets and discover places located within their walls
Since the 12th and 14th centuries, these villages have remained intact. Among the places of interest, the following stand out:
- The Tower of the Hours of Romanesque style and dating from the eleventh century.
- The Fortified House of Calabruna, today the church of Sampere, which mixes Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles in its base and façade.
Other medieval destinations
Of course, there are many more medieval villages to discover in the Province. Among them are:
- Thor, a medieval jewel of small dimensions perfect for touring and discovering its most important places.
- The Rural Museum of Mas Pou, which will allow you to learn more about the daily life of the peasants of the time.
- Peratallada, a village that seems frozen in time, walking through its stony streets.
- Huast, a village whose walls and buildings maintain a special charm.
- Monells, a village whose charm has become popular thanks to a famous film.
- Púbol, where the 11th century Gothic Renaissance fortification, which Salvador Dalí acquired, is located.
Visit these villages and enjoy the charm of the Middle Ages that still survives in each of them, you won’t regret it!
This is a city with a lot of history, its origins date back to more than 2000 years ago. This era is present walking through the cobbled streets of the old town in which stands a monumental cathedral and the Jewish quarter.
One of the most visited places is the stamp that characterize the hanging houses over the river Onyar, embedded in the Rock, which leave the visitor speechless. Other places of great interest are the Basilica of San Feliú, the first cathedral that the city had, built in 1882; the city walls that, fortunately, are still in good condition;the Arab baths, dating from the twelfth century and inspired by the Roman baths; or the Jewish quarter, the best preserved in Europe. If you want to know in detail what the wonderful city of Girona has to offer, the most complete guide is now available.
Towns near Girona
To the north we reach Serrada, a town that goes unnoticed, but in which you can breathe the medieval atmosphere that emanates from its streets. Here stands the Old Monastery of Santa Maria, originally from the eleventh century in Romanesque style, which was renovated and expanded in the eighteenth century. Other places of interest are the remains of its walls, the towers of the hours or the remains of the old castle of Torroella de Montgrí.
Places to visit in Torroella de Montgrí
It has an old town surrounded by promenades that follow the route of the ancient Roman wall, of which remains are preserved, such as the Tower of the Witches or the Portal of Santa Catarina, as well as the Romanesque chapel of San Antonio, located in the arcaded Plaza de la Villa, or the church of Sansenís, a jewel of Gothic art.
- Monastery of Santa Maria
- Remains of the wall
- Towers of the hours
- Remains of the old Castle of Torroella de Montgrí
- Tower of the Witches
- Portal of Santa Catarina
- Romanesque chapel of Sant Antoni
- Church of Sansenís
To the north is one of the most important sites.
The north of the Costa Brava, a natural paradise
Empúries: The site of the ruins of Empúries is an ancient Greek-Roman city more than 2,000 years old. There you can find Roman walls, the statue of Asclepios, God of medicine, thermal baths, temples with a museum where you can put them in context.
Sant Martí d’Empúries:
Half a hundred kilometers to the north is Sant Martí d’Empúries, a town with a rich history, since it was an important Greek settlement and one of the most important ports. Today it is an exceptional tourist destination thanks to its small and beautiful coves, as well as the remains of its ancient castle, the 16th century parish church of San Martín, and its walled complex.
Sant Pere Pescador:
Sant Pere Pescador is part of the Natural Park of the Empordà Marshes. There are the ‘aiguamolls’, a set of wetlands generated by the estuaries of the rivers Muga, Fluvià and Ter. It is a place of natural interest and an ideal place for the observation of ornithological fauna, with flooded areas of pastures, canals and viewpoints to observe the different species of the park. This 6 km beach is a highly recommended place in the summer months or to practice wind sports.
Castelló de Empúries:
Castelló de Empúries is an interesting medieval village located a short distance from the Costa Brava. Among its main attractions are the Basilica of Santa Maria, the Empordà Cathedral, the Jewish quarter and the Portal de la Gallarda.
Empuriabrava:
Empuriabrava is a town that is divided into two parts: its old town or medieval village, and the urbanization. It is a millenary city that after the fall of the Roman Empire became the administrative, social and economic capital of the medieval emperor. Today it is an ideal tourist destination to visit interesting places such as:
- The Basilica of Santa Maria
- The Jewish quarter
- The Portal de la Gallarda
Also, in Empuriabrava there is also a nice beach of 6 km, ideal for the summer months or to practice wind sports.
Roses
Roses is a privileged place between the natural park of the marshes of l’Empordà and Cape Creus, with Greek origins dating back to the 8th century. This small fishing village has a large number of monuments and archaeological remains that testify to its antiquity, such as the Dolment de Caballera or the medieval complex of the Sierra de Rhodes, composed of the Monastery of San Pedro de Rhodes, the 13th century Castle of Salvador, the Hermitage of Santa Elena and the Village of Santacreu; or the Church of San II. Also, its historic Citadel, built in the seventeenth century, the Castle of the Trinity or the viewpoint of Santa Rosa del Puigron, make Roses one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the province.
If you visit its interesting artistic-historical heritage, be sure to stroll along the promenade in the morning light and visit modernist buildings such as the Casa Blagua, the Jewish Quarter or the Gothic style Parish Church of Santa Maria.
Cap de Creus, a natural jewel
Near Roses is located one of the most magical places in the province: Cap de Creus. It is an arid and unspoiled place caressed by the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, presided over by the lighthouse of the same name and witnessed by incredible rock formations and paradisiacal waterfalls. Here you can enjoy one of the wildest and most beautiful landscapes of the Costa Brava, and hiking, a mandatory activity.
Port de la Selva, the magic of the sea
Not far from the border with France we find another medieval highlight: Port de la Selva, famous thanks to its castle. This town stands out for its variety of landscapes, from its beaches and mountains to monuments and archaeological remains. Its first historical references date back to 974.
Roses, Port de la Selva and Cap de Creus are some of the most privileged destinations on the Costa Brava. A natural paradise that is the largest marina in Europe.
We go into the surroundings of Figueres
Visit the most outstanding destinations of the Costa Brava:
- Roses: Citadel, Trinity Castle, Viewpoint of Santa Rosa del Puigron
- Cabo de Creus: Lighthouse of the same name, paradisiacal waterfalls, incredible rock formations
- Port de la Selva: White houses of the old town, Castle, Dolment de Caballera and Medieval Ensemble of Serra de Rodes
The first stop on our route is the city of Figueres, one of the most beautiful in the province. It has beautiful gardens, museums, an old town full of magic and the famous Cloister of Sandomenech or the old Gothic Convent of Carmen. World famous for its most illustrious son, Salvador Dalí, this town is home to the Dalí Museum, one of the most visited museums in Spain.
Also, in Figueres there are great commercial traditions, so many travelers come here to do their shopping. It also has a charming village with medieval walls and the Ferran Castle, birthplace of the brilliant Dalí. On the ashes of the Old Municipal Theater, Dalí decided to create his own museum, the largest Surrealist Temple in the world.
La Vajol: a hidden gem
After a visit to Figueres, one of the next stops on our route is La Vajol, a small village that became known in the middle of the Spanish Civil War, when President Negrin found among the forests of the town an ideal place to store the treasures of the Republic. It was also a passing territory for thousands of anonymous refugees fleeing to France. Today you can visit the Monument to the Exiles or the Romanesque Church of San Martin.
Banyoles, a large lake full of activities
The lake of Banyoles
Towards the south of the province is one of the most admired places: the Lake of Banyoles, one of the largest in Catalonia. The place has areas for swimming, fishing, paddling, picnicking or playing sports. You can also enjoy nature and its surroundings.
Explore the volcanic area of the Garrotxa and its surroundings
Besalú , a dream village
After an immersion in nature, our last stop is the beautiful village of Besalú. This medieval village has maintained its original layout over the centuries, preserving impeccable buildings that can still be enjoyed today. Among other emblematic buildings are the Monastery of San Esteban, the Old Wall or the Lonja del Tinte, an old medieval dye factory.
- Figueres: Dalí Museum
- Llavayol: Monument to the Exiles, Romanesque Church of St. Martin
- Lake of Banyoles
- Besalú: Monastery of San Esteban, Old Wall, Lonja del Tinte (Dye Market)
Argelager: A Magical World of Fountains, Labyrinths and Cabins
Argelager is one of the most curious places in the province. It leaves no one indifferent. A magical world of fountains, labyrinths and cabins created by Joseph Julia in the 70s. Perfect to disconnect and feel in touch with nature while strolling among these constructions.
Castellfollit de la Roca: A Striking Enclave
Castellfollit de la Roca impresses us for its enclave, it seems literally hanging from the rock more than 50 meters high. From the viewpoint of Josep Pla you can see all its incredible surroundings. Also, you can stroll through the old town and visit places like the church of San Salvador in Renaissance style.
Sant Joan les Fonts: A Small Medieval Village
In a few minutes you can reach Sant Joan les Fonts, a small medieval town that stands out above all for its 12th century Benedictine monastery, its medieval castle or a medieval bridge dating from the 13th century.
Olot: The Capital of La Garrotxa
We arrived at the capital of the region of La Garrotxa, Olot. Its medieval buildings were destroyed by earthquakes in the early fifteenth century, but still retains some interesting monuments, such as:
- The parish church of San Esteban from the 18th century, with the baroque altar of the roser.
- The sanctuary of the Madre de Dios del Turia, from the end of the 18th century.
- The cloister of El Carmen.
- The old Hospice, now a regional museum, which houses a magnificent collection of modernist paintings.
Fageda d’en Jordà: A Magic Forest
There is no other way to define the Fageda d’en Jordà, located within the natural park of the Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa. A phenomenal forest with specimens up to 20 meters high that has grown without being altered. Perfect for various hiking trails.
Visit the Croscat volcano
To open the lava of the Croscat volcano means to walk a 12-kilometer route through a grove that includes two volcanoes. Santa Pau is one of the most charming villages in the Garrotxa region. It is a small medieval village located in a unique natural environment.
Besides enjoying its surroundings and see how the silhouette of the village integrates harmoniously with the landscape, you can also visit interesting monuments such as the castle built between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, the beautiful Romanesque church of San Vicente, the church of Santa Maria or the monastery of San Julia del Mont.
One of the best activities to do in the province of Girona is to spend a day in the volcanic area of the Garrotxa. It is a natural park with a peculiar landscape composed of fossil remains of volcanic eruptions that took place during the Quaternary. The landscapes full of lush green vegetation contrast with the landscapes of volcanic sediments where reddish, brown and black colors flood everything.
Discover the charms of the past, in the Vall d’en Bas
Few villages have managed to preserve the beauty of yesteryear as well as Hostalets d’en Bas. This village is in a privileged location and protected by the mountains, making it a perfect place to stroll and observe its stone houses with their balconies and wooden windows adorned with numerous colorful flowers. You can stroll along Teixeda Street, which is a clear example of the traditional architecture of the area, or visit the Monument to the Peasants or the Parish Church of Santa Maria.
San Feliú de Pallarols is another town to visit in this area of the province. It also offers numerous hiking trails in the surrounding area, here you can discover:
- The Church: whose structure is Romanesque and was rebuilt in the seventeenth century.
- The Castle of Ostoles: one of the best examples of military architecture of the twentieth century.
- The Font de la Salud Sanctuary: a place of pilgrimage and devotion where the Virgin of Health has been venerated since the 17th century.
To the north, near the border with France, we reach the beautiful town of Beget. This beautiful medieval village has managed to maintain the same structure it had in the past. In the 12th century, three districts linked by bridges attracted attention, among them the medieval bridge of the 14th century. Most of its houses were restored in the 19th century preserving its style. Among its monuments highlights the Church of San Cristobal, built between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries in Catalan Romanesque style, located in the region of Ripollès.
We enter the most authentic beauty of the area
Camprodon: Medieval Bridge and Monuments
We enter Camprodon, one of the most famous villages of the Catalan Pyrenees, located at the confluence of the rivers Ter and Ritort. Village of a singular beauty, and its picturesque streets and promenades.
Camprodon is striking upon arrival with its magnificent medieval bridge, located on the Ter River surrounded by colorful houses and beautiful monuments. This bridge was built in the 12th century. Also, here is located the Monastery of Sampere, originally from the sixteenth century of beautiful Romanesque style; the Parish Church of Santa Maria, the Plaza Mayor, the remains of the Wall and the Old Bridge. Also of interest are the Abacial Palace and the Romanesque portal of the old Church of Sant Joan.
Beget, a postcard village
Nearby there is a small Medieval village from the 10th century called Beget, considered one of the most beautiful and charming villages of the Catalan Pyrenees. Its cobbled streets, its ancient bridges and especially its Romanesque church of San Cristobal, make it look like we are walking through a living nativity scene.
Ribes de Freser: Chapel of San Cristobal and Segura Castle
The next stop is in Ribes de Freser, a small town located between the rivers Freezer, Ricard and Segadei, a beautiful enclave of the Catalan Pyrenees flanked by lush mountains that allows you to connect with nature through a myriad of hiking trails located around the town. Here do not miss the Chapel of San Cristobal or the remains of the Castle of Segura and Ribes, both from the thirteenth century.
Ribes Valley: The Municipality of Queralps
In the Ribes Valley, we find the municipality of Queralps, a small town surrounded by the Pyrenean mountain range with peaks such as Puigmal, Balandraw or Torrentles. Here is located one of the most visited places in Catalonia, the Nuria Valley and its sanctuary. To reach it the most common is the rack railway that starts in this municipality.
Discover the charms of Camprodron with its medieval bridge, the Monastery of Sampere, the Church of Santa Maria, the Plaza Mayor, the remains of the Wall, the Abbot’s Palace and the Romanesque Portal of the old Church of Sant Joan. And in Ribes de Freser, the Chapel of San Cristobal and the remains of the Castle of Segura and Ribes. Finally, in the Ribes Valley, the municipality of Queralps to discover the Nuria Valley and its sanctuary.
Puigcerdà
In Puigcerdà, a small town with just 500 inhabitants, we can enjoy the lake created in the thirteenth century and stroll quietly around. The religious heritage of this municipality is extensive and includes the Romanesque church of Santo Tomás de Vitachola, the convent of Santo Domingo and the church of Santa María.
Llíbia, a Catalan pearl in French territory
To conclude the visit to Girona, we will cross French territory to reach Llíbia, one of the most emblematic villages of the Pyrenees. It is completely surrounded by French territory, although it belongs to Catalonia. The most recognizable building in this municipality is the Church of Our Lady of the Angels, built in the first half of the seventeenth century. Another place of interest is its castle, of which there are hardly any remains, but from which we can contemplate a colossal view of the Valley.
During our visit, we will also find several houses and villas from the late nineteenth century, built as summer camps for families from Barcelona.
Thus, Girona becomes a luxury destination for any tourist.
