Visit Girona Spain: A Beautiful Day Trip from Barcelona
If you’re spending extra time in Barcelona before or after your cruise, visiting Girona Spain is an easy and rewarding day trip. The city has a slower pace than Barcelona, which makes it a relaxing break from the busy streets. Its medieval lanes, colorful riverfront, and historic landmarks create a setting that feels calm and inviting.
Girona is known for its ancient walls, Gothic cathedral, and charming Old Town. The city is compact and simple to explore, so you can see a lot without feeling rushed. Every area offers something different, from quiet viewpoints to narrow streets filled with character.
What Makes Girona Special
However, what makes Girona truly special is the way it blends history with a calm, inviting atmosphere. In addition, the medieval quarter offers narrow lanes, stone staircases, and quiet corners that encourage slow exploration. For example, the colorful houses along the Onyar River create one of the most recognizable views in Catalonia. As a result, the city feels both peaceful and full of character.
Exploring the Girona Cathedral
Furthermore, the Girona Cathedral stands out as one of the city’s most impressive landmarks. To begin with, its wide staircase and dramatic facade make a memorable first impression. Inside, the single nave is one of the widest in the world, which adds to its sense of scale. Because of this, the cathedral remains a highlight for many visitors.
Walking the Medieval Walls
One of the best ways to experience Girona is by walking along its medieval walls. The elevated path gives you a unique perspective of the city, with views of rooftops, towers, and the surrounding countryside. The walk is easy to follow and offers several scenic lookout points.
Game of Thrones Filming Location
Girona is a must‑see destination for Game of Thrones fans. Much of Season 6 was filmed here, and the city’s medieval streets became some of the show’s most iconic backdrops. The dramatic staircase of the Girona Cathedral appeared as the exterior of the Great Sept of Baelor in King’s Landing, while the winding alleys of the Jewish Quarter transformed into Braavos, where Arya Stark trained, begged, and fought the Waif. The Sant Pere de Galligants monastery was also used as the Citadel of Oldtown, where Samwell Tarly began his maester training. Walking through Girona feels like stepping directly into Westeros and Essos — and it was one of the reasons we were so excited to visit. Our tour guide pointed out various locations for filming and explained how the area was transformed during filming.
Wandering the Jewish Quarter
Girona’s Jewish Quarter, known as El Call, is one of the best‑preserved in Europe. Its narrow streets and stone passageways create a peaceful atmosphere that encourages slow exploration. This area is filled with small shops, historic buildings, and quiet corners that highlight the city’s layered past.
Enjoying the Old Town
The Old Town is the heart of Girona. It’s filled with cafés, boutiques, and small squares that make it easy to spend a relaxed afternoon. The blend of medieval architecture and modern touches gives the area a timeless feel.
Is Girona Worth Visiting?
If you enjoy history, architecture, and charming old‑world streets, Girona is absolutely worth adding to your Barcelona itinerary. It’s close, easy to navigate, and full of memorable sights that offer a refreshing contrast to the energy of Barcelona.
For more ideas to help you plan your time in the region, you can explore my full Barcelona roundup post.
Or, if you’d prefer to visit Girona along with Costa Brava and Montserrat on the same day trip, you can check out my full post here.
