Looking for a weekend city break? Girona has many secrets to discover, and it boasts some of the best culinary offerings in Europe. Thankfully, it also has a great cultural side and incredible architecture – perfect for those Instagram snaps!
With our 72-hour tour you'll be able to see the best of the Spanish city, sample its delicious cuisine and enjoy Girona's finest hotels after a busy day of sightseeing.
Day one
Morning: Breakfast in the Old Town
Familiarise yourself with the city by fuelling up with breakfast in the Old Town. Start exploring the old quarter's charming cobbled street filled with churrerias and bakeries where you can choose from healthy options or the local treat called Xuixos (a cross between a croissant and a churro but filled with cream). Once your appetite has been taken care of, start exploring by visiting the most impressive building in town and widest Gothic nave in the world, Girona Cathedral (Game of Thrones fans will immediately recognise it as Great Sept of Baelor and feel like they are in King's Landing). After climbing 91 steps, take the opportunity to wander along the surrounding gardens and take a walk along the city wall. Next follow the narrow streets which lead to the Jewish Quarter.
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Afternoon: Take in the city's incredible views
If there is a view that identifies the city of Girona, it's the vistas of the colourful houses - aka the hanging houses of Girona - on the banks of the Onyar River with the cathedral and the tower of the Basilica of Sant Feliu in the background. Don't miss it! Also, make sure you cross the river Onyar using Pont de les Peixateries Velles, a famous bridge built by Gustave Eiffel, who designed it and built it ten years before creating his famous namesake Parisian tower. And no afternoon would be complete without stopping for ice cream at Jordi Roca's ice cream shop Rocambolesc, in the heart of Girona. You won't regret it!
© Photo: RexThe Pont de les Peixateries Velles is a must see
Evening: Dinner at the central square
After a long day walking, you can get one of the best dining experiences in the Girona's central square, located next to the river and offering plenty of choice. Book a table at The Bistrot if you want to enjoy an al fresco romantic evening at the bottom of the iconic Pujada de Sant Domènech steps.
Day two
Morning: Visit the fishing town of Cadaqués
While in Costa Brava you must head to Cadaqués, a small fishing town full of gorgeous whitewashed houses, turquoise waters and, of course, Salvador Dali's famous house. Taking a stroll through the picturesque village is simply breath-taking with its cobbled streets and charming buildings all along the seafront. Grab and ice cream and enjoy the sea breeze while exploring your way to Casa Serinyana, one of the most iconic modernist buildings in Cadaquès.
© Photo: RexThe town of Cadaqués
Afternoon: Discover Salvador Dali's house
Spend the afternoon in Portlligat, just a 15 minutes' walk from Cadaques. Here you'll reach Casa Salvador Dalí. A must-see museum for art-lovers and a unique art studio where Dali lived and created most of his best work.
© Photo: RexIn the museum you can see the last unfinished painting of surrealist painter Salvador Dalí
Evening: Treat yourself to dinner at Celler de Can Roca
If you get to plan this trip in advance you cannot miss the opportunity to book a table at Celler de Can Roca – be warned, there is a waiting list of up to ten months, so plan wel in advance! This is one of the best restaurants in the world and a dining experience to remember, so the wait is definitely worth it.
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Day three
Morning: Enjoy what Hotel Caminal has to offer
If you've chosen to stay in the five-star Hotel Camiral, set in the grounds of PGA Catalunya Resort, (see suggestions below) then we've highlighted just what you should do on the last day of your holiday. First of all, why not start it indulging on their fantastic Mediterranean breakfast buffet before heading out and practising your swing on an award winning 18-hole championship golf course (private golf lessons are available for beginners). If golfing is not your thing then head to their Spa and choose a treatment from their endless list.
Afternoon
Make sure you take advantage of all the activities offered by the hotel. You can choose from taking a dip in the pool or even a cycling tour (Tom Daley and his husband chose this activity when honeymooning here). Activities don't stop there, you can also play tennis, play paddle or even give horse riding a try.
Evening
The five-star Hotel Camiral takes full advantage of Girona's foodie fame through its own incredible restaurant offerings. Head to their signature 1477 Restaurant which features the finest offerings from local artisan food producers, showcasing European cuisine with distinctly Catalan influences. Alternatively, try The Lounge Bar, a welcoming place to get-together for a drink or cocktail, and a more informal dining experience. It serves classic bar favourites, fresh seafood and local tapas to share, complemented by a selection of delicious local and international wines.
Where to stay in Girona:
Hotel Camiral is set in the grounds of the scenic 300-hectare PGA Catalunya Resort, on the doorstep of Girona and Barcelona. Room rates at Hotel Camiral start from €200 for a Standard Deluxe room, based on two sharing, on a bed and breakfast basis. To book and for further information visit www.hotelcamiral.com/en or call +34 972 472 249. For further information on PGA Catalunya Resort visit www.pgacatalunya.com.
Gorgeous views from Hotel Camiral, which is set in the grounds of the scenic 300-hectare PGA Catalunya Resort
How to get to Girona:
Direct flights to Girona run from some of the UK's main airports including London, Birmingham, Manchester or Edinburgh. Many leading airlines operate flights to the city, including Ryanair and Jet2.
The resort features a Golf Course which has been ranked the nº1 Golf Course in Spain.
