Girona
TownGirona is a medieval city inland from the coast, with a colourful riverfront, one of Europe’s best-kept Jewish quarters and a cathedral reached by a sweeping stair.
Why visit Girona
Girona is the historic city at the heart of the Costa Brava region, a short way inland from the coast. Its old town rises above the Onyar river, whose banks are lined with the colourful painted houses that form the city’s best-known view. Inside, a maze of medieval lanes makes up one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe, and a vast cathedral is reached by a dramatic sweeping stair. Walkable medieval walls ring the centre, making Girona an easy and rewarding day out from the coast.
Colourful houses
Colourful painted houses line the Onyar river in the city’s best-known view.
Best-preserved
A maze of medieval lanes forms one of Europe’s best-kept Jewish quarters.
Sweeping stair
A vast cathedral is reached by a dramatic sweeping stone stair.
Walkable
Medieval walls ring the centre and can be walked for rooftop views.
Easy day out
A short way inland, it makes an easy, rewarding day out from the coast.
On the map
Practical information
- Getting there: inland in Girona province; about 15 minutes by car from Girona–Costa Brava airport (GRO), with fast trains from Barcelona.
- What to see: the colourful Onyar riverfront, the Jewish quarter, the cathedral stair and the city walls.
- Good to know: it is an inland city, not a beach town — an easy day trip from the coast.
- Best time to visit: spring or autumn for comfortable walking; May for the flower festival.
Explore more of the Costa Brava
Girona is one of many destinations on the CostaMap interactive map — browse beaches, villages, parks and viewpoints across the whole coast.
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