Fresh Air › Instead of Barcelona
Girona
Girona's old city is walled, well-preserved, and genuinely beautiful. The former Jewish quarter, the Call, is one of the best-preserved in Europe. The cathedral is remarkable. And Girona has a food scene that punches above its weight — El Celler de Can Roca, for years the world's top-rated restaurant, is in the suburbs. The old city walls offer a panoramic walk above the rooftops. In the early morning, before the day trippers arrive from Barcelona, the medieval streets are very quiet.
Why visit
Medieval old city, preserved Jewish quarter, excellent food scene (El Celler de Can Roca is here), and the Costa Brava coast is nearby.
Crowd level
Some Game of Thrones tourism, but overall visitor numbers are a fraction of Barcelona. You can walk the old Jewish quarter without jostling.
Best time
April-June or September-October
Getting there
35min by high-speed train from Barcelona. Also accessible from the French border.
Tradeoffs
Smaller city than Barcelona, fewer nightlife options. Not a substitute for Barcelona's scale but a better base for the region.
Direct comparisons
Layers
Region
At a glance
- Country
- Spain
- Region
- Catalonia
- Fresh Air Score
- 83/100
- Cost level
- $$
- Distance from Barcelona
- 98 km