Girona: Medieval times never looked this good
Tucked in the northeast corner of Spain between bustling Barcelona and the beaches of the Costa Brava, Girona is one of the largest cities in Catalonia, yet still easy to explore on foot. A centrally located Girona vacation rental will put you on the doorstep of one of Europe's prettiest old towns. Narrow cobblestone streets wind through historic buildings, and it's all surrounded by some of the best preserved medieval walls you'll find anywhere. From the Gothic structures of the Jewish Quarter to the colorful houses reflecting off the Onyar River, you'll want your camera for some Instagram-worthy shots.
Gothic treasures await inside the great wall
While the medieval walls are a must-see, there are enough Gothic buildings within the walls to impress even the most discerning architecture buff in your group. The stately Girona Cathedral is worth the 86 steps it takes to get to it. Other highlights include the 14th-century Collegiate Church of Sant Feliu, the Benedictine church of Sant Pere de Galligants, and the Monastery of St. Daniel. Take a rest in the bustling Placa de la Independencia before you explore the Jewish Quarter. For museum buffs, there's the Museu del Cinema, Museu d'Historia de Girona, and Museu d'Art, featuring an impressive 8,500 works.
Winter is coming (though the weather's just fine)
Pack your best walking shoes when you head to your Girona vacation rental, because the best way to see the city is on foot, especially by walking the city's medieval walls. Whether self-guided or with the professionals, you'll have your pick of walking tours, including the popular "Game of Thrones" tours that highlight the locations used in the show. Make sure to pop in the antique shops along the way. To unwind after a long day of walking, pamper yourself like the ancients did at the soothing Banys Arabs, impeccably preserved bathhouses from the old days.
Winter isn't coming (at least not the white stuff)
You can leave the snow boots behind when you head to your Girona vacation rental. Winters are cool, but temps rarely dip below freezing. Lows in the coldest months of December to March generally hover in the high 30s, with highs pleasantly in the 50s. Summers are hot, with the mercury soaring into the upper 80s (and occasionally low 90s) in the warmest months of July and August. July is also the driest month. You'll see the most rain in the spring and fall (April to May and September to November), though thunderstorms are most frequent in summer.
A tale of two cities: the steep and the flat
The Onyar River runs through the heart of Girona, and the landscape varies greatly on either side. The colorful houses of the old town start on the east bank, rising steeply to the mountains that separate the city from the Costa Brava and the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea further afield. On the west bank of the river, the newer section of town sits comfortably on the plains. You'll have to travel a bit before hitting the mountains in the interior of Spain. Most of the wildlife viewing you'll find in Girona comes in the form of people watching.
Transportation options to and around Girona
Fly into Gerona (GRO-Costa Brava), the closest airport, located 6.3 mi (10.1 km) from the city center.
If you'd rather travel by train, make your way to Girona Station or Girona (GIA-Girona Train Station) and explore the city from there.
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