Anyone who says Girona is a boring city probably hasn't gone here yet. From the outside, this Catalan city does look rather one-note. It's almost as if the only worthwhile thing about the place is that it's an idyllic and nostalgic town from centuries ago. However, Girona is more than that. There's more to do, see, and experience here, some you won't find anywhere else. In fact, even if you only have one day to spend in Girona, chances are you'll fill up all that time with no problem at all. But here are some great suggestions!
Enjoy A Break By Plaça de la Independència
If there's one place in Girona that you can say is the 'center' of it all, it's Plaça de la Independència. A city square that dates all the way back to the 19th-century, it remains the heart of the city to this very day. Now, it's surrounded by arcades,
restaurants, cafes, and more. And there's no better way to spend some of your free time than to sit back and watch life happen from any of the corners of the plaça. If you wanted to understand what life is like here in Girona, hanging out here is your best bet!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Stroll Along Muralles de Girona
When it comes to walking on walls, the Great Wall of China is undoubtedly the most famous of them all. However, not for nothing, Girona's own Muralles de Girona is just as fascinating as well. Granted they don't go on for miles and miles, but these ancient Roman structures are a peek into the history of the Catalan city. From its preserved watchtowers to the exquisite views from this vantage point, there's a lot to see in this major tourist attraction. See what the city's former rulers and soldiers saw back in the day!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Relax in Parc de la Devesa
Do you still want to relax on your only day in Girona? You can always head on over to Parc de la Devesa! Saying that this is probably one of the most beautiful parks in any city in Spain is quite an understatement. In one part, there's a woodland forest that looks straight out of a fairytale. In another, manicured gardens with colorful flowerbeds that will catch your eye from a mile away. With such exquisite beauty, this park can easily rival
those in Paris or the
gardens in Rome. Not to mention the place is a lot more peaceful than them, that's for sure!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Shop At Rambla de la Llibertat
Shopping isn't exactly a place you'd automatically think to do when you're in Girona, is it?
The shops in Barcelona are a lot more famous than whatever you'd find in Girona any day. Nevertheless, you can still catch some great finds in this city, especially along Rambla de la Llibertat. Located in the Old Town district, one of the more fascinating
neighborhoods of Girona, this place is where you'll find cute boutiques, fashionable stores, and a few cafes for you to take a coffee break. Not to mention the beautiful flower market that happens every Sunday!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
See The Arab Baths
It's highly likely that you've never seen anything quite like the Arab Baths in Girona! You may think that they bear similarities with the baths in Rome or Budapest, but they're totally far from it. Despite its name, the whole look of the place is very Romanesque, what with the tall pillars, octagon pools, and the like. Warm and cool baths show a fascinating look at how people from Ancient Rome, of which during that time the city of Girona was under, bathed & socialized at the same time. You'll thank your lucky stars you were born where indoor plumbing and private bathrooms were already a thing!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Get A Tan At Costa Brava
Does it almost seem like every city in Spain has to have a beach? There's one in Barcelona,
one in San Sebastian, and, of course, one in Girona too. The latter is the famous Costa Brava beach, a slightly secluded shoreline surrounded by white houses, blue waters, and forested hills. The entire place looks like it should be a postcard (and it probably is already!). Here, you can swim, get a tan, build sandcastles, and just take a load off. You won't want anything distracting you from this gorgeous scenery and rare serenity.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Swim At Banyoles Lake
If the saltwater at Costa Brava beach gets a little bit too much for you, you can always swim at Banyoles Lake! Despite its natural beauty, this lake has actually become quite the hotspot for both tourists and locals alike. Yes, you can swim to your heart's content while you're here. Or partake in other water sports offered around the area. Heavily commercialized with a slew of shops, restaurants, cafes, and more, you can easily spend an entire day here at Banyoles Lake and you won't get bored at all. What's not to love?
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Girona is anything but boring! While it is a peaceful and serene city, that doesn't mean that there's nothing to do, see, and experience here. In fact, there are many ways to spend even just a day here in Girona!
