For fans of the hit TV show, Game of Thrones, the stunning town of Girona likely needs no introduction. Set over two sides of the River Onyar, this beautiful as a postcard town is well worth a day trip from Barcelona, or perhaps as an overnight remain in its own right. The place to find oodles of charm and much more history, here’s your ultimate guide on how to take an excursion from Barcelona to Girona, in addition to insider tips and things to know prior to going!
Introducing Girona: The Medieval Town day trip from Barcelona
Even if Girona isn’t already on your Catalonian bucket list, I’m suggesting right now that it totally ought to be! The place to find no less than two Michelin star restaurants, an array of medieval sites, in addition to Roman ruins, this Costa Brava town is really picturesque that you’ll soon discover yourself snapping photos on near enough every corner.
Wander round the town for just about any given length of time, and you’ll soon realize that Girona has a wealth of hidden gems worth discovering; from a bridge built by Mr Gustave (from the Parisian Eiffel Tower variety) to some cinema museum, for an archaeology museum housed inside a former Romanesque Church, or even a tiny chapel where you can worship together with nuns from behind visitors screen (Esclavas del Santísimo Sacramento y La Inmaculada), there’s a curiosity for the most discerning of travellers.
The view from our luxurious hotel, which offered breathtaking views onto the Pyrenées from an unforgettable rooftop terrace including a pool (see every detail here!)
Top items to see and do in Girona
Though you’d prosper to plan your visit to Girona in order to be overnight (this way you may enjoy all the major attractions the city provides), the town is fairly compact and simply walkable. In a push, many of the top things you can do can be done over the course of each day. As a result, take along your comfiest walking shoes and prepare to clock up those steps. Oh, and don’t forget to bring your camera along!
Enjoy a whimsical Rocambolesc Frozen treats: When searching for to find the best things you can do in Girona, one foodie hot spot emerged within our research again and again. Rocambolesc frozen treats was created through the Roca Brothers, who are internationally famous because of the fact that they own among the top-rated restaurants in the world!
The ice cream is simply delicious and is served inside a soft-serve style, together with toppings (for an additional fee). Take your ice cream to go (in a cone or cup) and stroll along to 1 from the nearby bridges, where you can enjoy your sweet treat with a side of gorgeous architecture. Game of Thrones fans will be happy to discover that among the Ice Lollies is shaped like the hand of Jamie Lannister.
Follow within the footsteps of Bet on Thrones filming locations: For those not in the know (I’m sure I’m not the only one to haven't seen GoT!), Girona featured because the town of Braavos within the 6th Season from the show. Of course, ever since the iconic show was filmed within the medieval streets of Girona, fans have flocked from near and far to determine the stunning medieval bridges, not to mention, the Romanesque and Gothic Cathedral that amounted to EUR7 to enter, but is free of charge to go in.
Stroll round the Arab Baths: Situated just a couple minutes walk from the lower Cathedral, the Arab Baths are ever so pretty and worth the two euro entrance fee. As well as featuring in Game of Thrones, these 12th-century Baths (which are styled after earlier Roman models) are authentically preserved and provide a peek at the Romanesque style in a way that you’ve likely never witnessed before.
Kiss the Lion’s Bottom: No, really! In the heart of that old town, there’s a historic statue dating completely to the 12th-century. Set atop a stone poll, legend has it when you kiss the lion statue’s bottom, then you’ll return to Girona, or Gerona as it is termed in Spanish. Even though the current statue is actually a replica of the original (the second now housed within the archaeology museum), my newest trip to Girona was my second- so I’ll allow you to perform the maths!
Enjoy the vista in the historic ramparts/ city walls: Through the city, there’s an abundance of beautiful locations from which to enjoy breathtaking views of Girona disseminate below, and also the mountainous peaks of the Pyrenées beyond. Among the best views in town is to be found along the Passeig de la Muralla, a part Roman and part medieval half-a-mile-long restored wall containing watchtowers, steps, and of course, panoramic viewpoints.
How far is Girona from Barcelona? How to travel from Barcelona to Girona
Girona can be found around 100 km North of Barcelona, along the Costa Brava. If you’re driving by car, then your journey takes approximately one hour and twenty minutes. However, I'd personally forgo the car as driving around Barcelona is stressful and you’ll need to bother about parking when you get to Girona! Instead, opt for the new high-speed train, which matches from city to city in just 37 minutes.
If you’re seeking to visit Girona on a self-guided excursion by train from Barcelona, then you need to know before you go there are actually two types of trains available. Don’t result in the Girona travel mistake we did, and end up taking the slower train as this will waste your valuable time in the city and then leave you greater than a little frustrated!
The faster train takes just under forty minutes, while the slower train (which is generally cheaper if you’re thinking about purchasing tickets at the time) takes approximately one hour . 5, due to the fact that it stops whatsoever of the regional stations on the way to Girona. Trains from Barcelona to Girona depart from Barcelona Sants station on a regular basis and therefore are typically those headed to the town of Figueres.
Check here to reserve your train tickets from Barcelona to Girona ahead of time.
Figueres day tours, trips & excursions from Barcelona
If you’re looking for a hands-off method to take an excursion from Barcelona to Gerona, then you may well consider booking a tour. These trips in the Catalonian capital are typically guided and provide you with a look (as well as occasional museum entry included, tour depending) in to the good reputation for the location, as well as insider knowledge, and filming locations.
From Barcelona: Girona Bet on Thrones Tour
For the ultimate fan experience, this Game of Thrones tour to Girona from Barcelona will immerse you in the realm of Braavos, in the sixth season of the hit show. Happening over a day, top highlights include free time to wander the medieval streets, a trip to Girona Cathedral, and also the chance to find out about both Girona’s medieval and Roman past. Check prices and availability here.
From Barcelona: Girona, Figueres and Dalí Museum Day Tour
If you wish to see both Girona and Figueres, as well as the Dalí Museum, this tour from Barcelona packs plenty into the 11-hour excursion. As well as a visit to the medieval capital of scotland- Girona (where a number of Bet on Thrones was filmed), this excursion features a guided walking tour of Girona, as well as fast-track entrance in to the Dalí Museum. Check prices and availability here.
The delightful capital of scotland- Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí
Girona and Figueres Full-Day Tour with Hotel Pick Up
For those who are looking to visit both Girona and Figueres like a day trip from Barcelona, this guided tour includes expensive hotels pick up option. The tour lasts for eight hours and includes highlights like the historic sites of Girona, in addition to Figueres (i.e. the birthplace of Dalí). Groups are capped at 8, in order to enhance the personalised experience. Please note that, unlike the above ticket, this ticket doesn't include entry in to the Dalí museum. Check prices and availability here.
Girona and Costa Brava Tour with Hotel Pickup in Barcelona
This incredibly well-reviewed tour features the opportunity to explore the medieval town of Girona, as well as the stunning landscapes from the Costa Brava. Taking place over the period of eight hours, highlights include the fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell and also the opportunity to learn about the ancient Caminos de Ronda. Check prices and availability here.
Girona & Montserrat Full-Day Trip from Barcelona
If you’re looking to see two most iconic Barcelona excursions in one day, this excursion to Montserrat and Girona is perfect for you. Contained in the excursion in the Catalonian capital is really a guided walking tour of Girona, a taste of several local liqueurs, and the Cogwheel train journey to Montserrat. Check prices and availability here.
