Location on the map of Barcelona & Catalonia (Spain)

Girona Spain and The medieval town of Besalu

While Spain’s southern and eastern coasts is popular with tourists and expats, there are many other hidden gems in many parts of Spain. Throughout all the regions of Spain, there are countless villages of immense beauty that ooze both charm and history.

This tour is a very good option if you want to see some nice Catalan medieval villages and a little bit of history. Luckily, the Spanish geography keeps many memories of the Middle Ages with its towns. These stand out for their impressive castles or the great walled enclosures or their beautiful cathedrals and monasteries.

MEDIEVAL TOWNS IN CATALONIA SPAIN

Barcelona is so wonderful, but there is a lot more to discover outside the city, especially in the wonderful medieval towns in Catalonia.

According to Devour Barcelona, these are the most beautiful medieval villages in Catalonia:

  • Peratallada

  • Pals

  • Besalú

  • Castellfollit de la Roca

  • Cadaqués

  • Siurana

  • Begur

  • Guimerá

Most of these medieval towns from Spain can be reached by car, because they are planted in the middle of the beautiful Catalan countryside. Besides, each can be fit into a day, so don’t doubt taking a day out to visit any of them!

Peratallada, medieval towns in Girona (Spain)

HOW TO GET FROM BARCELONA TO GIRONA BY TRAIN

Where is Girona?

Girona is a medieval city in Spain’s northeastern Catalonia region, at about 100 km away from Barcelona. So often people make a trip to escape the crowds of the big city and it’s an especially popular pit stop for people traveling up to the scenic coastal region of Costa Brava. Girona is well-known because it has historic architecture and some well-preserved Jewish quarters.

You should consider the fact that there are no direct flights from Barcelona to Girona, so the options you have are getting there by train, by bus, or by driving.

The high-speed AVE train

Nevertheless, the cheapest, fastest, and the way we recommend to get to Girona is the high-speed AVE train (the standard price for this is about $16). Besides, you can reserve a seat up to 90 days in advance.

Spain has the AVE trains and many people here use this transportation as they are good speed trains, which means it takes less to get from one point to another. Consequently, it takes around 37 minutes to get from Barcelona to Girona’s main station.

Make sure you’re getting the AVE, because Renfe operates another train (Viajeros) that also goes to Girona, but takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.

KNOW THE MEDIEVAL SPAIN IN GIRONA: A CITY BETWEEN PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Nicknamed the City of a Thousand Sieges (due to all the invasions the city withstood), Girona is often passed over by travelers set on Barcelona or the coastal beaches.

Girona sits on the banks of the Onyar river, and is divided into an old and a new town area. The old town offers charm and history, while the new one shows cosmopolitan dining and shopping.

The Onyar river in Girona (Spain)
The Barri Vell, Girona’s historical center

Girona has a charm that wins one’s heart

The Barri Vell – Girona’s historical center – with its tiny streets climbing up the hill, is enchanting and holds in the main ancient monuments. There’s nothing better than wandering around, enjoying every corner, discovering unusual perspectives of the narrow alleys.

Girona is a city that can easily be explored by foot and the Old Quarter (which is also known as the Golden Triangle) is the best spot to start your journey through time.

SEE THE ROMANESQUE AND GOTHICS STYLE BUILDINGS FROM GIRONA

Girona is famous due to its medieval history being one of the numerous medieval cities in Costa Brava. But Girona has a rich Roman past too. The Força Vella Fortress placed in the city has been built by the Romans in the first century BC. Besides, this construction remained unchanged until the year 1.000, and a visit there will help you see parts of the old fortress.

The other fortified part of Girona is the Medieval Quarter. This part was an extension of the Roman walls during the 14th and 15th centuries. With newer ramparts, you can see sections of them as you wander along the city’s walled walkways.

The Força Vella is Girona´s Cathedral

Right in the heart of the Força Vella you will find Girona’s Cathedral. It has been built between the 11th and 18th centuries and this cathedral is different because here you can see many different artistic styles. Starting with the Romanesque tower and ending with its baroque façade, The Cathedral from Girona is a pass through the ages.

When you get to Força Vella, you will find a labyrinth of narrow streets that will take you to the Jewish Quarter from Girona. These small streets have been home to Jews between the 9th and the 15th centuries. Due to the fact that it preserves its medieval atmosphere, this part of the city is one of the best-preserved Jewish Quarters in the world, which makes Girona´s culture very important in the worlds map.

Don´t be surprised if you find some staircases that will get you to the highest part of the city to enjoy the old city panoramas. For centuries, the city of Girona has extended heading the river, so a walk here across the water will get you to the contemporary side of this marvelous city.

Enjoy the Jewish Quarter and Girona from Casa Cundaro

Casa Cundaro from Girona is the only Jewish House made for tourist accommodation. Located in the historical center of Girona, set in a traditional Jewish house, it features rooms and apartments with balconies. The Cundaro House is built around an attractive, interior garden.

Past, present and future join hands in this magnificent house full of history, magic and well-being.

Girona, the city medieval Spain

GAME OF THRONES TOUR IN GIRONA, SPAIN

Girona was chosen from among many other international candidates for the great conservation of its historical heritage and has become one of the privileged locations to host one of the most expensive series in the history of television: Game of Thrones.

In season six, viewers of the Game of Thrones series were transported to Girona’s medieval old town and this served as the major setting for the city of Braavos, where a blind Arya Stark was begging on the streets and was attacked by the orphan.

Romanesque and gothic buildings in Girona, Spain
Girona, Spain: Game of thrones tour

You can easily tour all of Game of Thrones Girona locations in a couple of hours or so. Guided by an expert, this tour will take your knowledge of the series to another level