Spain
Girona
Nestled in northeastern Spain, Girona stands as the heartbeat of Catalonia's Province of Girona. With a population of around 104,320 residents in 2023, plus roughly 50,000 in nearby Salt, this city is a crossroads of history and culture. It’s a place where ancient trade routes and pilgrimage pathways from France weave through, still bustling with travelers seeking spiritual and scenic adventures alike. Many arrive mistaking Girona for Barcelona, thanks to Ryanair’s label of 'Barcelona-Girona,' just under 100 kilometers away. While the beaches of Costa Brava beckon, don’t overlook Girona’s charm—its medieval streets, formidable cathedral, and city walls perched on the hillside tell stories of a rich past worth exploring.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
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Things to do
Girona is famous for its beautifully preserved historic centre, where Roman, medieval, Jewish and Catalan modernist influences meet. Begin in the old town by walking the ancient city walls for elevated views, then explore the narrow lanes and arcaded squares of El Call, one of Spain’s best-preserved Jewish quarters. Visit Girona Cathedral, known for its vast Gothic nave and the Tapestry of Creation, and continue to the Romanesque monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants, the Arab Baths and the nearby Sant Domènec complex. Crossing the Onyar River, the Pont de Pedra offers a classic view of Girona’s colourful riverfront façades, while the modern city reveals buildings associated with architect Rafael Masó and the leafy Parc de la Devesa. For more to do in Girona, spend time in the city’s museums, including the History, Jewish History, Art, Archaeology and Cinema museums, and combine sightseeing with Catalan food in the old town and around the central squares. Active visitors can cycle routes from the city into the surrounding countryside, while football fans can look for Girona FC fixtures at Montilivi Stadium. Girona also makes a useful base for exploring the wider province, from the Costa Brava’s fishing villages, beaches and coves to the Eastern Pyrenees and protected landscapes such as the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone. A weekend in Girona works particularly well: allow one day for the historic centre, cathedral, Jewish quarter, walls and museums, then use a second day for cycling, a relaxed riverside and park walk, local dining or an excursion beyond the city. Check the official tourism calendar for festivals, concerts, exhibitions and museum programmes before travelling, as cultural events add an extra dimension throughout the year.
Things to do
Girona is famous for its beautifully preserved historic centre, where Roman, medieval, Jewish and Catalan modernist influences meet. Begin in the old town by walking the ancient city walls for elevated views, then explore the narrow lanes and arcaded squares of El Call, one of Spain’s best-preserved Jewish quarters. Visit Girona Cathedral, known for its vast Gothic nave and the Tapestry of Creation, and continue to the Romanesque monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants, the Arab Baths and the nearby Sant Domènec complex. Crossing the Onyar River, the Pont de Pedra offers a classic view of Girona’s colourful riverfront façades, while the modern city reveals buildings associated with architect Rafael Masó and the leafy Parc de la Devesa. For more to do in Girona, spend time in the city’s museums, including the History, Jewish History, Art, Archaeology and Cinema museums, and combine sightseeing with Catalan food in the old town and around the central squares. Active visitors can cycle routes from the city into the surrounding countryside, while football fans can look for Girona FC fixtures at Montilivi Stadium. Girona also makes a useful base for exploring the wider province, from the Costa Brava’s fishing villages, beaches and coves to the Eastern Pyrenees and protected landscapes such as the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone. A weekend in Girona works particularly well: allow one day for the historic centre, cathedral, Jewish quarter, walls and museums, then use a second day for cycling, a relaxed riverside and park walk, local dining or an excursion beyond the city. Check the official tourism calendar for festivals, concerts, exhibitions and museum programmes before travelling, as cultural events add an extra dimension throughout the year.
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Perpignan
France
Perpignan, known as Perpinyà in Catalan, stands as the vibrant capital of France’s Pyrénées-Orientales department, nestled just 15 kilometers from the Mediterranean coast. Home to approximately 120,000 residents, this city is distinguished by its two flowing rivers—the Têt to the north and the Basse traversing its historic center. Once the continental hub of the Kingdom of Majorca, Perpignan’s rich history is vividly reflected in its architecture, which showcases centuries of economic prowess and educational prominence. Its charming streets and picturesque neighborhoods between the Têt and Basse rivers reveal a city proud of its Catalan roots and historical significance.
Barcelona
Spain
Barcelona, Spain’s vibrant second city and the capital of Catalonia, boasts a population nearing two million. Its strategic position on the northeastern Mediterranean coast has made it a bustling port and a magnet for travelers worldwide. The city’s diverse character ranges from the medieval charm of its Old Town to the distinctive grid pattern born from 19th-century urban planning. Visitors can relax on long sandy beaches, explore lush parks perched on scenic hills, or marvel at iconic structures by Antoni Gaudí, including the world-famous Sagrada Família—an enduring symbol of Barcelona’s artistic spirit. With over two millennia of history, from its Roman origins as Barcino to a hub of modern innovation, Barcelona seamlessly blends the past and present. Its rich cultural tapestry, lively nightlife, extensive transportation network, and thriving arts scene have cemented its status as one of Europe’s top tourist destinations—and a city that continually reinvents itself.
Narbonne
France
Nestled in the heart of the Narbonnaise en Méditerranée Regional Natural Park, Narbonne emerges as a refined coastal gem in Aude, southern France. This historic city, once a thriving port, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural riches—from the rugged Clape massif to the tranquil Sainte-Marie de Fontfroide Abbey and the scenic Bages-Sigean pond. Just 15 kilometers from the shimmering Mediterranean, Narbonne invites discerning travelers to explore its rich past and stunning landscapes, all within the charming Occitania region.