Top 5 Girona Day Trips: Explore Catalonia’s Gems
Girona, with its charming Old Town and also a wealth of history, it is almost like a sensational home base for exploring Catalonia. That said, getting out and about to see what the neighboring areas can provide it’s something you should probably consider. Very close by, there are picturesque villages, sensational coastal escapes, and other historical sites. Now, deciding where to begin it is almost tricky. So, this is why we’ve curated a list of top 5 day trip spots from Girona, and it’s one you can enjoy.
1. Besalú: A Medieval Marvel
Besalú, so it is a fantastic, sensational, and pretty nicely preserved medieval town that seemingly transports people back in time. What is particularly iconic about this spot could be the fortified bridge that straddles the Fluvià River. I mean, very cool, right? You get to just wander through the narrow streets, and actually discover sensational historical sites, too it’s almost like an enriching experience. It’s easy to spend many memorable hours, so that alone makes it worthy of this list, no?
What to do in Besalú: That impressive, picturesque bridge isn’t just something to walk across; it is also really something to photograph. You definitely will love that view. The Monastery of Sant Pere and the Jewish Baths (Miqvé) tend to be just a couple of really interesting sites to explore, too. Basically, these both display the rich historical tapestry the area possesses.
Getting There: The drive from Girona to Besalú is just a little over 30 minutes, more or less, that is, if you use the A-26. There are also bus options, typically through TEISA, yet planning your timing might be pretty essential as services sometimes tend to be less frequent.
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2. Cadaqués: Coastal Charm and Artistic Flair
Cadaqués, in some respects it’s quite nestled on the Costa Brava, that actually offers very striking beauty plus a pretty sensational artistic heritage. So, what makes it appealing is that it was once a haven for artists, particularly Salvador Dalí. Actually, you can kind of see why with its whitewashed houses, sensational winding streets, and clear blue waters. So, it’s like, what’s not to like, very seriously?
Things you shouldn’t miss in Cadaqués: Obviously, that famed Salvador Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat has loads of history. So, actually make sure you book ahead, right? Beyond that, what else do you do? Walk along the waterfront, eat amazing food at pretty interesting seafood restaurants, and also soak up the striking scenic Mediterranean views you will likely only see once in a lifetime. What a fantastic story to tell people, no?
Getting There: By car, the journey takes about an hour and change on the GI-614. The route offers views that could be fantastic, that said, the road is a little winding in sections. So, actually be aware, of course. Bus services can be used to reach Cadaqués from Girona; Sarfa does usually offer these. Nevertheless, keep in mind the bus trip, seemingly, might take a tad bit longer compared to driving. If you decide to spend more memorable hours and days on the gorgeous coastal views, you might even like your mode of transportation taking a while longer. Just saying…
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3. Figueres: Dalí’s Surreal World
Figueres, arguably best recognized as the birthplace of Salvador Dalí, houses the sensational Dalí Theatre-Museum. You probably knew that though. That site on its own causes Figueres to make the list. What makes it amazing and fantastic? I mean, the architecture and the expansive collection it’s almost awe-inspiring.
What to Do in Figueres: Now, beyond that Dali museum, what’s left, eh? Well, you shouldn’t miss the Sant Ferran Castle, in some respects one of the largest fortresses in Europe, is also something to make note of when exploring Figueres, and then stroll down that famed Rambla for some coffee and chill time.
Getting There: If you like being efficient, driving it’s usually around 40 minutes through the AP-7, yet the high-speed train from Girona to Figueres seemingly tends to be super convenient, lasting only about 15-20 minutes. A good option if driving scares you. Plenty of parking, typically, that isn’t too much of a mission if you would rather drive and want that luxury. Public transport, which could include buses, also service the route from Girona, too, it’s almost something you might like.
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4. Pals: A Hilltop Gem
Pals, is that sensational, picturesque medieval village perched on a hill with sweeping views across the Empordà plain? That really is an intriguing sight. Actually, its carefully restored Gothic buildings and sensational stone streets could be something you like, depending, though. What a place to just explore on foot, yeah?
Must-Sees in Pals: Take some photos around the Torre de les Hores. So, it is also actually a medieval tower offering 360 degree views. Take walks around the Gothic Quarter. Seemingly, they’ve restored its medieval beauty so you’re gonna like it a lot. Don’t forget to explore the Josep Pla viewpoint either, as you can glimpse awesome views of the countryside extending to the Med, something else you could want for photos.
Getting There: Now, that trip is just under an hour away if you are going on the GI-650 and C-31 routes, depending, naturally. The setting out point tends to be about a 40km trek. It may be required to arrange transport separately in light of the fact that open transportation can be a problem.
5. Empúries: Ancient Ruins by the Sea
Empúries, if you like history, that ancient Greek and Roman site that’s next to L’Escala is somewhere you’d seemingly like. This amazing landmark can bring about a very good learning session of both of those old civic establishments, which makes for a memorable vacation!
Key Sites to See in Empúries: You can seemingly watch a pretty spectacular point on ancient civic establishments like the Roman city as well as the Greek city. The old mosaics can showcase what really happened long ago, too, it’s almost something you might be surprised to appreciate. When everything else comes up short you can take the opportunity to simply appreciate how nature is really like.
Getting There: Taking the C-31 road won’t take that much time and this drive could last up to an hour, at least. Be that as it may, people seemingly might have to change the schedules with a specific finish goal in mind with public travel, typically transports.