Best day trips from Girona
Girona is one of the best places in Catalonia to use as a base for day trips. The city has excellent rail connections, fast roads and easy access to the Costa Brava, the Pyrenees and several medieval towns. Whether you enjoy history, beaches, museums or mountain scenery, there is a destination within easy reach. Many of these places can be visited in a single day, allowing you to return to Girona in the evening. Here are some of the best day trips from Girona.
Besalú
Besalú is one of Spain’s finest medieval towns and is less than 40 minutes from Girona. Its most famous landmark is the magnificent Romanesque bridge that crosses the River Fluvià. Once inside the old town, you can explore narrow cobbled streets, historic churches and the remarkably preserved Medieval Jewish Mikveh, one of the few surviving Jewish ritual baths in Europe. Tickets for the mikveh can be purchased through the official website. Besalú also has attractive cafés, artisan shops and excellent restaurants serving traditional Catalan cuisine. Driving is the easiest option. Hire a Car If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location.
Figueres
Figueres is famous as the birthplace of Salvador Dalí. The city’s main attraction is the spectacular Dalí Theatre-Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of the artist’s work. It is one of Spain’s most visited museums, so booking tickets in advance through the official website is highly recommended. After visiting the museum, stroll through the historic centre, enjoy lunch in Plaça Gala i Salvador Dalí and visit the impressive Sant Ferran Castle, one of Europe’s largest fortresses. Figueres is easy to reach by train. Check connections Driving is also simple. Hire a Car If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location.
Cadaqués
Cadaqués is one of the most beautiful seaside towns on the Costa Brava. Whitewashed houses, narrow lanes and a stunning bay make it a favourite destination for visitors. The town also has close links to Salvador Dalí. Just outside the centre is the famous Dalí House-Museum in Portlligat, where the artist lived for many years. Tickets should be booked well in advance because numbers are limited. Driving is the easiest way to reach Cadaqués because there is no railway station. Hire a Car If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location.
Tossa de Mar
Tossa de Mar combines sandy beaches with medieval history. The highlight is the impressive Vila Vella, the only surviving fortified medieval town on the Catalan coast. Walk around the ancient walls for spectacular sea views before relaxing on Platja Gran. You can also visit the Municipal Museum inside the old town. The drive from Girona takes about 45 minutes. Hire a Car If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location.
Empuriabrava
Empuriabrava is known as the Venice of Spain because of its extensive network of canals. It is an excellent destination for boat trips, watersports and relaxing beaches. Visitors can also experience one of Europe’s largest marinas or enjoy a tandem skydive with views across the Costa Brava. Driving offers the greatest flexibility. Hire a Car If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location.
Olot
Nature lovers should not miss Olot, which sits inside the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. The park contains more than 40 volcanic cones and numerous lava flows surrounded by forests. There are excellent walking trails suitable for most fitness levels. The beautiful beech forest known as La Fageda d’en Jordà is particularly popular during autumn. Driving is the easiest option. Hire a Car If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location.
Pals
Pals is another wonderfully preserved medieval town. Its stone houses, towers and cobbled streets create one of the most picturesque destinations in Catalonia. Climb the Torre de les Hores for panoramic views across the countryside before enjoying a leisurely lunch in the historic centre. Nearby rice fields also produce the famous Pals rice used in many local dishes. Driving is recommended. Hire a Car If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location.
Barcelona
Barcelona is close enough for an exciting day trip from Girona thanks to the high-speed train. In around 40 minutes you can reach one of Europe’s greatest cities. Visit the spectacular Sagrada Família, where buying tickets in advance is essential. Continue to Park Güell, another masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí, before exploring Las Ramblas or the Gothic Quarter. Barcelona is best reached by train. Check connections Driving is also possible. Hire a Car If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location.
Peratallada
Peratallada is often described as one of Catalonia’s prettiest villages. Almost the entire historic centre is built from golden stone, and the streets are filled with flowers, restaurants and small shops. Explore the medieval castle, walk around the defensive walls and enjoy a relaxed lunch in one of the village’s traditional restaurants. Driving is the most practical way to visit. Hire a Car If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location.
Plan Your Girona Day Trips
Girona’s central location makes it one of the best places in Catalonia for exploring the surrounding region. Whether you prefer medieval villages, dramatic coastline, volcanic landscapes or world-famous museums, there is a perfect day trip waiting nearby. Many destinations are easily reached by train, while hiring a car opens up even more hidden gems along the Costa Brava and inland Catalonia. Whichever route you choose, these day trips will make your stay in Girona even more memorable.