Why You Should Visit Catalonia’s Hidden Gem: Barcelona’s “Little Sister” Girona
Barcelona has been one of my favorite cities to visit for years. The throngs of tourists filling its streets, museums, Airbnbs, and shops attest to its global appeal. However, this popularity has become problematic for locals and can make visits more stressful for tourists.
While searching for an ideal holiday spot to ride my road bike, I discovered Girona, just an hour north of Barcelona. For me, it’s the perfect alternative—I now even prefer it to its larger, more famous neighbor.
Here are 5 reasons why you should consider choosing amazing Girona over Barcelona for your next vacation:
Table of Contents
Girona is smaller
While big cities are impressive and offer many advantages, a smaller yet comparable place can be a game-changer for a holiday. I’m a fan of many large cities, but Girona’s compact size is a major plus. Staying in a hotel in Girona’s city center means you can walk to virtually any café, restaurant, shop, or sightseeing site. This not only saves time but also reduces stress, allowing you to enjoy your vacation even more.
Walking in Barcelona is also enjoyable, as you can experience different neighborhoods and get to know the city better. However, it requires more planning, and often the distances are simply too far to cover on foot.
This compact size also simplifies time management. You can get more done in a day while still having time to relax and savor the city’s atmosphere. In Girona, there’s no need to stress about travel times between two spots—everything is conveniently close.
Girona is more affordable
This primarily refers to hotels and restaurants— from my point of view the two key elements of any great vacation. While you can find cheap hotels in Barcelona’s city center, they likely won’t match the standard of equally priced accommodations in Girona.
When it comes to dining, Girona offers plenty of options. You might even try for a reservation at the three-star Michelin restaurant “El Celler de Can Roca,” which promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Moreover, Girona boasts a wide range of cuisines and price points. Like any tourist destination, there are definitely also a few tourist traps, but with some research or local advice, you’re almost guaranteed a great dining experience.
The same applies to Barcelona, with even more options. However, in my experience, prices are generally higher there. Comparing similar lunch and dinner spots in both cities, I’m confident I’ve always paid less in Girona—and I’ve never been disappointed.
Hotel ideas
Restaurant recommendations
- Sinofos High quality Catalán cuisine in a cool setting
- Hors Categorie Bike friendly all-day dining with healthy options for the whole family
- Bartali Pizza Co. Delicious Neapolitan style Pizza
- 8 de 7 Great tapas style food for a great price
- El Celler de Can Roca 3 Michelin stars once-in-a-lifetime dining experience
Girona is closer to nature
Admittedly, Barcelona’s seaside location is amazing, and it boasts for example the famous Park Güell. However, Girona is the paradise for cyclists—and not by accident. You can easily and quickly ride out of the city center, and within minutes, you’re presented with great routes on quiet roads or challenging gravel tracks, if you prefer. I’ve also heard that more and more people are enjoying trail running around town. And if you miss the sea, it’s just a 30-40 minute drive away.
So when it comes to natural surroundings, Girona offers everything Barcelona does. While it is famous among cyclists, this popularity speaks volumes about its overall outdoor appeal—featuring well-maintained roads, beautiful landscapes, and endless opportunities for exploration.
Some inspiration
Girona has so much history
This is also true for Barcelona, but it comes at a cost. All interesting buildings and museums have long queues, and the most famous places are often overcrowded.
If you’re a “Game of Thrones” fan, you’ll definitely want to visit Girona, as parts of the series were filmed there. The old quarter is simply stunning and well worth a visit.
Some more sightseeing ideas
Girona feels more laid back
In recent years, Girona has gained more attention and, consequently, more tourists. However, it still feels far less crowded and more relaxed than Barcelona. The city center is compact yet entirely pedestrian and cyclist-friendly. You won’t need a car at all during your stay. From my perspective, this alone significantly reduces stress levels, enhancing the overall vacation experience.
One of the things I like most is walking to one of the numerous coffee shops in the morning, having a delicious breakfast and simply enjoying a slow morning watching the town come to life.
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