Also referred to as Girona Costa Brava Airport and only a short 20 minute drive away from Gerona; start your holiday by picking up a hire car at the airport.
Things to Do in Gerona
One of Gerona’s highlights is the Baroque cathedral. With cloisters dating from the 12th Century and some fantastic works of art inside, it’s a wonderful place to visit for a break from the crowds.
On the other side of the cathedral is the Passeig Archeologic, a beautiful set of gardens. Walk along the Passeig de la Muralla which is a wonderful way to appreciate the city landscape from above.
Watch the world go by in Plaça de la Independencia, Plaça del Vi and Plaça de la Catedral. Why not check out Girona's museums? Decide which of either art, cinema or archaeology appeals to you.
Wander through The Call, Gerona's Jewish quarter. Until 1492 Girona was home to Catalonia's second-most important medieval Jewish community after Barcelona. For an idea of medieval Jewish life and culture, visit the Museu d'Història dels Jueus de Girona.
Exploring Catalonia
Stop at Figueres to explore the city, hometown of Salvador Dali. Enter the Salvador Dali Museum-Theatre which is the largest surrealistic object in the world and marvel at the wondrous works of art that it contains.
Take the hours’ drive to Barcelona. Amble around the city and view the fantastic architecture of Gaudí, whose buildings are scattered all around. The most famous and impressive can be seen along Passeig de Gràcia where you will find La Pedrera and Casa Batlló. Arguably the most famous of Gaudí's works is the Sagrada Familia, the huge, yet still unfinished, Basilica.
Barcelona also has plenty of museums to keep you occupied. The Museum of Modern Art (MACBA) and the Centre of Contemporary Culture (CCCB) next door are worth a look and generally have good exhibitions on every month. The Picasso and the permanent Dalí exhibition in the Gothic Quarter are always popular. The Caixa Forum is a museum which has different art exhibitions every month. It is just off Plaça Espanya, on Avenida Marques de Comillos.
Day Trips From Gerona
Zaragoza is the most important pilgrimage destination in Spain and is part of the popular Marian pilgrimage route that passes through Lourdes in France and Fatima in Portugal. For a town founded two thousand years ago in honour of the Roman emperor Caesar Augustus, it swings to a surprisingly modern beat. Palaces and stately churches share city streets with dazzling modernist structures, religious festivals alternate with raucous street theatre, and classic Spanish dishes are being reinvented by enterprising young chefs.
Hire a car and visit San Sebastian. Fall in love with the shimmering scallop-shaped bay! Enjoy the golden sand and the turquoise waves or simply take a stroll along the seaside promenade. You will find an extensive range and variety of museums to satisfy the curiosity of its visitors. History, science, technology, oceanography, art and other interesting expositions are available among its thematic museums. Make sure you don’t miss the Aquarium. It has an acrylic tunnel with a 360° view. There you will be surrounded by sharks and manta and you'll feel immersed in the marine life.
Travel further down the coast to Reus and visit the Gaudi Centre. Wander along the Modernist Route and view the best buildings that the city has to offer. Tarragona is also well-worth visiting. Sample the plethora of stunning Roman architecture here.
