Girona

Girona is a well-preserved medieval city in Catalonia, Spain. From the Roman ruins of the Força Vella fortress to the cobblestone streets of the walled Old Quarter, history lies at every turn. Climb one of its ancient watchtowers for views of the rolling hills surrounding the city. There are also plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in local life, with traditional tapas bars for pintxos (small snacks) and bustling plazas for people-watching. 

At a hostel in Girona with outdoor patios, you can make the most of the Spanish sunshine. Other options include a hostel adorned with stained-glass windows and patterned floors, which make for a stylish stay. Fill up at a Girona hostel that serves free breakfast, or wind down at another hostel with a spa. Some hostels in Girona have self-catering facilities so you can whip up your own dishes, while others have on-site bars and restaurants for quick and easy meals. 

Barri Vell is Girona's charming Old Quarter. The district is home to several Romanesque churches and museums, as well as the sweeping Baroque staircase of the Pujada de Sant Domènec (which was a Game of Thrones filming location). The Jewish Quarter, also known as El Call, is famous for its cobbled lanes, which have remained mostly untouched for over 500 years. To the west of El Call is the riverside – here, you'll find brightly painted houses lining the banks of the Onyar River. 

A walk along the Passeig de la Muralla – the medieval city walls – is the best way to get a sense of Girona's rich history. Behind the cathedral are the hidden gardens of the Jardins de la Francesa, a scenic spot for a picnic. Before Gustav Eiffel constructed his namesake tower in Paris, he built the Pont de les Peixateries Velles in Girona – a bright red bridge stretching across the Onyar River. Another top attraction is the imposing Cathedral of Girona, which towers over its surroundings. 

Girona Airport is around 12km from the city. From here, a regular bus service takes visitors to the centre in about 30 minutes. With its narrow streets, the city is best explored on foot, though there's a local bus network too. If you're travelling from other parts of Spain, train and bus services run from the central Girona Railway Station and the Estación de Autobuses de Gerona (bus terminal).