Gratallops(Spain) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Girona, stay at Casa Borda, a boutique hotel housed in a restored 19th-century building featuring traditional Catalan tilework and handcrafted furniture. Located steps from the Plaça del Vi and near the Eiffel Tower-like bridge, it offers personalized service and locally sourced breakfasts. For a more secluded experience, Mas de la Vila—a countryside estate surrounded by olive groves—provides organic farm-to-table dining and outdoor pools, perfect for nature lovers seeking tranquility and cultural immersion.

The Old Town (Barri Vell) is ideal for first-time visitors, offering walkable access to major sights like the Cathedral of Santa Maria, Jewish Quarter, and Corral dels Reis. This historic district buzzes with cafés, artisan shops, and tapas bars. Stay in a renovated apartment with a terrace overlooking cobbled streets or opt for a family-run guesthouse with local homestay experiences. The area’s compact layout ensures you’re never far from culture, cuisine, and charm.

Immerse yourself in Girona’s traditions by attending the Festa de Sant Joan festival, where locals light bonfires and perform the Sardana dance in full traditional attire. Join a hands-on Catalan pottery workshop at a local studio to create your own ceramic piece. Don’t miss the Old Mill Museum (Museu de la Mola), which showcases centuries-old milling techniques and hosts seasonal tasting events with regional bread and honey, offering deep insight into rural Catalan heritage.

Try paella de mariscos (seafood paella) and carn d’olla (slow-cooked meat stew) at El Paso, a beloved local eatery known for its rustic kitchen and fresh ingredients. Sample tomato-based sauces with fried bread at the Mercat de la Majora, Girona’s vibrant daily market. For dessert, order xuxo, a sweet pastry filled with almond cream, often served with coffee at family-run cafés near the Onyar River—a true taste of Catalan tradition.

Yes, Girona is highly family-friendly. Visit Parc de la Devesa, a riverside park with playgrounds, bike paths, and picnic zones ideal for kids. The Natural Discovery Center (Centre d'Exploració Natural) offers interactive ecology tours and bug-hunting activities for children. On weekends, join a family pottery workshop where parents and kids craft souvenirs together. Many hotels also provide baby cots and kids’ menus, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Girona’s city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with most landmarks within a 15-minute walk. Rent an electric bike from local providers for efficient exploration of nearby trails and vineyards. Use the 521 regional bus line to reach outlying sites like Mas de la Vila. While there’s no metro, free public parking is available near the Plaça del Vi, making car travel convenient for those exploring beyond the old town.

The ideal times to visit are April to June and September to October, when temperatures range between 18–25°C and tourist numbers drop. These months host the Flower Festival and Wine Tasting Week, offering vibrant street markets, wine tastings at local cellars, and open-air concerts. With mild days and clear skies, this period balances comfort and cultural richness for an unforgettable stay.

For couples, book a stay at Suite del Jardí, a private suite in a centuries-old mansion with a rooftop terrace and starlit hot tub overlooking the Santa Maria Cathedral. The hotel arranges private candlelit dinners and aromatherapy massages. Alternatively, choose Casa del Riu, a riverside hideaway with wooden decks and panoramic views of the Onyar River, complete with a welcome bottle of local wine and a cheese platter—perfect for intimate moments amidst serene natural beauty.

Visit the Mercat Antic for handmade Catalan baskets, ceramic tiles, and natural dye fabrics. Stroll along Carrer de la Mare de Déu to discover independent boutiques selling leather goods, artisanal perfumes, and limited-edition jewelry. During the annual Craft Fair, over 100 local artisans gather in the Plaça del Vi, offering one-of-a-kind items—ideal for supporting local craftsmanship while finding unique mementos.

Solo travelers will love the quiet corners of Girona. Visit the Old Monastery Library, a hidden Renaissance-era reading room tucked among trees, perfect for journaling or reading. Relax on a bench by the Onyar River and enjoy morning meditation or sketching. Join a sunrise yoga session at the Riu Art Centre, led by local instructors in a tranquil riverside setting—ideal for introspection and connection with nature during your journey.