Created by The Telegraph Updated On: Octubre 27, 2013
Its airport acts as a gateway to the Costa Brava. But the ancient Catalan city, with its warren of winding streets, is worth a stay in its own right, says Jake Brown.
The Telegraph: Special treat: The four-star Hotel Nord 1901 (0034 972 411522; nord1901.com) has a great location and a sophisticated, modern decor. Doubles from €100 (£85), including breakfast.
The Telegraph: On a budget: In a prime shopping street, the Hotel Peninsular (0034 972 203800; novarahotels.com) is a cheerful three-star hotel that has just had a refit. Doubles from €65 (£55), without breakfast.
The Telegraph: On arrival 9.30pm: A Moderniste doorway beckons you into Le Bistrot (0034 972 218803). A Girona institution, this inexpensive, bohemian eatery has an eccentric menu of salads and Catalan cured meats.
The Telegraph: 9am: Artusi, just off the Rambla, does wonderful pastries for breakfast. Walk up Força until you see the 91 stone steps ascending to Girona cathedral (catedraldegirona.org; €7/ £6, free on Sunday).
The Telegraph: 1pm: The locals love Divinum. Their creative Catalan cuisine is served with a range of local wines. The lunchtime tasting menu of three courses, bread and wine is fantastic value at €30 (£26).
The Telegraph: 5pm: The Arab Baths, a domed bath complex, (Carrer Ferran el Católic; banys.arabs.org; €2/£1.70) was built in 1194 to an older Arab design.
The Telegraph: 9.30pm: Return to the north of the Barri Vell for dinner at Mimolet (0034 972 202124), with seasonal cuisine such as Girona roast beef with artichokes, fish and rice dishes; lunch menus from €15/£14.
The Telegraph: Day two -10am: Stop at the award-winning Cinema Museum (Carrer Sequia 1; €5; www.museudelcinema.cat ). Opposite, there are toy and magic shops.
The Telegraph: Then join local families lunching at the bustling Casa Marieta (casamarieta.com; booking advised). Chicken with escamarlans (prawns), and duck with pears are among the specialities.