Girona

Medieval Jewel of the Costa Brava

Girona is where Salvador Dalí dreamed, where the best restaurant in the world serves dinner, and where medieval streets along the Onyar River create one of Spain's most photogenic cityscapes. The Costa Brava's dramatic coastline and the Greek ruins of Empúries add layers of beauty and history.

History

Gerunda: Crossroads of Empires

Greek Colony to Gastronomic Capital

Greeks founded Empúries on Girona's coast in 575 BCE—the first Greek colony in Iberia. The city of Girona itself withstood 25 sieges throughout history, earning the nickname 'city of a thousand sieges.' Today, El Celler de Can Roca has made it a global gastronomic destination.

Greek Emporion (575 BCE)

The Greek colony of Emporion (Empúries) was the gateway through which Greek culture entered Iberia, including the alphabet, olive cultivation, and coinage.

Jewish Golden Age

Girona's Jewish community was one of the most important in medieval Europe. The Kabbalistic school of Girona produced Nahmanides and other great scholars.

Dalí's Empordà (20th C.)

Salvador Dalí was born in Figueres and drew constant inspiration from the light, landscape, and surreal beauty of the Costa Brava.

Legends

Girona's legends are layered like its history—tales of flying witches, Greek sailors, and the spirit of Dalí's surreal genius.

The Girona Lioness

A medieval stone lioness near the cathedral is said to grant wishes to those who kiss its rear. The tradition has become one of Girona's most beloved (and amusing) rituals.

The Witches of the Garrotxa

The volcanic Garrotxa region was famous for its bruixes (witches), wise women who used volcanic minerals and forest herbs for healing. Their memory lives in local festivals.

Culture

Girona's culture blends medieval heritage, Dalí's surrealism, and world-class gastronomy into an irresistible Catalan experience.

Temps de Flors

Each May, Girona's patios, courtyards, and monuments are decorated with spectacular floral installations, turning the city into an open-air art gallery.

El Celler de Can Roca

Named the world's best restaurant multiple times, the Roca brothers' laboratory of flavor has made Girona a global gastronomic pilgrimage.

Natural wonders

Costa Brava

Wild, rocky coastline of hidden coves, pine-covered cliffs, and crystal waters that inspired Dalí and attracted artists from around the world.

214 km of coastline • Cap de Creus Natural Park • Diving paradise

Garrotxa Volcanic Zone

40 volcanic cones and 20 lava flows create a unique landscape of beech forests growing in craters—Catalonia's most surprising natural wonder.

Natural Park • 40 cones • 20 lava flows • Last eruption: 11,500 years ago

Castles in Girona

Monasteries in Girona

Hidden villages in Girona