Quiet Spanish town 'like an underrated Barcelona' but without the crowds
Intrepid Travel's West Europe general manager Florencia Allo Moreno has recommended that anyone looking for a slightly quieter but no less pleasant trip to Spain visit Girona
Colourful houses line the banks of the central river in a town typically overlooked by Brits.
Over the weekend, protesters hit the streets in several Spanish cities and resort islands, squirting holidaymakers with water pistols and making their dissatisfaction with overtourism known.
For those who want to avoid any tension with locals while they are away on holiday, or just fancy being somewhere a little quieter, then there are quieter, less overloaded destinations in Spin that have a huge amount going for them.
Intrepid Travel's West Europe general manager Florencia Allo Moreno, who lives in Spain, told the Mirror: "We understand the frustration from protestors – tourism should not be at the expense of the local communities that live there. The industry needs to come together to better educate, advocate and regulate for a solution.
"There are also ways that tourists themselves can travel responsibly. That includes considering travelling in shoulder season, visiting alternative destinations that offer a similar experience, supporting local businesses and also being a respectful traveller – remember you are visiting someone else's home.'
One of those alternative destinations, according to Florencia, is Girona.
"This jewel of Catalonia is a short train ride away from Barcelona, and renowned for its medieval architecture. The medieval walls of the city have stood since the 14 th century and several scenes of Game of Thrones were filmed there," she explained.
It is the age of the city, and its impressive architecture, that draws most people to Girona. Also called the Passeig de la Muralla, a walk on the medieval walls is a must-do activity while there. The city walls span the eastern border of the old town, delivering views over the city from the top that are spectacular.
The Jewish Quarter in Girona is one of the best preserved in the world, acting as it did as home for a large Jewish population from 982 to 1492. Today it is a warren of narrow cobbled lanes that provide a baffling maze to visitors.
Hanging over it all is Girona Cathedral, a towering structure that dominates the skyline from its position on top of the hill. The only way into the cathedral is to climb the long staircase to the entrance. It competes with Pont de les Peixateries Velles as the most famous single structure in the city.
Gustav Eiffel constructed the bridge in Girona over the Onyar River, just before he turned his attention to building the Eiffel Tower. Landscaped gardens line the Passeig Arqueològic, a walkway following the Old Quarter's medieval walls, which include watchtowers with sweeping views.
Much like Dubrovnik in Croatia, Girona has become a major destination for Game of Thrones fans in recent years. The Cathedral was used in Season 6 of Game of Thrones, when the city as a whole acted as a backdrop for Braavos.
What's particularly pleasant about Girona is its climate. While it delivers sunshine and blue skies on most days in the summer and spring, its location in the far northeast of Spain, not far from the Mediterranean coast, means you're unlikely to get roasted during a visit there.
The hottest days tend to sit in the low 30s, when a cooling breeze from the sea arrives to take the edge off.
During those hotter days, a trip to Plaça Independencia is in order. The lovely square is located just west of the Onyar River and is a good spot to relax with a coffee or wine in between the sightseeing.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out Dubai
41 minutes ago
- Time Out Dubai
Emirates announces new daily flight to popular European destination
We might just be stepping into summer, but if you're already planning your holidays for the rest of the year, then there's a new flight you need to know about. Emirates has just announced it will be adding a new daily service to the Spanish city of Barcelona to keep up with demand. If you like this: Taking Uber rides can now get you cheaper Emirates flights Starting from Sunday October 26, the coastal city will then have a total of 21 weekly Emirates flights per week from Dubai. Known for it's incredible architecture, tasty tapas and impressive beachfront, the new flight will be the third daily service to Barcelona. Departing for Barcelona from Dubai International Airport (DXB), the three flights will leave at 3.45am, 8.15am and 2pm respectively. (Credit: Canva) Returning to Dubai, the flights will take off from El Prat Airport (BCN) at 3.10pm, 3.30pm and 8.25pm. Tickets can be booked on the Emirates App, or via both online and offline travel agents as well as at Emirates retail stores. Earlier this week, the airline also revealed it has partnered up with another huge travel company to make your life even easier. Launched this week, the team up between Emirates and Uber means more rewards for frequent riders and flyers. When you book an Uber ride, you'll soon be able to earn Skywards miles in select markets across Emirates' global network. And with the Skywards programme, you can get cheaper flight tickets with both Emirates and flydubai (plus a bunch of other amazing perks in Dubai). You'll also be able to get vouchers for Uber rides when booking flights with Emirates, which will allow your plane ticket to take you further and offer a smoother connection from the airport. In other Dubai news Teddy Swims is coming to Dubai for the first time ever And this is how you can get tickets This is exactly how long summer will last in Dubai this year Feeling the heat? How to eat out in Dubai for just Dhs10 this summer Bargain alert
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Major airline launches new UK flights to popular African holiday destination – and breaks are just as cheap Spain
The African holiday spot was voted "one to watch" by TUI COME FLY Major airline launches new UK flights to popular African holiday destination – and breaks are just as cheap Spain Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAJOR airline has launched new flights to a popular African holiday spot. Starting next month, holidaymakers will be able to venture further afield and relax by the Indian Ocean for the same cost as a trip to Spain. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The new route will launch from Gatwick airport next month Credit: Alamy On 2 July 2025, Kenya Airways will debut three direct flights from London Gatwick to Nairobi meaning travellers will have two nonstop flight options into London. The new Gatwick route will operate at night three times a week - on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays - complementing Heathrow's existing schedule. And for just over £1,000 per person Brits can take advantage of Kenya's stunning landscapes at the luxury hotel, Pinewood Resort and Spa set along the shores of Diani Beach, Papillon Lagoon Reef. Nestled along the serene southern Mombasa coastline the resort overlooks the breathtaking Indian Ocean. Read more on Travel HOLE LOT OF PAIN Spieth groans in agony and pulls out of Travelers Championship with injury The hotel is advertised as an ideal escape for couples seeking romance or families in search of a quiet retreat. It is fit with four eateries and three bars, as well as an on-site gym and tennis court. The hotel also offers spa treatments and a personal chef to guests staying in the suite. A week's stay at the resort costs £1,189 including return flights and transfers. This is based on two sharing a deluxe room on a half board basis. Bookings made before 30 June will receive a £150 discount. This comes as Kenya was named as "one to watch" holiday destination by TUI. Five stunning, little-known holiday destinations Kenya is one of the few places in the world where holidaymakers can spot the big five in their native habitat. There are other reasons to visit the East African nation, including its scenic coastline along the Indian Ocean, the cultures of its local tribes and its warm climate. Neil Swanson, TUI UK&I Managing Director, said: "Kenya is an incredible destination offering breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich culture making it a truly unique place to explore. "Since re-launching Kenya as a destination in 2023, it's no surprise demand has been booming and continuing to soar. "Our Highlights of Kenya tour has seen an outstanding +236 per cent uplift for Winter 2024/25 and +151 per cent for Summer 2025. "Our new A Taste of Kenya Safari is already seeing strong sales for both seasons. "This itinerary offers a more relaxed safari experience, with additional beach time to unwind at the end of the adventure. "It's clear customers have a real appetite for this destination, so we are currently exploring new ways to enhance our offering such as private safaris or immersive lodge experiences, so it's definitely a destination to watch."
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Major airline launches new UK flights to popular African holiday destination – and breaks are just as cheap Spain
A MAJOR airline has launched new flights to a popular African holiday spot. Starting next month, holidaymakers will be able to venture further afield and relax by the Indian Ocean for the same cost as a trip to Spain. 1 On 2 July 2025, Kenya Airways will debut three direct flights from London Gatwick to Nairobi meaning travellers will have two nonstop flight options into London. The new Gatwick route will operate at night three times a week - on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays - complementing Heathrow's existing schedule. And for just over £1,000 per person Brits can take advantage of Kenya's stunning landscapes at the luxury hotel, Pinewood Resort and Spa set along the shores of Diani Beach, Papillon Lagoon Reef. Nestled along the serene southern Mombasa coastline the resort overlooks the breathtaking Indian Ocean. The hotel is advertised as an ideal escape for couples seeking romance or families in search of a quiet retreat. It is fit with four eateries and three bars, as well as an on-site gym and tennis court. The hotel also offers spa treatments and a personal chef to guests staying in the suite. A week's stay at the resort costs £1,189 including return flights and transfers. This is based on two sharing a deluxe room on a half board basis. Bookings made before 30 June will receive a £150 discount. This comes as Kenya was named as"one to watch" holiday destination by TUI. Five stunning, little-known holiday destinations Kenya is one of the few places in the world where holidaymakers can spot the big five in their native habitat. There are other reasons to visit the East African nation, including its scenic coastline along the Indian Ocean, the cultures of its local tribes and its warm climate. Neil Swanson, TUI UK&I Managing Director, said: "Kenya is an incredible destination offering breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich culture making it a truly unique place to explore. "Since re-launching Kenya as a destination in 2023, it's no surprise demand has been booming and continuing to soar. "Our Highlights of Kenya tour has seen an outstanding +236 per cent uplift for Winter 2024/25 and +151 per cent for Summer 2025. "Our new A Taste of Kenya Safari is already seeing strong sales for both seasons. "This itinerary offers a more relaxed safari experience, with additional beach time to unwind at the end of the adventure. "It's clear customers have a real appetite for this destination, so we are currently exploring new ways to enhance our offering such as private safaris or immersive lodge experiences, so it's definitely a destination to watch."
