Girona is best remembered for its houses overlooking the Onyar, but beyond the river panorama lies a completely different city — one with stone steps and narrow alleyways. You can spend the first part of the day by the bridges and save the climb up to the old town for after a rest.
Where to start your walk
The cathedral stands above a wide flight of steps. If the steps are difficult to navigate, find an alternative route in advance and don’t just rely on the shortest route suggested by your sat-nav. Even a quick look around takes time if you want to see the square from several angles.
How to continue the route
The Church of Sant Feliu and the neighbourhoods around the cathedral combine well into a single leisurely stroll. Returning to the Onyar changes the perspective: instead of a stone labyrinth, water and colourful façades reappear. Choose a few bridges rather than trying to cross them all.
A local detail worth bearing in mind
The old, steep streets are difficult to navigate with a wheeled suitcase. It’s better to leave your belongings here before setting off on your tour than to try and carry your luggage around with you all day.
Plan for after the coach journey
This itinerary is designed for exploring the city independently, rather than a guided tour with a fixed schedule. First, check the arrival address against your ticket and decide where to leave your luggage. Mark your accommodation, the first sightseeing spot and the return pick-up point on an offline map. Start timing your city walk from the moment you’ve left your luggage and are ready to set off.
On the day of arrival, plan just one main sightseeing stop. If your flight is delayed, cut back on the extra part of your itinerary, whilst still allowing time for a meal and the journey back. Before paying for entry, check the official opening hours, access conditions and any ongoing works. A view of the building from the outside does not necessarily mean that its interiors are accessible without restrictions.
What to keep before leaving
- the drop-off address and the transport provider’s contact details;
- an offline map showing the return route;
- confirmation of your chosen museum or guided tour session;
- contact details for your accommodation and the arrangements for collecting any luggage you’ve left behind.
You may find the following useful: How to plan your first day after a long coach journey, How to find a hotel from the coach station, Offline maps for travelling in Europe: how to set up your phone. Check available bus journey options on RedRay; this guide does not confirm the availability of a direct service to every city.
Resources for preparation
General information about the city and attractions: Girona, Onyar, Girona Cathedral. The suggested walking route is an editorial suggestion; please check current access details with the relevant venues.
Image credits
- Girona des de l aire edited.jpg — Patronat de Turisme Costa Brava Pirineu de Girona; CC BY-SA 3.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. Licence terms are available on the original page.
- Girona river-street.jpeg — Wikimedia Commons; Public domain. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
- Girona Cathedral 2020.jpg — Fernando; CC BY-SA 4.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
Questions and answers
Can this route be used on the day of arrival?
Yes, by choosing the central section and one main sightseeing spot. After travelling overnight, it’s better to leave the strenuous climbs and longer journeys until the following day.
What is the most important thing to bear in mind for the walk?
The old, steep streets are awkward for a wheeled suitcase. It’s better to leave your belongings somewhere before a sightseeing tour than to try and carry your luggage around with you all day.
What should you do with your suitcase?
Before you set off, confirm that your luggage can be stored at your accommodation or in a reputable left-luggage facility, including the collection time. Keep your documents, ticket and a fully charged mobile phone with you.
Do you need to buy all your admission tickets in advance?
First, choose your main attraction and check its rules. Don’t book several time slots close together until you’ve confirmed the route between them. Keep your city walk flexible.