The Costa Brava, the Girona Pyrenees and the province’s inland regions immerse travellers in a unique land of unforgettable beauty that is full of monuments, natural spaces of sea and mountains, fascinating history and food. Discover the land that inspired Salvador Dalí, the ‘cami de ronda’ road network, fantastic beaches and coves, cliff-lined coast, nature reserves… Girona province is also a wonderful destination for charging your batteries and is great for activities such as hiking, water sports, cycle tourism, winter sports, golf and well-being. And if food is more your thing, this is the place for you because you’ll sample delicious local produce such as Palamós prawns, Pals rice, L’Escala anchovies and sweet butifarra. You’ll also have the chance to try local wines straight from the vineyard and take a stroll in rice fields.
Villages in the Costa Brava
So, what is there to see in Girona? For starters, no one can deny the unique beauty of villages along the Costa Brava. Their beaches are typically surrounded by cliffs, pine forests and vegetation, which all add a touch of magic to these stunning spots in northern Catalonia. The Costa Brava runs from Blanes to Portbou, passing through picturesque villages such as Cadaqués, Peratallada, Lloret de Mar and Pals. Other towns you shouldn’t miss on your trip to the Costa Brava are Monells, Ampuriabrava, Tamariu, Tossa de Mar, Calella de Palafrugell and L’Escala.
The most beautiful inland villages in the province
Not every region of Girona province is on the Mediterranean coast and its inland areas are well worth visiting too. An inland trip will also give you the chance to explore the province on your own initiative. Interesting spots include Cerdanya, Ripollès, Garrotxa, Pla de l’Estany and Gironès. Garrotxa, for example, is a land of volcanoes and peaceful forests, and is home to enchanting villages such as Besalú, one of Spain’s most important medieval complexes, Olot, built across four volcanoes, and Santa Pau, which also has an enduring medieval legacy and cobbled historic centre. And don’t miss La Cerdanya region – visitors can’t help but fall in love with towns near the French border such as Puigcerdà, surrounded by mountains, rivers and lakes, and Urús, set next to Cadí-Moxeró Natural Park. Other wonderful inland villages in the province that look like film sets include Beget in the Girona Pyrenees, where the narrow streets and magical spots transport you to the past; Castellfollit de la Roca, set atop a 50-metre-high basalt crag with houses that gaze out into the air; Peratallada, a stunning town carved out of the rock, and Monells, a medieval village full of charm where scenes from the film Ocho apellidos catalanes [Spanish Affair 2] were filmed.
The most beautiful beaches in Girona
The beaches you should put on your list of places to visit in Girona province are famous for their impressive beauty, unique landscapes and crystal-clear waters. Nature regales you with all its splendour along 200 km of coastline that is dotted with stunning beaches and coves nestled between cliffs. In fact, every beach along the Costa Brava is postcard worthy. Follow the network of ‘cami de ronda’ roads (GR 92) that run from Lloret de Mar to Port Bou; it’s the perfect way to hike trails by the sea and discover the Girona coastline at your own pace.
The Costa Brava beaches that are most renowned for their beauty are: Lloret de Mar, the beaches at Calella, Fosca Beach (Palamós), Sa Tuna Beach (Begur), Platja Gran (Tossa de Mar), Tamariu Beach (Palafrugell), Cala Montgó (L’Escala), San Pol Beach (S’Agaró), Cala Aiguablava (Begur), Cala Pola (Tossa de Mar), Platge de Canyelles Petites (Roses), Platja de Castell (Palamós) and Platja de l’Estartit (L’Estartit).
And if you love secret beaches hidden away in unspoilt nature, there are also beautiful shingle coves for you to discover. Great spots include Cala de las Fresses, near the French border; Cala Bramant, north of Llancà with views of Cape Creus; Cala Jugadora, in the middle of a unique geological formation; Cala Culip, which inspired Salvador Dalí; Canadell, a large cove that is reached by a cami de ronda that joins Creus with Roses; and Cala de Aigua Dolça, close to Platja Gran in Tamariu.
Unmissable natural spaces
And what is there to see in Girona and its surroundings? There are masses of natural wonders in Girona province to enjoy: mountains, forests, rivers, wetlands, volcanoes, lakes… So, make sure you explore the impressive spaces created by nature in this part of Catalonia. There are eight emblematic nature reserves in the Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees alone that are well worth exploring, including Cadí-Moixeró, Montgrí, les Illes Medes i el Baix Ter, Montseny, Garrotxa Volcanic Zone, Cap de Creus, Capçaleres del Ter i del Freser and Aiguamolls de l’Empordà.
And what is there to see in Girona and its surroundings? There are masses of natural wonders in Girona province to enjoy: mountains, forests, rivers, wetlands, volcanoes, lakes… So, make sure you explore the impressive spaces created by nature in this part of Catalonia. There are eight emblematic nature reserves in the Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees alone that are well worth exploring, including Cadí-Moixeró, Montgrí, les Illes Medes i el Baix Ter, Montseny, Garrotxa Volcanic Zone, Cap de Creus, Capçaleres del Ter i del Freser and Aiguamolls de l’Empordà.
