Girona holidays travel advice

Are hotels in Girona family-friendly?

Not all hotels in Girona are geared to meet the needs of larger family groups. Although children are welcome in all hotels in the city, some establishments in the Old Town aren't ideal. Typically, this is because of their layouts, which means you might not be able to book adjoining rooms and so on. That said, there are plenty of good options for families in the city.

You don't have to be far from the city centre to find hotels in Girona that are more family-friendly. Some have family rooms you can book, and all will have cots available. Many hotels in Girona have safe outdoor spaces, too. Some have playgrounds, ideal for those with younger kids. There are swimming pools in numerous hotels, too. Some hotels also offer half-board accommodation with children's menus. This can make them preferable for families, compared to certain larger hotels in nearby Barcelona, for example.

Activities you can do in Girona

Exploring the exotic landscapes of La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone is a good activity if you want to find out more about what makes this region so distinct. There are marked trails for hiking, but remember to take lots of water with you on a sunny day. Despite the many places to explore on foot, cycling is probably the number one activity in Girona. Tourists and locals alike get around on its many well-maintained cycle routes. Whether you want to follow the river or tackle more challenging mountain routes, Girona has something for everyone.

Hot air balloon rides are also available in Girona. These tend to offer more countryside views than trips over the city. Another activity worth looking into is paddle boarding. Head to Lake Banyoles, which is just outside Girona, for a water-based activity centre. You can also hire kayaks here if you prefer. If you want less physical activity, then a trip to the Dalí Museum in nearby Figueres is a good option.

FAQs about Girona holidays

Q: Which UK airports fly direct to Girona?

A: Direct flights to Girona from UK airports include Glasgow (GLA), Luton (LTN) and Stansted (STN). Only Stansted operates flights to Girona all year round. You can also book flights to Girona from Birmingham (BHX), Bournemouth (BOH), Bristol (BRS), Leeds Bradford (LBA), Manchester (MAN), Newcastle (NCL) and Nottingham (EMA). However, services from these airports are limited.

Q: Is Girona lively?

A: The Old Town of Girona is where it is liveliest. If you want a resort city to rival what Barcelona or Ibiza has to offer, for instance, then it probably isn't for you. Late-night spots tend to be smaller bars. This is a student city, so there are plenty of things to do in the evening, however.

Q: Is Girona a beach holiday?

A: No, booking a flight to Girona will mean you are not located close to the beach. However, despite being inland, Girona offers convenient access to the Costa Brava. It is about a 40-minute drive to some of the best beaches in this part of Catalonia. Public transport links the city to many beaches, including Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar and Palamós, among others.

Q: How do I get to Girona from the UK?

A: Flights to Girona are seasonal. You can fly to Barcelona and venture further from there. Alternatively, take a look at flights to Perpignan. Although Perpignan is in France, it only takes about 90 minutes to get to Girona from there.