Skip the Crowds: Lesser-Known Summer Destinations Worth Exploring – Girona, Spain

Dreaming of cobblestone streets, medieval walls, and golden hour views—but without the summer surge of Barcelona? Girona, Spain is the quiet star of Catalonia. Just 38 minutes by high-speed train from Barcelona, this charming city offers a historic old town, riverside cafés, Game of Thrones filming spots, and some of the best food in Spain.

It’s intimate yet inspiring. Walkable yet packed with adventure. A perfect summer destination for travelers who prefer authenticity over crowds.

With seamless connectivity powered by Voye Global’s eSIM for Spain, exploring Girona becomes even easier from the moment you arrive.

Top Attractions in Girona: From Old Town to Game of Thrones Sites

1. Girona’s Old Town (Barri Vell)
The beating heart of Girona. Lose yourself in narrow medieval alleys, Romanesque architecture, hidden courtyards, and stone staircases. The Jewish Quarter (El Call) is one of the best-preserved in Europe.

2. Girona Cathedral
The star of many postcards—and Game of Thrones. With the widest Gothic nave in the world, it served as the Great Sept of Baelor in the series. Climb its grand staircase for a cinematic view of the city.

3. Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs)
Dating back to the 12th century, this Romanesque site offers a peaceful detour into Girona’s layered history. A cool, quiet spot on a hot summer day.

4. Eiffel Bridge (Pont de les Peixateries Velles)
Designed by Gustave Eiffel before he built the tower in Paris, this red iron bridge gives sweeping views of colorful houses lining the Onyar River—perfect for photos.

Girona’s walkable city center makes it ideal for digital explorers. With a Voye Global Spain eSIM, you can stay online for maps, bookings, and streaming local history guides without relying on public Wi-Fi.

Girona vs. Barcelona: Which One Is Right for Your Trip?

Barcelona is bold, sprawling, and always buzzing. It’s perfect for nightlife lovers, beachgoers, and first-time travelers to Spain. But with crowds, queues, and high prices, it can feel overwhelming—especially in summer.

Girona, on the other hand, is calm, compact, and deeply cultural. Here’s how they compare:

If you want to escape the noise, eat like a local, and still enjoy the best of Catalonia, Girona is the smarter summer choice.

Biking the Greenways: Outdoor Adventure Around Girona

Girona is a paradise for cyclists. The region is famous for its greenways (vies verdes)—former rail lines converted into scenic cycling paths.

1. Girona to Sant Feliu de Guíxols Greenway
A 40 km route that winds through rolling hills, medieval villages, pine forests, and eventually leads to the coast. Stop by towns like Cassà de la Selva or Llagostera for lunch and wine.

2. Cycling in the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone
Ride into Spain’s only volcanic natural park. Quiet roads, crater views, and ancient beech forests await adventurous spirits.

3. Bike Rentals and Tours
Girona has world-class bike shops and tour operators—ideal for amateurs and pros. You can rent carbon road bikes, join guided tours, or simply chart your own course.

Having access to GPS, route maps, or weather updates while cycling? A Voye Global eSIM for Spain ensures your smartphone stays powered with high-speed data—no SIM swaps or store visits needed.

Best Local Eateries for Catalan Cuisine in Girona

Girona punches way above its weight when it comes to food. It’s home to Michelin-starred marvels as well as traditional Catalan taverns. Here’s where to eat this summer:

1. El Celler de Can Roca
One of the world’s top restaurants—reservations here are golden. For the ultimate gastronomic experience, book months in advance.

2. Bionbo Café Gastrobar
Casual fine dining with bold flavors. Their tasting menu is affordable, fresh, and full of surprises.

3. Llevataps
Local Catalan fare with a creative twist. Try the duck, pork cheeks, and seasonal veggie dishes.

4. La Fabrica
Beloved by cyclists and coffee aficionados. Great for brunch, healthy plates, and people-watching.

5. Plaça del Vi 7
Known for its excellent wine list, slow-cooked meats, and authentic Girona charm.

Want to translate a menu or find nearby top-rated restaurants? With Voye Global’s Spain eSIM, you can use translation apps and GPS dining recommendations on the go—without draining your battery searching for a hotspot.

SIM Card vs eSIM: What’s Better for Spain Travelers?

For tourists visiting Girona, an eSIM from Voye Global is the clear choice. It offers instant activation, regional roaming, and reliable 4G/5G speeds, perfect for streaming, maps, or calling your hotel en route.

Trusted eSIM Provider in Spain – Voye Global

Whether you’re navigating the medieval lanes of Barri Vell or biking toward the coast, Voye Global’s Spain eSIM keeps you connected every step of the way.

• Instant QR-based activation
• Strong 4G/5G signals across Girona, Barcelona & Costa Brava
• No physical SIM required—no queues, no paperwork
• Choose plans from just a few days to a full month
• Great for couples, families, and digital creators

Visit Voye Global – eSIM Spain to get started today.

Conclusion: Girona is Spain’s Best-Kept Summer Secret

Swap the busy boulevards of Barcelona for the intimate, inspiring streets of Girona. From its Game of Thrones backdrops to gourmet cuisine, riverside bridges to rolling bike trails, Girona delivers the best of Spain—minus the tourist overload.

Whether you stay a weekend or a week, it’s a place that rewards slow exploration and cultural immersion. And thanks to Voye Global’s eSIM, you’ll stay effortlessly connected, from train platform to tapas bar.

FAQs

1. Is Girona good for a summer vacation?
Yes. Girona offers sunny weather, fewer crowds, and rich cultural experiences—making it ideal for a relaxing summer getaway.

2. How do I reach Girona from Barcelona?
Take the AVE high-speed train (38 mins), rent a car, or join a guided day trip.

3. Is an eSIM better than buying a SIM card in Spain?
Yes. With a Voye Global eSIM, you skip local SIM kiosks and activate your plan instantly—ideal for short-term and multi-country travel.

4. Can I bike around Girona safely?
Absolutely. Girona is one of Europe’s cycling capitals with dedicated greenways and bike-friendly streets.

5. Are there beaches near Girona?
Yes. The Costa Brava coastline is just 30–40 minutes away by car or bus.