Girona, The Perfect Day Trip
A Rainy Day
We travel from Blanes to Girona by car, but it is easily accessible by [train or bus], making it a convenient day trip for those staying in the Costa Brava area.
This town isn’t loud or flashy like some Spanish cities; it’s quieter, layered with history, and full of small moments that invite you to slow down and look more closely, such as visiting the Cathedral of Girona or strolling through the Arab Baths, making every corner feel special.
From medieval stone streets and colourful houses along the Onyar River to hidden cafés and sunlit plazas, Girona’s scenic and cultural highlights make it a perfect place to start this day trip.
We quickly found ourselves in the old town.
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At the end of the street, you’ll see the Cathedral of Girona, situated atop the highest point in the old town, inviting curiosity about its prominent location.
After climbing the long staircase—yes, all 90 steps—you reach the top and feel as if you’re stepping into five centuries of history, connecting you to the past.
While waiting to enter, we purchased our tickets by scanning the QR code. Tickets cost 12.50 euros for adults and include an audioguide and admission to the nearby Basilica, with an audioguide available there as well.
What surprised me most is that the cathedral has a single huge nave, the second-largest in the world after St. Peter’s in the Vatican.
Inside, there are many small details and hidden treasures. One of these is the 12th-century Romanesque cloister.
The Romanesque cloister is distinguished by its columns with sculpted capitals. These show fantastic figures, animals, and plant designs. The galleries also house many tombs of wealthy members of the monastery from the 14th to the 18th centuries, including one by Master Bartomeu, dated 1273.
Walking Around Girona, Spain: Medieval Streets, Views And Hidden Corners
1- Walking the Old Quarter
The Barri Vell, or Old Quarter, with its narrow stone lanes and hidden shops, invites curiosity and makes you feel like discovering a secret world around each corner.
We stop at a small café near Plaça de la Independència for a cappuccino and something sweet.
2- History Sheltered Indoors
The rain kept us indoors, but I know exploring Gerona’s Jewish Quarter is still safe and accessible, even in wet weather, so don’t let rain stop you from discovering its charm.
Visiting the Jewish History Museum made our walk more interesting and turned a rainy afternoon into a meaningful trip through history.
We stopped at museums, churches, and small shops along the way. Each place offered us shelter from the rain and a story that connected us more deeply with the town’s history.
Since it was raining and there weren’t many people around, the shop owners were talkative and eager to share stories about their town. A shop owner told us a story about a fly. Yes, really—a fly.
The story is just below.
3- The Onyar River Under Grey Skies
The row of colourful houses along the Onyar River is one of the most photographed spots in Gerona.
I wanted to find the best bridge to photograph the famous “RED BRIDGE.”
After we crossed the Eiffel Bridge, its red-iron arch arching above, we watched the river flow below.
The Legend of Sant Narcís and the Sacred Flies
Flies appear in local art, souvenirs, and even festival decorations
The story of Sant Narcís and the flies is Girona’s most famous legend, and the city still cherishes it today.
Sant Narcís is the patron saint of Girona. The legend says he was a holy man, and his remains were kept in the Church of Sant Feliu in Girona.
In 1285, when French troops led by King Philip III besieged Girona, the city faced a serious threat. The invaders went into the Church of Sant Feliu, opened the tomb of Sant Narcís, and mocked the saint, a pivotal moment in Girona’s history that still resonates today.
What happened next is the part told in legend, a story that has been passed down through generations, inspiring awe and admiration for Girona’s resilience.
Swarms of large, black flies suddenly came out of the saint’s tomb. These flies were much larger and more aggressive than usual. They attacked the French soldiers and their horses, biting them again and again. Many soldiers got sick, some died, and panic spread through the army. Terrified and unable to fight back, the French troops gave up the siege and fled.
Girona was saved, not by swords or armies, but by flies.
This day was grey, but it was full of surprises for a small town that looked like a legend: a cathedral, small streets, and shops.
Walking through Girona today—especially on a quiet or rainy day—it’s easy to imagine how stories like this took hold. The city feels layered with memory, where legend and history coexist.
Sant Narcís and his flies remind visitors that Girona has always been a place that defies expectations—sometimes in the most unexpected ways.
Visiting Gerona taught me not to wait for perfect weather. Sometimes a place’s true beauty shines through even when the sky is cloudy, encouraging you to enjoy every moment.
Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing.
When you go on vacation, you can’t always control the weather.
