Spain is a top summer destination for Americans, but it’s not the usual hotspots like Madrid, Barcelona, or Ibiza that are drawing the crowds. Instead, the inland city of Girona has seen a significant increase in visitors from the United States and Canada, with numbers up by 48% since 2019.
Girona, located in Catalonia, is a well-preserved medieval city with a population of just over 100,000. It boasts a rich history spanning over 1,400 years and is known for its medieval architecture. Unlike many other European cities, Girona has remained largely unchanged since its early days, offering a genuine glimpse into the past. The city’s narrow streets and ocher-colored buildings were even featured as King’s Landing in the popular TV series Game of Thrones.
Girona is home to several notable landmarks, including the Girona Cathedral, the Romanesque church of Sant Pere de Galligants, the Church of Sant Feliu, and the well-preserved Arab Baths. These historical sites, along with the city’s picturesque courtyards, defensive walls, and church spires, make it look like something out of a chivalric romance.
Summers in Girona are warm and dry, with average temperatures around 87.8°F and minimal rainfall. This makes it an ideal destination for exploring the Old Town or strolling along the scenic Onyar riverfront. In 2023, 400,000 North Americans visited Girona, with overnight stays increasing by 147%, the highest on record. This surge in popularity is partly due to Girona’s status as one of Spain’s most beautiful historic cities and a cultural hotspot.
Americans are increasingly interested in secondary destinations that were previously off their radar, according to Cristina Gargallo, director of the Tourism Promotion Center of Catalonia in the U.S. This trend includes not only Girona but also nearby coastal towns like Sitges and the Costa Brava, known for their traditional fishing villages and golden beaches.
Girona is also appealing because it is less crowded and more affordable than Barcelona. For example, the boutique Pensió Bellmirall in the city center costs only $82 per night, while the four-star Hotel Nord 1901, with pool and spa facilities, is $132 per night. In contrast, similar hotels in Barcelona can cost over $300 per night. Dining in Girona is also inexpensive, with tapa bars offering lunchtime menus for $10-12 and three-course meals with wine or beer averaging $40. Overall, visitors should plan on spending around $152 per day.
Girona’s proximity to Barcelona is another factor in its growing popularity. A short 40-minute train ride connects the two cities, with tickets as cheap as $7 during off-peak times. Girona also has its own international airport, serving 42 destinations mainly around Europe, with low-cost flights starting from $14 this summer. For Americans, the typical route involves flying into Barcelona and then taking the train to Girona.