DISCOVER GIRONA

With its mild climate, rich culture, diverse nature, fantastic cuisine, and of course the endless coastline, Spain is a popular holiday destination. The still largely undiscovered Girona is one of the gems of the Costa Brava, the coastal region in the northeast of Spain just below the French border. And for an unforgettable holiday on the Spanish coast, there is no better place to stay than at the Van der Valk Hotel Barcarola in Sant Feliu de Guixols.

EVA VAN MEIJL

PHOTOGRAPHY: NOPOINT STUDIO’S

Hotel Barcarola in Sant Feliu de Guixols is one of the favorite spots of the Van der Valk family themselves. A delightful holiday destination to spend time together and explore the beautiful Catalan countryside. A visit to the city of Girona is also a must, and for good reason. This colorful city is just a half-hour drive away and can also be easily reached by bus from the hotel. Many may only know Girona because of the airport used to travel to Barcelona. But did you know that Girona is known as 'the intimate Barcelona'? The great thing is that this compact city is not overrun by tourists, allowing you to truly experience the authentic Spanish atmosphere in Girona.

GREAT VIEW

Girona is a city full of history and culture, partially surrounded by an impressive city wall. Stroll leisurely through the charming, narrow alleys in the medieval historic center where you can see different architectural styles. You will also find unique boutiques and toy stores. Keep in mind that many shops close for siesta in the afternoon. Along the way, admire the view at one of the many viewpoints. The most beautiful panorama can be found at the Girona Cathedral. This photogenic church towers above everything and can be reached via a staircase of a hundred steps, which is also seen in various scenes of the Game of Thrones series. The amazing view over the old quarter makes the climb absolutely worth it. Girona also has several Arab baths from the twelfth century. Explore the beautiful architecture and learn more about the Moorish history of the city. A visit to the Film Museum and the Jewish Historical Museum is also recommended.

STRIKING BRIDGE

A visit to Girona is not complete without a photo of the iconic colored houses. These are located on the Onyar river that runs through the city center. They are also called 'hanging houses' because they appear to hang over the water. From one of the bridges between the old and new parts of the city, you can take the perfect picture. The most famous bridge is Pont de les Peixateries Velles. This striking red bridge was built in 1876 by Gustave Eiffel before he started working on the Eiffel Tower in Paris. After all that walking, you can relax at one of the cozy terraces. Girona has many good restaurants and bars. There are even Michelin-starred restaurants, one of which was once the best restaurant in the world (and according to some, still is): Can Roca! A highly recommended activity is the Girona Food Tour, where you take a culinary journey through the most beautiful and delicious spots in the city.

UNIQUE REGION

Enjoy a nice day in the city at Hotel Barcarola on the coast. The spacious hotel rooms and apartments with balcony, a swimming pool, fitness club, and restaurants with excellent cuisine make this a complete hotel. And all this just a few steps away from one of Costa Brava's most beautiful bays with a sandy beach. At La Casita by the pool, you can order the most delicious tapas and cocktails, and at Pink Toucan Beach Bar on the S'Agaró boulevard, you can taste delicious homemade ice cream.

During your vacation, make sure to take a beautiful bike ride or hike through the extensive network of routes. Many people are not aware that the hinterland of the Costa Brava has such amazing nature. The reception will be happy to help you choose a route. For example, you can take the El Carrilet, a bike path along a former railway line. Or go for a walk on the Camino de Ronda, a hiking trail that was once used as a smuggling route from France. While walking, you will see secluded coves, wooded nature, and small villages. Everything here is very picturesque and authentic. This has also inspired many artists. This spring, the three new themed suites of Hotel Barcarola will be ready and they are named after the famous Spanish artists Dalí, Gaudí, and Picasso. They were all active in this region and admired the beauty of this unique area. Come and discover it for yourself from Hotel Barcarola!