The ancient city of Girona, often ignored by visitors who bolt from its airport to the resorts of the Costa Brava, is an easy and worthwhile day trip from Barcelona. Much of the city's charm comes from its narrow medieval streets, many so steep they are actually stairways. Historic buildings here include the cathedral, which dominates the city from the top of 90 steps; the Arab Baths; and an antique and charming Jewish Quarter.
Location: In Catalonia, 60 miles northeast of Barcelona
Tasty treat: Garum, a black-olive and anchovy paste dating from Roman times
Top outing: The walk along the Passeig Arquaeologic, outside the city walls, where you'll get an astounding view of the cathedral's 11th-century Charlemagne Tower
Where to stay: It's so close to Barcelona that you can make this a day trip
Don't miss: The Arab baths, built in the late 12th century
Suggested sights & activities:
- Beautiful Gothic and Romanesque architecture
- The Banys Arabs, or Arab Baths, gorgeous and amazingly well preserved
- The haunting Jewish Quarter, called the Call. Before the Jews were expelled in 1492, they were forbidden to have doors or windows facing the street; the entire population lived in a maze of small, steeply sloping streets completely cut off from the rest of the city.
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