The final place I visited outside of Barcelona, after a beautiful month being based out of here and falling deeply in love with the region, was Girona, the heart of Costa Brava. The Costa Brava region is nestled against France's southern border, is one of the most idyllic in the country. Tiny cobblestoned towns filled with ancient architecture, little buildings tucked in to each other, friendly chatter, lively plazas, darling little streets to run through and fairytale-like views abound.
After having spent my morning exploring little Besalú, a fairytale town just a half hour drive north of Girona, I managed to coordinate the bus and train schedules so that I could spent the afternoon in Girona, soaking in all the delightful views - and the heat, as Spain struggled through the hottest month ever on record (and it's only May...).
How to Get to Girona
I arrived in Girona by bus from Besalú. The bus departs from Ctra. d'Olot in Besalú and arrives at Av. Ramon Folch in Girona. TEISA buses run regularly between the two - you can check the bus schedule here - and take just half an hour. I then took a train direct back to Barcelona from Girona; trains run frequently throughout the day and take an hour.
Things to See in Girona
Girona is a wonderful place - bigger than neighbouring Besalú and really the heart of Costa Brava. Bustling cafes and busy terraces line tree-lined cobblestoned streets and impressive colourful architecture fills the town that is also home to a university. On the edge of town, the still-standing medieval town walls provide a panoramic view over the town and its beautiful cathedral, home to the world's widest Gothic nave and surrounded by idyllic gardens perfect for a wander on a hot afternoon.
