My first afternoon in Girona, Spain went along much like most of my visits to a new place. I look for a place to eat, take a lot of photos, walk for miles and occasionally lose my way. After arriving in Girona by train from Barcelona, 65 miles to the south, I headed out for tapas at one of the many outdoor restaurants surrounding the Placa Independencia. Afterwards, I walked for miles through the narrow cobblestone streets, around Girona Cathedral and along the Rio Onyar, one of the four rivers that meet at the city. Girona is often referred to as the Spanish Venice because of the rivers, bridges and picturesque buildings.
When I decided to make my way back to the hotel, I realized that I was completely lost and walking in circles. When traveling, I often start exploring a new place without a map assuming that I’ll find my way eventually. On this afternoon, it took longer than usual but I didn’t mind — it gave me more time to admire the sights of Girona. As it turned out, I had been very close to my hotel a few times, but was just on the opposite side of the river.
There will be more to come soon. For now, enjoy the photos. I hope they give you a bit of the essence of Girona.
Girona looks fabulous..an interesting city. I love the coloured houses overlooking the river. I’m very envious of you being there for TBEX. Have fun!
TBEX was a great event — learned a lot and met some awesome bloggers!
Great photos (^_^)
Thanks! Girona is a very photogenic city.
Great photos of a charming town – I would have loved to make it to TBEX
Would have been nice to meet you there. Maybe next TBEX?
Absolutely beautiful pictures, Cathy! I wouldn’t mind getting lost here for hours. Love all the architecture and didn’t know that about being the Spanish Venice. I can’t wait to see more pictures and have a wonderful time at TBEX. Jealous 🙂
It’s interesting how several European cities are nicknamed “The Venice of ….”. I think Amsterdam and Bruges have that claim, too.
Hope you and Randy are having fun and great weather over there!
We had a great time! Actually got Randy to do a little sightseeing, too. 🙂
Girona is beautiful! I love the old architecture. I’m sure you’ll learn much about the city while you’re there. And now that you mention it, getting lost in the city doesn’t sound like such a terrible thing. Have fun at TBEX!
Getting lost in places like Girona is a whole different thing. Makes it fun, actually. 🙂
So envious of your being in Girona AND of getting to attend TBEX. Have a fabulous time! (From the looks of these photos, that won’t be difficult to do). Keep us posted. . .
Don’t be jealous …. get even! I definitely recommend a visit to Girona!
Girona looks like a great place to visit. Your story of getting lost reminds me of my first night in Bruges when I went out to get a pizza and it got cold before I found my way back to the hotel.
I can definitely see where you’d get lost in Bruges. I had no idea where I was going when I was there, but it didn’t matter — loved it!
It sounds like a great start to your travels through Spain. What a scenic section along the river. I can see how you could get messed up.
Perfect way to start my Spain travels — sorry that they’re over now. 🙁
Girona looks fabulous! If there’s one thing that I’m an expert at it’s getting lost – I have absolutely no sense of direction! I think I have more fun wandering aimlessly than the people who know exactly how to get from point A to point B though! Have a great time at TBEX!!
It really can be fun. I’ve only had a few occasions where my getting lost got a little scary.
Yes Girona looks lovely! I have only heard good things about it. No map?? Thats the first thing I grab. Still get all twisted around but at least I have my trusty map or is it a type of security blanket??
Maps can definitely be your friend. 🙂
Girona looks fantastic! I am so jealous. Enjoy TBEX!
Thanks — had a great time!
Buildings by the river sure reminds of Venice. It’s fun to go for a walk without a map. Gives time to explore places otherwise we might miss by sticking to a schedule. Have fun!
Once I got here, I totally got the “Venice” connection.
Love the architecture, Cathy. Looks like my kind of town. enjoy!
The architecture is really beautiful. It’s my kind of town, too.
I love wandering around and exploring, too, if my kids aren’t with me. They are less enamored of it. Your pictures are beautiful as always.
Thank you! Different traveling with kids, eh? 🙂
Well that looks nice! Wish we could be there.
Wish I could have met you guys there. One of these days….
Smart idea of Girona getting behind TBEX. It’s one of those cities that few people are familiar with, but it’s a real gem. It’s funny that Ryanair calls the airport “Barcelona Girona” – as if you’d only ever fly there if you thought it was near to Barcelona!
I was wondering about the airport name, too. Does seem a bit far away to be considered one of Barcelona’s airports.
What a brilliant photo stream! We fly to Girona this December. Wow 🙂
Thanks, Victor! Have a great time.. Wish I could head back there soon, too.
Simply wandering around is a great way to get the feel of a place, and to find interesting images. Looking forward to hearing and seeing more!
Can’t believe I’m so behind in sharing more pics and info about my trip. I’m working on it!
Pingback: Snapshots from Madrid | Traveling with Sweeney
Wow, I had no idea Girona had those earth-tone buildings and canals! Almost makes me sad we couldn’t make it to TBEX. Never been to Spain, but it’s definitely on the list…
“Well, I’ve never been to Spain, but I’ve been to ….” — remember that song? 🙂 Anyway, I’m glad that I can now say that I’ve been there!
Girona looks like a lovely city. I love Spain and plan on returning in the next couple years so I’ll have to check it out.
It was my first trip to Spain and I loved every place I visited. Lots more to see, however.
These are beautiful shots!
Thank you, Lane 🙂
I love how you’ve captured Girona, it’s such a beautiful city and one of those places that I could walk around for hours trying all the tapas.
Thanks, Laurel. I would have kept walking around for hours there, even if I hadn’t gotten lost!
Oooh – I’ve never seen Girona before but looks like a wonderful place to wander
Pingback: Scary in Spain | Traveling with Sweeney
Wow, Girona looks fabulous. Love the way you’ve captured it.
Pingback: Barcelona: Scenes from Eixample | Traveling with Sweeney
Lovely photos! I would love to visit Spain soon. It is a dream of mine since I was a kid since Spain once dominated the Philippines.