ONTDEK GIRONA

Met zijn milde klimaat, rijke cultuur, gevarieerde natuur, fantastische

keuken en natuurlijk de eindeloze kustlijn, is Spanje een populaire vakantiebestemming. Het nog grotendeels onontdekte Girona is één van de

pareltjes van de Costa Brava, de kuststreek in het noordoosten van Spanje

net onder de Franse grens. En voor een onvergetelijke vakantie aan de Spaanse kust, is er is geen betere plek om te verblijven dan bij de Van der Valk Hotel Barcarola in Sant Feliu de Guixols.

TEXT: EVA VAN MEIJL

PHOTOGRAPHY: NOPOINT STUDIO’S

Hotel Barcarola in Sant Feliu de Guixols is one of the family's favourite spots Van der Valk self. A wonderful holiday destination to spend time together and make trips in the beautiful Catalan hinterland. A visit to the city of Girona is also part of it and for good reason. This colourful city is half an hour's drive away and can also be easily reached by bus from the hotel. Many will only know Girona by the airport that is flown to Barcelona and is served to travel to Barcelona. But did you know that Girona is known as 'the intimate Barcelona'? The nice thing is that this compact city is not overrun by tourists, so you can still experience the real Spanish atmosphere in Girona.

GREAT VIEW

Girona is a city full of history and culture, partially surrounded by an impressive city wall. Stroll at your leisure through the charming, narrow alleys in the medieval historic center where you will see different architectural styles. You will also find special boutiques and toy shops. Be aware that many shops take a siesta and are therefore closed in the afternoon. Along the way, you can admire the view from one of the many vistas. Definitely the most beautiful panorama can be found at the Cathedral of Girona. This photogenic church towers above everything and can be reached via a staircase of up to a hundred steps, which can also be seen in various scenes from the Game of Thrones movies. The great view over the old quarter is definitely worth the climb. Girona also has several Arab bathhouses dating back to the twelfth century. See the beautiful architecture and learn about the city's Moorish history. A visit to the Film Museum and the Jewish Historical Museum are also recommended.

STRIKING BRIDGE

No visit to Girona is complete without a photo of its iconic colored houses. These are located on the Onyar River that runs right through the city center. They are also known as 'hanging houses', as they appear to be suspended over the water. From one of the bridges between the old and the new part of the city, you can take the perfect photo. The most famous bridge is Pont de les Peixateries Velles. This striking red bridge was built in 1876 by Gustave Eiffel before he started work on the Eiffel Tower in Paris. After all that walking, you can rest on one of the cozy terraces. Girona has many good restaurants and bars. There are even Michelin-starred restaurants, one of which was once (and according to some) the best restaurant in the world: Can Roca! Highly recommended is the Girona Food Tour, where you take a culinary tour along the most beautiful and delicious places in the city.

UNIEKE REGIO

Geniet na van een fijne dag in de stad in Hotel Barcarola aan de kust. De ruime hotelkamers en appartementen met balkon, een zwembad, fitnessclub en restaurants met een uitstekende keuken maken dit tot een compleet hotel. En dat allemaal op nog geen 50 meter van één van Costa Brava’s mooiste baaien met zandstrand. Bij La Casita aan de rand van het zwembad bestel je de lekkerste tapas en cocktails en bij Pink Toucan Beach Bar aan de boulevard van S'Agaró proef je heerlijk huisgemaakt ijs.

During your holiday, be sure to take a nice cycling or walking tour via the extensive route network. Many people don't know that the hinterland of the Costa Brava has such great nature. At the reception they will be happy to help you choose a tour. For example, via the El Carrilet, a cycle path over a former railway line. Or a walk on the Camino de Ronda, a hiking trail that was once built as a smuggling route from France. While walking you will see secluded bays, wooded nature and small villages. It's all very picturesque and authentic here. Something that also inspired many artists. This spring, the three new themed suites of Hotel Barcarola will be ready and are named after the famous Spanish artists Dalí, Gaudí and Picasso. All three of them were active in this region and admired the beauty of this unique region. Come and discover it for yourself from Hotel Barcarola!