Gentle 2-Day Girona Visit for Seniors (May — Spring)
A calm, accessible two-day itinerary in Girona designed for seniors: short, flat walks, frequent rest stops, quiet meals, and easy transfers. The plan uses mostly step-free routes, benches and shady pauses, and includes practical accessibility tips for each stop. May offers mild weather and long daylight for comfortable sightseeing.
Highlights
- Historic Jewish Quarter and Museu d'Història dels Jueus
- Relaxed strolls along the Onyar River and Eiffel bridge (Pont de les Peixateries Velles)
- Peaceful time in Parc de la Devesa — large, flat plane-tree park
- Museu del Cinema — compact, accessible museum
- Comfortable dining with calm seating and easy access
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, gentle outdoor time, accessible Old Town highlights and a relaxed evening meal.
Arrive & check in — Hotel Carlemany (central, accessible)
Settle into your centrally located, comfortable hotel with elevator access and luggage assistance so you start the day relaxed.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask reception for a low-floor room near the elevator and a quiet corridor to limit walking with luggage.
- Request help with bags and check accessible bathroom options on arrival — most central hotels in Girona list elevator access.
- If arriving by train, request a hotel-arranged short taxi to avoid dragging luggage across cobbles.
Gentle stroll and rest in Parc de la Devesa
Flat, shaded park with wide paved paths and frequent benches — ideal for easing into Girona and enjoying May greenery.
Tips from local experts:
- Stick to the main paved promenades; they are largely step-free and have benches every few minutes for rests.
- Bring a lightweight sun hat and a water bottle — May mornings are pleasant but the plane trees give excellent shade.
- If walking is tiring, there are benches near the main entrances where taxis can drop you off and pick you up.
Calm lunch at La Fabrica (light local dishes, accessible seating)
A relaxed, locally loved spot offering comfortable seating and a calm lunchtime atmosphere. Reserve a table and request a ground-level seat.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve ahead and ask for a table near the entrance to avoid steps; many tables are at street level.
- Choose lighter Catalan dishes and request staff to pace courses slowly — good for digestion and energy management.
- Confirm accessible restroom availability when booking; staff usually help if alternative facilities are nearby.
Explore the Jewish Quarter and visit Museu d'Història dels Jueus (gentle cultural visit)
A short, guided or self-paced visit through the atmospheric Call (Jewish Quarter) and its compact, interesting museum. Focus on the museum’s exhibits, which are arranged on single-level galleries where possible.
Tips from local experts:
- The museum has relatively short interior routes — ask for any elevator access or step-free entry at the ticket desk.
- Avoid the narrowest cobbled lanes if mobility is limited; the museum entrance is reachable through more level streets (ask staff for the easiest route).
- Plan for bench breaks: there are small plazas nearby (Plaça del Vi) with cafés and shaded seating for rests between exhibits.
Afternoon refreshment at Plaça del Vi (short break with nearby seating)
Sit at a café terrace or on a bench in the square and enjoy a quiet coffee — a good short rest after the museum.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a cafe terrace with ground-level seating to avoid stairs — many cafés around Plaça del Vi have step-free access.
- Use the square as a regrouping point; public restrooms and tourist office (with accessible facilities) are close by.
- Ask for a smaller table near the shade where you can see people pass without having to move frequently.
Leisurely Onyar river promenade and Pont de les Peixateries Velles (Eiffel bridge)
A flat, paved stroll along the river to admire the colorful houses and the Eiffel-designed bridge. Plenty of benches and level crossings.
Tips from local experts:
- Stay on the main riverside promenade — it is level and has railings and benches at regular intervals for comfort.
- The Pont de les Peixateries Velles has gentle ramps on at least one side; avoid steep stair-only access points.
- Bring a camera and take short rests at the bridges where benches give an excellent view without extra walking.
Relaxed dinner at Divinum (calm atmosphere, accessible dining)
An evening meal at a calm, well-regarded restaurant with comfortable seating. Longer dinner but paced slowly to suit seniors.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve an early table and request seating with easy access (avoid high stools or tables with steps).
- Ask the kitchen to pace courses and to provide smaller portions if preferred — staff are used to accommodating dietary needs.
- Confirm restroom accessibility when reserving and request staff assistance if walking longer distances is tiring.
Return to Hotel Carlemany and evening rest
Short taxi or gentle walk back to the hotel to rest and prepare for the next day.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the restaurant to call a hotel taxi to avoid walking on cobbles after dinner.
- If you prefer to walk, choose the route along wider, better-lit streets to minimize uneven pavements.
- Use the hotel lobby seating to rest briefly before going up in the elevator to your room.
Day 2
Museum visit, a touch of the Cathedral (with accessibility options), riverfront time and a relaxed farewell lunch before departure.
Comfortable breakfast at hotel
Start the day with an organized breakfast at the hotel — choose a table near natural light and elevator access.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a table on the ground floor or near the elevator to reduce walking distance from your room.
- Request a gentle tea or herbal option if you prefer milder morning beverages.
- Confirm any dietary needs (low-salt, soft-texture) the night before so the hotel can prepare accordingly.
Visit Museu del Cinema - Col·lecció Tomàs Mallol (compact, accessible museum)
A focused visit to the city’s museum of moving images. The museum is compact, with elevators and plenty of places to sit while enjoying exhibits.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask staff at the desk for the most accessible route between floors; elevators are available but may be small.
- Take advantage of short film screenings that offer seated, climate-controlled breaks from walking.
- Avoid peak mid-day crowds by arriving early; May mornings are usually quieter for museums.
Short visit at Girona Cathedral — exterior views and optional short interior visit
Admire the dramatic façade and cloister of the Catedral de Girona. Because the main access involves steps, this visit focuses on comfortable viewing and the cathedral museum or lower-level areas where available.
Tips from local experts:
- The cathedral forecourt gives great views without climbing; if you wish to enter, ask staff about the least-stepped route or ramp alternatives.
- If stairs are a concern, consider enjoying nearby cafes or viewpoints instead — there are benches on Plaça de la Catedral with shade.
- If mobility allows a short climb, go slowly and use railings; staff can help arrange a seated place inside if needed.
Leisurely midday lunch — El Celler de Can Roca (reserve in advance for calm service)
A relaxed, sit-down lunch at Girona’s world-famous restaurant; perfect as a special, calm dining experience if reservations are made well in advance. Staff will accommodate accessibility needs.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve far in advance and note any mobility or seating requirements so the restaurant can prepare an appropriate table.
- Ask for a table with easy access and confirm restroom accessibility beforehand.
- Consider requesting a slightly earlier lunch seating to avoid a long, late service and to ensure a relaxed pace.
Calm afternoon at Plaça de la Independència (shopping, café seating, short flat strolls)
Flat square with wide pavements, cafés and bench seating — ideal for light shopping, souvenir browsing or resting with a drink.
Tips from local experts:
- Stick to the main square and the surrounding wide streets — they are mostly level and well-maintained for easy walking.
- Choose a café with ground-level seating and ask for a table in the shade if the sun is strong.
- If you need a rest, there are many chairs and terraces where staff will allow you to sit for a while without pressure to order immediately.
Gentle final stroll on Rambla de la Llibertat and a short coffee break
A short, flat promenade ideal for window-shopping and an easy last coffee before departure. Benches and cafes along the way for frequent pauses.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep to the main pedestrian strip which is flat and has many benches; avoid side alleys with steeper cobbles.
- Plan a single, seated coffee stop rather than multiple standing stops to conserve energy.
- If you bought souvenirs, ask shops to deliver small items to the hotel reception to avoid carrying them to the station.
Transfer to Estació de Girona (train or taxi as appropriate)
Short taxi or hotel-arranged transfer to Girona train station for your onward journey. Allow time for luggage loading and check-in.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the hotel to call a taxi with sufficient trunk space and request a door-to-door pick-up to limit walking.
- If taking the train, request assistance at the station for boarding if needed — station staff can help with ramps and luggage.
- Plan to leave 45–60 minutes before departure for trains to allow comfortable check-in and restroom use.
