Romantic 2‑Day Girona Escape
A slow-paced, intimate 48 hours in Girona for couples: historic strolls, riverfront views, cozy cafés, and two unforgettable special moments — a golden‑hour walk on the city walls and a memorable evening at El Celler de Can Roca. Designed for late‑spring (May) light and mild temperatures.
Highlights
- Sunset on Passeig de la Muralla (city walls)
- Catedral de Girona & Jewish Quarter (Call)
- Colorful houses along the Onyar River
- Relaxing moment in Parc de la Devesa
- Special dinner at El Celler de Can Roca
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, a relaxed exploration of Girona's Old Town, a sunset walk on the city walls, and a candlelit dinner.
Breakfast: La Fàbrica Girona — relaxed terrace coffee and pastries
Start gently with specialty coffee, fresh pastries and local sourdough in a light-filled café favored by locals and couples.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a table on the terrace to watch quiet morning life along Carrer de la Ciutadans — perfect for a slow, photo-friendly start.
- Order a shared toast/avocado or pastry to keep the pace unhurried and save room for later tasting menus.
- If you have bicycles, the café is cyclist-friendly; otherwise ask staff for a quieter corner seat away from the footpath.
Catedral de Girona — climb the steps and admire the nave
Visit the magnificent cathedral (iconic Baroque steps and cloister) — a romantic, photo-worthy landmark with sweeping city views.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive before noon to avoid the busiest guided tour groups and get a quieter moment on the cathedral steps together.
- Take the small stairway up to the cathedral plaza for a classic couples' photo with the wide stair run as a backdrop.
- Note there are uneven cobbles and steps; wear comfortable shoes and plan for a gentle walk if one partner prefers less climbing.
Wander the Jewish Quarter (El Call) & Museu d'Història dels Jueus
Lose yourselves in narrow, winding lanes of the medieval Jewish Quarter and visit the small, atmospheric museum.
Tips from local experts:
- Hand-in-hand explore side alleys (quiet courtyards are ideal for whispered conversation and photographs).
- Buy a combined ticket (often available) to streamline entry and avoid queuing — helpful for keeping the afternoon unhurried.
- The streets are narrow and cobbled; step into a tucked-away courtyard for a private moment away from other visitors.
Lunch in the Call: El Pou del Call — cozy Catalan dishes
Intimate lunch in the heart of the Jewish Quarter: traditional Catalan flavors in a small, atmospheric setting.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a quiet table (if available) or ask for seating away from the windows for a more private lunch.
- Share a few small plates to taste a range of local flavors without feeling rushed — perfect for a couple who likes to nibble and chat.
- Pair dishes with a local Empordà wine recommended by the staff for a regional touch.
Onyar River & Pont de les Peixateries Velles — colorful houses photos
Stroll the riverbanks and cross the iron bridge where the colorful riverside houses make postcard views — a relaxed photo stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Best photos are taken from the riverbank or slightly downstream — take a slow walk to find a quiet vantage point together.
- Bring a lightweight wrap — the riverside can be breezy even in May as evening approaches.
- Sit on a low wall to people-watch; late-afternoon light makes the painted façades glow warmly.
Afternoon break: Plaça de la Independència — terrace coffee and people-watching
Take a restorative pause at a terrace café in Plaça de la Independència — a relaxed spot to linger over coffee or a vermut.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a terrace table that faces the square for easy people-watching and to soak up the relaxed piazza atmosphere.
- Order a shared dessert or vermouth to extend the break without committing to a heavy meal.
- If mobility is a concern, the square is flat and accessible; ask for inside seating if you prefer quieter surroundings.
Golden hour: Passeig de la Muralla — sunset walk on the city walls (special moment)
Walk the ancient city walls at golden hour — panoramic views over Girona and intimate alcoves to pause and watch sunset together.
Tips from local experts:
- Start ~45 minutes before sunset and pick a western-facing stretch to watch the sky change above the Onyar panorama.
- Bring a light layer; breezes on the ramparts can be cooler. Find a bench or crenelation for a private toast (a small bottle of cava works nicely).
- Some sections have steps and uneven surfaces; hold hands and choose the gentler stretches if either partner prefers less climbing.
Romantic dinner: Divinum — contemporary Catalan tasting
An intimate, refined dinner with focus on local produce and attentive service — ideal for a romantic evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table early and request a quieter corner or window seating for a more intimate experience.
- Ask the sommelier for a local Empordà wine pairing — small, thoughtful pairings elevate the shared experience.
- Mention any special occasion when booking; staff often accommodate small touches (a shared dessert note, a wine suggestion).
Day 2
A leisurely day: park stroll and picnic, small museums, light shopping, a rooftop aperitif, then a special celebratory dinner at El Celler de Can Roca.
Morning stroll & picnic: Parc de la Devesa
Enjoy a relaxed morning among plane trees in Spain's largest urban park — ideal for a private picnic or a lazy walk together.
Tips from local experts:
- Pick up fresh bread, cheese and pastries from a nearby bakery (artisan shops on the Rambla) and spread a small blanket under the plane trees.
- The park paths are flat and stroller/wheelchair friendly — choose a quieter lane for privacy.
- Look for shaded benches near the tree-lined avenues if you prefer not to sit on the ground; mornings are pleasantly cool in May.
Banys Àrabs (Arab Baths) — a tranquil, small historic site
Explore the evocative Romanesque baths — a compact and atmospheric stop that feels intimate and calm.
Tips from local experts:
- The baths are compact and quiet — perfect for couples who enjoy historic atmospheres without long queues.
- Arrive mid-morning when light through the small windows gives the warm, romantic glow ideal for photos.
- Watch your step: low light and stone steps can be uneven — take your time and hold hands for balance and connection.
Rambla de la Llibertat — light shopping and artisan finds
Stroll Girona’s main pedestrian thoroughfare, browse artisan shops, chocolatiers and pick up a small keepsake.
Tips from local experts:
- Stop into a local chocolate or deli shop and pick a small sweet to share while you stroll — a simple, romantic ritual.
- Browse independent jewelry or ceramic shops for a thoughtful local memento rather than mass-produced souvenirs.
- If you enjoy markets, ask a shop owner about nearby weekly market days (seasonal) for a more local experience.
Lunch: Casa Marieta — historic Girona dining
Enjoy a relaxed lunch in a classic Girona restaurant with a warm interior and Catalan dishes — ideal for a leisurely midday meal.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a cozy table in the main dining room to feel the restaurant's historic charm (a nice backdrop for couples).
- Share plates to keep the pace languid and allow time for conversation after the meal.
- Save a little sweet space — the house desserts pair wonderfully with a late-afternoon coffee.
Monestir de Sant Pere de Galligants — cloistered calm and photos
A peaceful Romanesque monastery now housing archaeology exhibits — quiet cloisters make an intimate daytime stop.
Tips from local experts:
- The cloister is particularly photogenic and quieter in the afternoon — ideal for a slow walk and mindful conversation.
- Combine this stop with a short detour to the surrounding gardens for a private moment on a park bench.
- The site is compact; spend relaxed time in the cloister rather than rushing through exhibitions.
Pre-dinner rooftop aperitif: Hotel Nord 1901 terrace
Enjoy a quiet rooftop cocktail or aperitif to toast the evening; a relaxed place to watch the light soften over the city.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a terrace table when you arrive — even a short aperitif here gives you a private lookout over Girona's rooftops.
- Order a local vermouth or a Catalan-style cocktail and sip slowly while you watch sunset hues — perfect for a romantic pause.
- If the terrace is full, staff usually offer an indoor window table with good views — still ideal for an intimate toast.
Special dinner: El Celler de Can Roca — celebratory tasting menu
A world-class, unforgettable culinary experience — reserve well in advance for the tasting menu and full sommelier pairing.
Tips from local experts:
- Book many months ahead and note any special occasion — the restaurant often marks personal celebrations with subtle touches.
- Dress smart-casual to match the dining room atmosphere, and allow the full 2–3 hours for an unhurried, multi-course experience.
- If you prefer a slightly less formal alternative, request the chef's lighter menu or wine pairings tailored to both of you.
