Romantic 3-day Girona escape for couples (May)
A slow-paced, romantic 3-day itinerary in Girona in May (spring): intimate strolls through the Old Town, golden-hour viewpoints, a couples' spa, Michelin dining and a dreamy medieval day-trip — all chosen for quiet, romantic moments.
Highlights
- Sunset on the Passeig de la Muralla (city walls)
- Couples' thermal ritual at AIRE Ancient Baths Girona
- Michelin and locally-loved cuisine (Massana / El Celler de Can Roca)
- Medieval day trip to Besalú
- Strolls through El Call and along the Onyar river houses
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, gentle introduction to Girona's Old Town and a golden-hour walk on the city walls, followed by an intimate riverfront dinner.
Check-in and settle at a romantic boutique hotel
Arrive, drop bags, freshen up. Hotel Nord 1901 is a characterful boutique choice in the Old Town — perfect base for strolling to nearby sights.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a quiet room facing the inner courtyard for restful evenings after your walks.
- Request a late check-in note if you're arriving after a long trip; concierge can suggest immediate short stroll routes.
- Keep shoes comfortable in your room — cobbled streets are charming but uneven; bring a light jacket for May evenings.
Visit Girona Cathedral (Catedral de Santa Maria) — short guided wandering
Admire the cathedral's wide staircase and Gothic nave (one of the widest in Europe). Take photos from the steps — classic romantic backdrop.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy tickets on arrival or pre-book the timed entry to avoid lines — the interior is best enjoyed in quiet.
- Climb just a few steps for a bench spot at the top where golden-hour light often warms the façade.
- If you both enjoy architecture, ask about the varied styles (Romanesque to Gothic) — a short museum pamphlet is a nice shared discovery.
Slow pause at the Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs)
A compact, atmospheric 12th-century bathhouse — perfect for a quiet, slightly off-the-beaten-track stop and intimate photos in soft light.
Tips from local experts:
- The site is small — plan 20–30 minutes to enjoy the vaulted rooms without rushing.
- Sit together on the stone benches by the warm pools and notice the subtle echoes — great for whispering and quiet moments.
- The stairs are narrow; take your time and avoid visiting during school-group hours (late morning) for more privacy.
Wander El Call (the Jewish Quarter) and the riverfront colourful houses
Lose yourselves in narrow lanes, little squares and the postcard view of Onyar river houses — an ideal late afternoon stroll together.
Tips from local experts:
- Take the quieter side lanes (Carrer de la Força and surrounding alleys) to avoid the busiest photo spots.
- Look for hidden doorways and tiny courtyards — they make charming, private photo opportunities.
- If either of you has mobility concerns, stick to the main paved lanes; many alleys are stepped and uneven.
Relaxing break at the hotel (refresh before sunset)
Return for a short rest and to change for the evening golden hour — recharge with tea or a light nap so you enjoy the walk later.
Tips from local experts:
- Freshen up and bring a light wrap — evenings in May are pleasantly cool near the river.
- Ask reception for a quieter spot on the walls route if you prefer to avoid steeper climbs at sunset.
- Keep water and a small camera ready so you can leave the hotel quickly when light shifts.
Golden-hour walk on Passeig de la Muralla (city walls) — special sunset moment
Walk a romantic section of the medieval walls as the light softens: sweeping views over the city and rural plains make a perfect couple's moment.
Tips from local experts:
- Head to the western stretch for long, open views and a quiet bench to sit together at dusk.
- Bring a small picnic blanket if you want to sit on a wall ledge (some sections allow it) — light snacks from the market are ideal.
- Wear comfortable shoes; some paths are uneven and there are low stone parapets where you can pause and take in the view.
Romantic dinner at Divinum — river-view intimate dining
A relaxed, intimate dinner with local dishes and a warm atmosphere — perfect for a first-night celebration.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table in advance and request a quiet corner or window table when booking.
- Ask the sommelier for a regional Priorat or Empordà pairing — they know local producers well.
- Order a small dessert to share; the portioning is ideal for tasting and lingering after the meal.
Day 2
A gentle food-and-culture day with a Michelin-style lunch and a restorative couples' spa experience as the day's special moment, ending with a special dinner.
Breakfast and local market browsing at Mercat del Lleó
Start the day with fresh pastries and coffee while browsing local produce and small stalls — a charming local ritual.
Tips from local experts:
- Try a freshly baked ensaïmada or croissant and a cortado at a market stall for a light shareable breakfast.
- Visit early (around 9:00) to see vendors arranging produce and to avoid midday crowds.
- Pick up a small jar of local jam or artisanal olive oil as a tactile souvenir to relive the morning together.
Museu d'Història dels Jueus (Jewish History Museum) — quiet cultural visit
Explore El Call's history and the museum's intimate rooms for a contemplative, shared cultural experience.
Tips from local experts:
- Audio guides are compact and let you take time to whisper comments to each other during displays.
- Combine the museum visit with a short walk to nearby hidden viewpoints of the river.
- If you prefer a slower pace, skip the busiest rooms and linger in the small courtyard for an intimate pause.
Coffee and light bite at La Fabrica — cozy café moment
A relaxed coffee stop to recharge; La Fabrica is known for good coffee and bicycle-culture charm — ideal for an easy moment together.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a table near the window for people-watching without the bustle of main tourist routes.
- Order a sharing pastry and a single pot of coffee to linger and plan the afternoon slowly.
- If you’re cyclists, they have bike racks; otherwise keep valuables close on the small tables.
Lunch at Restaurant Massana — refined local cuisine (romantic midday splurge)
A Michelin-acclaimed, intimate lunch featuring creative Catalan cuisine — perfect for a memorable couples' meal.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a midday tasting menu and mention any dietary preferences when booking to shape a seamless experience.
- Ask for a quieter table away from the kitchen for more intimate conversation.
- Pair the tasting menu with local wines selected by the sommelier to elevate the shared experience.
Afternoon couples' ritual: AIRE Ancient Baths Girona — special spa moment
A guided thermal circuit in a candlelit, quiet setting: soak in warm-to-cool pools and enjoy shared relaxation designed for couples.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a private ritual or couples' session in advance — it guarantees privacy and maximizes the romantic atmosphere.
- Bring a swimsuit and a light wrap; lockers are available but leave valuables in the hotel safe.
- Arrive slightly early to enjoy the transition spaces and choose quieter pools together.
Rest and freshen up at the hotel before evening
Relax a little after the spa — a quiet break to change and prepare for a special dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan a slow 90–120 minute break after the spa so you avoid feeling rushed into dinner.
- Use the time to stroll briefly along the Onyar river if the weather is mild to keep the evening mood flowing.
- If you booked spa treatments, sip water and rest — the glow after the bath will make dinner feel effortless.
Special dinner at El Celler de Can Roca — epicurean highlight
If you can secure reservations, this world-renowned restaurant offers a once-in-a-lifetime tasting menu — an unforgettable romantic culinary experience.
Tips from local experts:
- Reservations are essential and often must be made months ahead; check availability early and be flexible on times.
- Consider the tasting menu as a shared event — leave cameras aside and savor each course together.
- Request a quiet table and let the staff know you’re celebrating — they often add small, thoughtful touches for couples.
Day 3
A scenic medieval day trip to Besalú with a slow lunch and a final Girona sunset and gelato for a sweet send-off.
Transfer to Besalú (scenic medieval village)
Short drive or regional bus to Besalú — a beautifully preserved medieval town ideal for a romantic morning away from the city.
Tips from local experts:
- If you prefer private transport, a 30–40 minute taxi or rental car gives you flexibility; buses run regularly but check times.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes — Besalú’s streets and the famous bridge are cobbled and slightly uneven.
- Aim to arrive before late morning for softer light on the bridge and quieter streets for photos.
Explore Besalú: medieval bridge, mikveh and narrow lanes
Wander the famous 12th-century bridge, peek into the Romanesque architecture, and share quiet moments in tiny squares.
Tips from local experts:
- Walk across the Pont Vell early to capture photos with minimal people — the view of the river and arches is very romantic.
- Visit the mikveh and small museums if open; these intimate spaces reward slow exploration.
- Pause at a little café by the river for a shared pastry and watch the light on the stonework change.
Return to Girona and relaxed lunch on Plaça de la Independència (terrace dining)
Back in Girona, choose a terrace in the elegant Plaça de la Independència for a leisurely, people-watching lunch together.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a terrace table facing the square to enjoy the classical architecture and local rhythms.
- Share a couple of small plates to keep the meal light and leave space for a sweet treat later.
- If you want an intimate corner, aim for quieter side-table seating rather than the very center of the square.
Visit Casa Masó — intimate cultural house-museum
Discover Girona-born architect Rafael Masó’s home: understated, elegant interiors perfect for a calm shared cultural stop.
Tips from local experts:
- The house-museum is small and tranquil — perfect for couples who appreciate architecture and private atmospheres.
- Check guided tour times in advance; small-group tours feel more intimate than larger museum crowds.
- Use this quieter visit to compare notes about your favorite Girona moments so far — an easy bonding exercise.
Gelato and playful sweet stop at Rocambolesc Girona
Treat yourselves to inventive ice cream creations — a light, whimsical pause before the last evening walk.
Tips from local experts:
- Try a signature flavor to share and taste a few small spoonfuls rather than two full portions — sharing increases the intimacy.
- Stand by the window or step outside to the riverfront for a romantic stroll while you enjoy the gelato.
- Rocambolesc lines move quickly but pick a quieter time (mid-afternoon) to linger without feeling rushed.
Late-afternoon stroll and final sunset at Pont de les Peixateries Velles (Eiffel-style bridge)
End your trip with the iconic view of the colourful Onyar houses from the metal bridge as daylight softens — a classic Girona farewell.
Tips from local experts:
- Position yourselves on the bridge facing the houses for classic sunset photos — the light is especially flattering in May.
- Walk along both sides of the river for different vantage points; the colors change subtly with the evening light.
- If you want a quieter spot, cross to the northern bank and find a bench downstream from the bridge.
Farewell tapas or wine near the river — intimate final toast
Choose a calm wine bar or small tapas spot by the Onyar for a final relaxed drink and toast to your Girona escape.
Tips from local experts:
- Seek a small wine bar with an outdoor table near the river to savor bubbles or local wine while the town winds down.
- Order a selection of local cheeses and a small charcuterie plate to share as you reminisce about highlights.
- If you plan to head to the station or airport early tomorrow, ask for a gentle digestif to settle before bed.
