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Car hire in Girona
Hiring a car in Girona
With its attractive Jewish quarter and historic town walls, a walk through the riverside city of Girona is like stepping back in time.
Why hire a car at Girona?
Sandwiched between the majestic Pyrenees and sun-kissed Costa Brava, Girona attracts beach bums and snow seekers alike. The city might be just a 20-minute drive from the airport, but you really need a car to access the region's mountains, beaches, ancient villages and hilltop castles, while the arty city of Barcelona - the capital of Catalonia - is just an hour away.
That all-important first mile:
driving out of Girona?
The airport is just minutes from the AP-7 (Autopista del Mediterráneo), which runs almost the length of Spain's east coast with La Junquera, close to the French border, to the north and Barcelona to the south. Remember to drive on the right and have some change handy for the motorway toll.
60-second guide to Girona
In its own head...
“Girona has a peaceful feel all year round. It is an excellent place to enjoy everything a small city has to offer, while escaping from the throngs of tourists and hustle and bustle of the coast.”
...but more realistically
It’s true that the beaches of the Costa Brava, just a thirty minute drive out of the city,are very popular with tourists, but having a hire car means you can get to the quieter beaches a little further along the coast and combine a city break with a beach one, gettingthe best of both worlds.
The vibe
Within the city, the vibe is one of excitable hustle as the eclectic mix of residents go about their day, but head into the countryside, and the atmosphere is noticeably gentler.
The natives
The local population is a mix of Catalan, Jewish, Spanish and Frenchlocals as a result of the city’s colourful history - it’s been invaded and defended from various nationalities keen to adopt it as their own for centuries. After a few hours here, you’ll see why.
The weather
Temperatures in the city are similar to ours; warm summers and cool winters. Further north towards the Pyrenees the temperature drops significantly. Take socks. On the eastern coast in the Costa Brava the temperature increases dramatically. Take sunblock.
The local speciality
For a taste of Catalan luxury, order the local treasure that is black truffle. Rare, and therefore expensive, this delicacy brings hunters to the forests in northern Catalonia every year looking for gourmet gold.
The celebrity
Surrealist painter Salvador Dali is from this part of the world and his works can be viewed in Figueres, a town 30 miles north of Girona.
Did you know?
Geographically, this city is located in northern Spain, but offically, it belongs to the region of Catalonia, a district with its own language, culture and nationality independent of Spain.
They say...
“Girona is the perfect example of a Catalan city. Moreover, it’s a place where ancient grandeur blends in with the region’s contemporary style” – Arrival Guides
Girona Q&A
Where are the car hire desks?
Car hire desks are located at the exit of the main terminal.
What should I buy at duty free?
Crafts and original artwork are available for sale, including jewellery, glasswork and textiles. If you haven’t picked some up already, call in to the duty free store for some last minute souvenirs.
Are there any cashpoints?
Yes, three on the ground floor and one on the first floor of the main terminal.
Where's the best place to eat?
There is a 24-hour café on the ground floor serving simple local dishes - look out for butifarra con mongetes, Catalan sausages served in a bean stew - and a restaurant upstairs.
The secret tip
Need advice on which beach to hit first, or the best place to head for perfect skiing conditions? There is a tourist office in the arrivals hall to help answer your travel and accommodation questions.
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The big draw: Girona
Distance: 19 miles
Secluded coves and sandy beaches set against a stunning mountainous backdrop - the Costa Brava is simply breathtaking. Seaside resorts such as Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar continue to attract tourists, but if you are looking for more than sun and sangria you'll find several rustic fishing villages just a stone's throw away.
Girona
the gateway to...
Girona
10 MILES
With its imposing cathedral - boasting the widest Gothic nave in the world - Romanesque church, art nouveau offerings and Arab baths, Girona is a living museum. Survey the city's architectural treasures with a walk along the equally impressive Carolingian city walls - the most impressive views are from the Jarda d'Inf ncia, on the banks of the Onyar River, and the Sant Pere section.
Alt Empordá
42 MILES
From history to wildlife to art, this rugged region has it all. Check out the sprawling beach and coastal town of Roses, before grabbing your binoculars and heading to the bird-watching mecca that is the marshlands of the Aiguamolls de I'Empord Natural Park. Get lost among the picture-perfect twisting streets and whitewashed houses of Cadaques and pop to nearby Port Lligat for a nose around Salvador Dalí's house - now a museum dedicated to the surrealist. Hungry? The ancient port of L'Escala is renowned for its daily catch of sardines and herrings.
Barcelona
56 MILES
Quirky and creative, this achingly hip beachside city offers an utterly unique slice of Spanish life. Spend your days soaking up the artistic achievements of Gaudí and Miró - from the soaring spires of the unfinished Sagrada Família to the museum at Montjüic - and evenings dining on fresh seafood and pintxo (a Basque version of tapas).
5 to see in town...
1. The Cathedral of St. Mary
Boasting the widest nave in the world and an advantageous spot at the height of the city, the Cathedral of St. Mary is both a must-see, and a must-see-from. Take your camera.
Where to park:
Street, and underground car-parks are available throughout the city. Carry change.
2. The Call
Described as the most well preserved site of Jewish life in Europe, the Call, or Jewish quarter of the Old Town takes you back to a time and place where Kabbalah, now a philosophical understanding of life which underpins many world religions, first developed.
Where to park:
Cars are not allowed in the Jewish quarter which is probably a good thing, there’s a lot of stairs. Leave the hire car at one of the nearby car parks and walk from there.
3. El Didal Restaurant
This is perhaps the only restaurant in the world where the lights are made from ironing boards, and the tables from Singer sewing machine stands. Offering great food at reasonable prices in town, this is the best place to go for tapas and people watching. Deliciously quirky.
Where to park:
Street parking is available within walking distance.
4. Onyar Channel River Tour
You would be doing your camera a disservice if you didn’t take it on the Onyar River tour. The colourful flats and houses that line the banks and the bridges that cross it make for stunning pictures. Just don’t go swimming, the carp there are huge.
Where to park:
Tours can be taken by boat or on foot. Street parking is available locally.
5. Column of the Lion’s Kiss
It’s likely that you’ll want to return to Girona one day, but legend has it that you won’t be able to until you have kissed the lion. To be more specific, you must kiss the lion’s bum. This statue clings to the top of a column in SantFeliu Square. Take your sense of humour and pucker up.
Where to park:
Street parking is just outside the SantFeliu Square.
and 4 to drive to...
1. Cadaqués Bay
This picturesque fishing village is located on the north eastern coast, miles away from the hustle and bustle of some of the busier beaches of the Costa Brava. This is the place to visit for clear waters, hospitable locals and long lazy lunches.
How to get there:
From the airport, follow the E-15 motorway north. Take the N-11 exit, then the C-68 and finally the GI-168 along the winding road all the way to the coast. Take some change, tolls operate on this route.
2. Dali Museum
Prepare to be bewildered, amused and confused. The surreal artistry of Salvador Dali is displayed beautifully at this museum dedicated to his life and works. Expect your imagination to run riot and the world to look a different place when you leave.
How to get there:
Follow the E-15 motorway towards Figueres, Take the N-11a exit all the way into and the Dali Museum is signposted. Tolls operate on this route.
3. Pyrenees
Within just a few hours’ drive you could be swapping swimsuits for skis. This305 mile mountain range stretches from the eastern coast at the Cap De Creus, to the Bay of Biscay in the west and divides France from Spain. It is perfect for hiking, boarding, skiing, and if you need to carry extra equipment, don’t worry, our hire carshave spacious boots and if that’s not enough, enquire about roof racks when making your booking.
How to get there:
Head north from Girona to any routes signposted towards France. The Pyrenees are huge, so buy a local map and figure out where you want to drive to depending on the kind of activity you’d like to do.
4. Costa Brava
The Costa Brava is a widely popular destination among holidaymakers and with good reason. It’s hot, the beaches are beautiful, the waters clear, there are enough activities on offer to exhaust the most hyperactive of individuals and the choice of local restaurants and hotels is overwhelming. You cannot go wrong.
How to get there:
The Costa Brava is a widely popular destination among holidaymakers and with good reason. It’s hot, the beaches are beautiful, the waters clear, there are enough activities on offer to exhaust the most hyperactive of individuals and the choice of local restaurants and hotels is overwhelming. You cannot go wrong.
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