Gerona lies not far inland from the Costa Brava, the coastal resort area that is famous for its many beaches. Most people are in such a hurry to get to the Costa Brava that they do not stop to fully appreciate the beauty of this historic province.

Gerona, the City

Its capital, also known as Gerona, is well worth the effort of stopping for a few days to explore its ancient buildings. The Casco Viejo or old quarter has beautiful well-preserved buildings constructed by the city's many conquerors; the Iberians, the Romans, the Visigoths, the Muslims and Charlemagne. You can still visit the fortified walls erected by the Iberians around the 4th century BC. Another place to visit in the Casco Viejo is the Jewish district known as El Call, the name given in Catalonia to the Jewish districts. Its main attraction is the Jewish Museum with its old documents, parchments and religious artifacts that were sealed over when the Jews were expelled about 500 years ago and recently discovered.

Things to Do

The city of Gerona offers spectacular views of the villages and outlying areas of the province. It is well worth the effort of visiting this wonderful town that is just 50 miles away from the city of Barcelona. Its medieval streets and passages offer a unique vision of a far-away age when life was more sedate and the pace was slower. The province offers to the visitor many things to do and see.

Bird-watching

Aiguamolls de L'Emporda Natural Park is one place that a lover of nature would not want to miss. It is an area that has been declared a Natural Park and has both saline and freshwater wetlands. It is ideal for bird-watching since its habitats attract different types of birds from all over Europe and it is a stop-over point for birds from far away. It is without doubt the most important bird refuge in Catalonia, with over 300 species observed so far. Deer can be seen sometimes among the marshlands. You can visit this Natural Park all year round but it is better for bird-watching in spring and autumn when the annual migrations take place.

Good Climate

The climate is warm and comfortable all year round except in mid-winter, when the cold can be uncomfortable. In the L'Emporda region most shops and hotels are closed during this time. From July to August, however, at the height of the season, the weather becomes warm again and tourists from Northern Europe come in droves to the Costa Brava. Hotel prices tend to be at their peak during the season and you will have to take this into account when planning your holiday.