This great hotel nestles in the foothills of the Pyrenees, in a tiny medieval Catalan village. With just six rooms, the place is totally rustic, well put together and quiet, with a fantastic restaurant - perfect for a bit of escapism. But you are 20 minutes from Figueres and Dali's museum, and 40 minutes from the old town of Girona and the Costa Brava.

+34 972 569350, www.torrelaurentii.com

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To get a real feel for the labyrinth that is medieval Call this walking route is good as the narrow streets and alleys invite exploration.
Start at Carrer Força, turn onto Callejón Sant Lorenç and finish at Carrer Cúndaro

Just follow signs to Jeu or the
Jewish museum.

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El Call is Girona's Jewish quarter where Jews lived happily with Christians until they were expelled from the city. Narrow lanes thread their way up to Sant Feliu and the cathedral. Stairwells connect these lanes and if you're lucky you can take a peek at the courtyards and patios of the houses. The best way to explore the quarter - get lost!

C/Força leads right into the heart of the quarter with numerous lanes and stairwells leading off it.

Google map: tinyurl.com/yc9xuge

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Equity Point is one of the few hostels offering clean if cramped dorms right in the heart of Girona. Shared six bed dorms are around €15 per night, but you do get a very good free breakfast which you can eat as much as you want of.
There is also an adequate kitchen if you can't afford to eat out and want to cook your own food. The staff are really friendly and helpful.
But if you want to use the Internet - don't use their machines as they are ridiculously expensive (€2 just for 1 hour) - instead go to the cultural centre or library where you can use the Internet for up to an hour for nothing (but you must have your passport to show them to get this free usage). On the plus side, the hostel is within walking distance of the train and bus stations making it an ideal base for day trips from Girona. The hostel roof has a terrace with stupendous views of the old walled city of Girona.

Plaça Catalunya 23, 17002 Girona
Tel: 97 241 78 40
www.equity-point.com
20-30 min walk from the train and bus stations

Google map: tinyurl.com/yebwxpv

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Sant Feliu is the second most important church after the cathedral. It is a lot quieter and smaller but nevertheless still exquisite.
The curved stone ceiling gives an impressive backdrop to the tomb of Saint Narcis - the patron saint of Girona. It is not visited as much as the cathedral so it's more peaceful for prayer and contemplation.
Just by the entrance to the church there is a terrace which gives good views over the modern side of Girona and the hills around the city.
Don't miss the tower of the church - remarkable because the top of it was toppled by a lightning strike in 1581 and it was never replaced which is probably just as well as it is the symbol of Girona

Just look for the tower right next to Santa María cathedral - all lanes in the old city eventually lead to the church.

Google map: tinyurl.com/yaq26y4

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The cathedral is at the heart of the city and its impressive nave is the second widest in the world. Its mixture of Gothic and Romanesque architecture is stunning with an ornate façade with delicately carved and handsome sculptures and rose windows. The best time to see the cathedral is at sunset when the light reflects off the polished marble and lights are turned on in the Torre de Carlemany.

You can't miss it - the cathedral looms over old Girona all of the winding lanes lead to it eventually.

Google map: tinyurl.com/ybmma79

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Fabulous valley in La Garrotxa area with ancient villages, meadows and oak forests to explore. Try this superb drive: from Sanat Esteve d'en Bas, turn left for Hostalets and then right at the next bus stop on right for the road to Coll de Condreu. On the top of the hill you'll come to a good restaurant with views around.

After that, continue on the same road to Falgars past farms through a beautiful landscape to the hamlet where you can leave the car and start walking. From the top of a rocky outcrop here you can make out the Pyrenees.

Google map: tinyurl.com/pqjnd5

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Boutique hotel and restaurant near Palamos on the Costa Brava. It's a five star hotel with gorgeous interiors and close to unspoilt beaches.

www.lamalcontentahotel.com
Tel: +34 972 312 330

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One of the best self-guided trekking areas in Spain. A place of extinguished volcanoes amongst thick forests, unusually green all year round despite the Mediterranean sun. After exploring Vall d'en Bas valley, eat one of the best meals of your life in Restaurant Arnau, Granollers de Rocacorba, and swim in the pool afterwards.

Half an hour north-west from Girona. Read about Girona town and province:
www.rusticaltravel.com/index.php/Catalunya-Guide.html

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I suggest a campsite at only 350m from the amazing beach of Sant Pol, on the Costa Brava. They rent lovely wooden bungalows, private and unique, surrounded by flowers, trees and plants. It's very cosy and plenty of facilities for your holidays in wooden cottages.

Street: Doctor Fleming 1, E-17220 Sant Feliu de Guixols. www.campingsantpol.cat, phone +34 972327269, nearest airport is Girona-Costa Brava. GPS 41º 47’ 10’’ N, 3º 2’ 28’’ E

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It is a little cascade with a small lake (in Catalan we call it GORGA), in the middle of a lovely forest. It's also known as Gorg Moli dels Murris.
When we went there was noone this was 20 August. Water was beautiful, cool and clear! A paradise.

In Girona province, Garrotxa region, outside the town of Les Planes d'Hostoles.

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