My first afternoon in Girona, Spain went along much like most of my visits to a new place. I look for a place to eat, take a lot of photos, walk for miles and occasionally lose my way. After arriving in Girona by train from Barcelona, 65 miles to the south, I headed out for tapas at one of the many outdoor restaurants surrounding the Placa Independencia. Afterwards, I walked for miles through the narrow cobblestone streets, around Girona Cathedral and along the Rio Onyar, one of the four rivers that meet at the city. Girona is often referred to as the Spanish Venice because of the rivers, bridges and picturesque buildings.
When I decided to make my way back to the hotel, I realized that I was completely lost and walking in circles. When traveling, I often start exploring a new place without a map assuming that I’ll find my way eventually. On this afternoon, it took longer than usual but I didn’t mind — it gave me more time to admire the sights of Girona. As it turned out, I had been very close to my hotel a few times, but was just on the opposite side of the river.
There will be more to come soon. For now, enjoy the photos. I hope they give you a bit of the essence of Girona.
This is my contribution to Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox
Vote for my article on WorldTravelist.com, sharing the best travel content on the web.
Girona looks fabulous..an interesting city. I love the coloured houses overlooking the river. I’m very envious of you being there for TBEX. Have fun!
jenny@atasteoftravel recently posted..The Oldest Outdoor Theatre in the World
TBEX was a great event — learned a lot and met some awesome bloggers!
Great photos (^_^)
Muza-chan recently posted..A Japanese Song per Day: V6 – Sexy.Honey.Bunny!
Thanks! Girona is a very photogenic city.
Great photos of a charming town – I would have loved to make it to TBEX
Italian Notes recently posted..Grape harvest in Puglia
Would have been nice to meet you there. Maybe next TBEX?
Absolutely beautiful pictures, Cathy! I wouldn’t mind getting lost here for hours. Love all the architecture and didn’t know that about being the Spanish Venice. I can’t wait to see more pictures and have a wonderful time at TBEX. Jealous
Mary @ The World Is A Book recently posted..Climbing Copenhagen’s Church of Our Saviour Spire
It’s interesting how several European cities are nicknamed “The Venice of ….”. I think Amsterdam and Bruges have that claim, too.
Hope you and Randy are having fun and great weather over there!
Marlys recently posted..Easy Hiking Is For All Seasons
We had a great time! Actually got Randy to do a little sightseeing, too.
Girona is beautiful! I love the old architecture. I’m sure you’ll learn much about the city while you’re there. And now that you mention it, getting lost in the city doesn’t sound like such a terrible thing. Have fun at TBEX!
Tonya @ The Traveling Praters recently posted..Wordless Wednesday- The Most Popular Sign in Put-in-Bay
Getting lost in places like Girona is a whole different thing. Makes it fun, actually.
So envious of your being in Girona AND of getting to attend TBEX. Have a fabulous time! (From the looks of these photos, that won’t be difficult to do). Keep us posted. . .
Jackie Smith recently posted..TPThursday: Circling the Cyclades
Don’t be jealous …. get even! I definitely recommend a visit to Girona!
Girona looks like a great place to visit. Your story of getting lost reminds me of my first night in Bruges when I went out to get a pizza and it got cold before I found my way back to the hotel.
Vera Marie Badertscher recently posted..Chic Santorini
I can definitely see where you’d get lost in Bruges. I had no idea where I was going when I was there, but it didn’t matter — loved it!
It sounds like a great start to your travels through Spain. What a scenic section along the river. I can see how you could get messed up.
Leigh recently posted..16 Outstanding Fall Adventures & Activities in Canada
Perfect way to start my Spain travels — sorry that they’re over now.
Girona looks fabulous! If there’s one thing that I’m an expert at it’s getting lost – I have absolutely no sense of direction! I think I have more fun wandering aimlessly than the people who know exactly how to get from point A to point B though! Have a great time at TBEX!!
Lisa @ Gone With The Family recently posted..Standing on the Edge of North America at Cape Spear
It really can be fun. I’ve only had a few occasions where my getting lost got a little scary.
Yes Girona looks lovely! I have only heard good things about it. No map?? Thats the first thing I grab. Still get all twisted around but at least I have my trusty map or is it a type of security blanket??
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..The “Other” Brandenburg Gate
Maps can definitely be your friend.
Girona looks fantastic! I am so jealous. Enjoy TBEX!
Thanks — had a great time!
Buildings by the river sure reminds of Venice. It’s fun to go for a walk without a map. Gives time to explore places otherwise we might miss by sticking to a schedule. Have fun!
Shamis @ Gawaya Travel Blog recently posted..Finding Peace In Barcelona, Spain
Once I got here, I totally got the “Venice” connection.
Love the architecture, Cathy. Looks like my kind of town. enjoy!
Nancie recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday — September 20, 2012 — Myanmar Photo Essay
The architecture is really beautiful. It’s my kind of town, too.
I love wandering around and exploring, too, if my kids aren’t with me. They are less enamored of it. Your pictures are beautiful as always.
Michele @ Malaysian Meanders recently posted..The Street of Religious Harmony
Thank you! Different traveling with kids, eh?
Well that looks nice! Wish we could be there.
Caanan @ No Vacation Required recently posted..There’s Something About Maui
Wish I could have met you guys there. One of these days….
Smart idea of Girona getting behind TBEX. It’s one of those cities that few people are familiar with, but it’s a real gem. It’s funny that Ryanair calls the airport “Barcelona Girona” – as if you’d only ever fly there if you thought it was near to Barcelona!
Dave Collins recently posted..Monarch summer 2013 flights
I was wondering about the airport name, too. Does seem a bit far away to be considered one of Barcelona’s airports.
What a brilliant photo stream! We fly to Girona this December. Wow
Victor Tribunsky recently posted..Our Sailing in Croatia
Thanks, Victor! Have a great time.. Wish I could head back there soon, too.
Simply wandering around is a great way to get the feel of a place, and to find interesting images. Looking forward to hearing and seeing more!
Andrew Graeme Gould recently posted..Alice Springs, Central Australia
Can’t believe I’m so behind in sharing more pics and info about my trip. I’m working on it!
[...] Postcards from Girona [...]
Wow, I had no idea Girona had those earth-tone buildings and canals! Almost makes me sad we couldn’t make it to TBEX. Never been to Spain, but it’s definitely on the list…
Bret @ Green Global Travel recently posted..Top 5 Eco Activities in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
“Well, I’ve never been to Spain, but I’ve been to ….” — remember that song?
Anyway, I’m glad that I can now say that I’ve been there!
Girona looks like a lovely city. I love Spain and plan on returning in the next couple years so I’ll have to check it out.
Michael Figueiredo recently posted..Off the Beaten Path Europe: San Marino
It was my first trip to Spain and I loved every place I visited. Lots more to see, however.
These are beautiful shots!
Lane recently posted..Sand Dunes in Colorado?
Thank you, Lane
I love how you’ve captured Girona, it’s such a beautiful city and one of those places that I could walk around for hours trying all the tapas.
Laurel recently posted..A Hay Bath in Alpe di Siusi
Thanks, Laurel. I would have kept walking around for hours there, even if I hadn’t gotten lost!
Oooh – I’ve never seen Girona before but looks like a wonderful place to wander
Andrea recently posted..A Weekend In Turku: Saturday
[...] fell in love with Girona when I visited last month. It’s a beautiful, picturesque old city. But this doorway seemed to [...]
Wow, Girona looks fabulous. Love the way you’ve captured it.
insideJourneys recently posted..Jamaica Travel News: Green Globe Certifies Tryall Resort
[...] still thinking about the cities, the sea, the food and the people! Many of you have already seen my postcards from Girona, snapshots of Madrid, posts about Barcelona’s “Block of Discord”, Catalonian wine [...]