M-m-m-m-m-my-my-my Girona!

4.24.2026

Whenever I hear ‘My Sharona,’ I can’t help but replace it with My Girona—a city that, though not a person, is certainly a ‘pretty one.’ Nestled in the Catalonia region of Spain, just 45 miles from the French border, Girona is steeped in history, surrounded by ancient fortress walls, and filled with charm. It even earned a starring role in Game of Thrones, making it a must-stop on our road trip from Barcelona to southeastern France.

“Breaking Fast” in the Best Way

My husband and I arrived around 10 a.m. and parked in one of the city garages before wandering toward the old town in search of breakfast. A small cafeteria caught our eye, and it was there that I had the best hot chocolate of my life. Unlike the thinner, milk-based versions I was used to in the U.S., this was a cup of warm, thick, velvety liquid chocolate—pure decadence! And because one indulgence wasn’t enough, I paired it with a crème Brulé croissant that was flaky, caramelized, and absolutely to die for. See for yourself!

Game of Thrones Vibes

After our leisurely breakfast, we set off to explore Girona’s historic streets. Since it was early for many tourists and Europeans, we had most of the streets to ourselves. We wandered through the Jewish Quarter feeling like we were in an episode of Game of Thrones. From the winding alleyways and centuries-old buildings, it felt like we stepped into a different era. It is no wonder Game of Thrones chose it as a filming location!

Reflecting Throughout

We paused many times to enjoy the scenery and think about those that had visited this city before us. At the Arab Baths, we recalled how historically the baths were hubs of activity of physical and spiritual cleanliness. We stood in awe before the grand Cathedral and considered how many believers came to pray for forgiveness, gratitude, and love. Its towering presence was impressive. Walking up the cobbled paths we stopped again to enjoy the beauty of the ancient city and wondered about the lives of those that walked those same paths many millennia ago.

To cap off our experience, we climbed the city walls, letting the panoramic views stretch before us—rooftops, rolling hills, and a glimpse of the past woven into every corner of the skyline. Aside from the gorgeous views, the tops of the city walls contained loads of machicolations, which made us think about the battles that occurred here from 1808-1809 when the city fell under siege three times.

Girona clocks in around 106,000 people, which surprised me because it felt downright roomy when we went.

Next Time

Next time we go, I’ll linger longer. We left shortly after walking the fortress walls, but Girona has much more to offer. When we visit next, I plan to go to the Plaza de la Independencia, Rambla de la Llibertat, and check out more of the River Onyar with its colorful houses. I’ll go into the cathedral to feel the energy there as well.

If I could give GOT fans one piece of advice, it’d be this: Book a Game of Thrones walking tour! While we recognized some filming locations, there were others we couldn’t quite place. Having a guide would have added so much more to the experience.

Your Thoughts

Have you been to Girona? What was your favorite part? Maybe you know the hidden gems we missed—or the best place to grab a meal. Post your recommendations in the comments—I’m already dreaming of my return trip!