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Spain has some fantastic destinations for historic city breaks, but perhaps one of the most overlooked is Girona in Catalonia. While not as big or populated as the likes of Madrid and Barcelona, Girona boasts just as much in the way of history and culture. The site on which Girona stands today has been populated for thousands of years. The city used to be known as Gerunda and was constructed to stand on the trade thoroughfare that spanned ancient Europe between Cadiz and Rome. While there are several examples of Girona's Roman history to be seen around the destination, it is the city's medieval past that seems to delight visitors the most. Girona is home to a stunning medieval centre that houses beautiful buildings such as the main cathedral and its nave with the world's widest arched span, along with the unique homes and structures in the old Jewish quarter. The Arab Baths - which were actually built in the Romanesque style popular in the Middle Ages - and Girona's bustling markets provide more diversions for those keen to get a taste of life in this part of the world. If you do choose to sample the local produce at the weekly markets, make sure you look out for the xuixo cake and the botifarra pork sausage, which has a sweet taste. In the evenings, Girona's many restaurants serve up a host of different cuisines, whether you want to stick to fare from the area or try foods from around the world. Once you've visited the main sights of Girona, you might want to head further afield on excursions to drink in the surrounding countryside, which can also be seen from the towers adjoining the city walls. Further out lie the city of Barcelona and the town of Figueres - where Salvador Dali was born - as well as the ever-popular Costa Brava, Andorra and the Pyrenees. As Girona is home to a wide range of accommodation - including hotels, guesthouses, hostels, apartments and campsites - the destination is the ideal base from which to explore these attractions.
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