4 Must-See Sights in Girona, Spain

If you're travelling to Girona with a school party or group of friends, you can secure comfortable and safe group accommodation in one of the excellent hostels. Once you've settled in, it's time to explore the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Here’s a quick list of some of the most important sites to add to your itinerary.

Patronat Call de Girona

The Jewish Quarter of Girona simply oozes history and atmosphere, and is a great way to soak in the old soul of the city as you explore the area around your group accommodation. Shops and cafes adorn the narrow cobbled streets, which are filled with ancient stone buildings on both sides. Antiquity drips from all corners of the quarter, which is what draws many tourists to the city of Girona in the first place. Girona actually had a rich and vibrant Jewish heritage, a great deal of which was unfortunately wiped out when the Jews were expelled from the city in 1492 – the edict of which was only formally revoked in 1968. The government of Spain then offered dual citizenship for applicable Jewish descendants in 2014 as a form of recompense for the ‘shameful’ events from, during and before the expulsion. Their fascinating culture and influence lives on this quarter, making it a must-see for any visitor.

Playa de Aigua Blava

Being close to the beach is a given when you're looking for your group accommodation in this part of Spain, but this particular bay deserves special mention thanks to its secluded beauty. It does see its fair share of visitors during the summer months, and there are quite a few restaurants and private homes here. The mesmerizing blue waters of the bay accompanied by plenty of greenery in the surrounding areas make it an excellent go-to spot when you want to cool down. This lovely beach is a definite must-visit if you find yourself in the area.

El Cull de la Lleona

If you want to have a quick peek at the quirkier side of Girona, then take the time to get out and explore the area around your group accommodation and visit one of the city’s most iconic oddities. This statue of a lioness clambering what appears to be a Romanesque column can be found in Plaza de San Felix. One of the most prominent features of this particular lioness is its smooth rump – which you are supposed to kiss for good luck and ensure your return to Girona! There is even a small set of steps installed to make the task easier! The lioness was created to symbolize a particular hostel in the city, and has since become a cultural icon all its own. It's a great way to have some light-hearted fun with friends and family.

The Air Raid Shelters

Built during the Spanish Civil War, these shelters have been preserved to this day as both a tourist attraction and a stark reminder of what warfare is really like for the average, everyday citizen. Girona was one of the first places to be bombed by aircraft in modern warfare, thus facilitating the need for shelters that people could easily access in the event of a raid. The shelters were built so well that they managed to stay relatively intact for decades after their construction, in 1938. The city saw an opportunity and converted them into a museum of sorts. Today, visitors can have themselves locked in the shelters with the lights turned down as sirens sound and the echo of bombs fills the caverns. It's a very sobering yet informative experience about the less glamorous sides of war.

Keep these attractions in mind, and you’ll be able to enjoy so much more of Girona.

Ben Spencer works for Hostelling International. Offering more than 4000 hostels worldwide, their website dedicated to groups features 250 hostels suitable for school trips, corporate team building trips and families. For the best group accommodation, join our community and say hi to the world. HI is the only global network of Youth Hostel Associations and a non-profit membership organisation with over 100 years of experience.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.