Hidden Gem of Spain: Exploring Girona Without Breaking the Bank

*This is a collaborative post on Girona, a hidden gem of Spain

If you’re anything like me, you probably spend a good chunk of your evenings scrolling through travel photos, dreaming about your next getaway… while also checking your bank balance and wondering how on earth you’ll afford it. Travelling on a budget doesn’t mean giving up on beautiful destinations though. In fact, some of the best places in Europe are surprisingly affordable if you know where to look.

One destination that completely stole my heart recently is Girona, in north-eastern Spain, just a short trip from Barcelona and the gateway to the stunning Costa Brava. It’s one of those places that feels like a hidden gem – full of history, incredible food, colourful streets and easy access to some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Even better? It’s absolutely doable on a tight budget.

A city that feels like stepping into a storybook

The first thing that struck me about Girona was how magical it feels. The old town, known as the Barri Vell, is a maze of narrow medieval streets, hidden squares and centuries-old buildings. You can spend hours simply wandering without spending a penny.

One of the highlights is the walk along the ancient city walls. The views over the terracotta rooftops and church towers are incredible, especially at sunset. Another must-see is the colourful houses lining the River Onyar – they look like something straight out of a postcard.

If you’re a fan of film and TV locations, you might also recognise some corners of the city from Game of Thrones. But even without that fame, Girona has its own quiet charm that feels far less crowded than bigger Spanish cities.

Affordable food that feels like a treat

One of the joys of travelling in Spain is that eating well doesn’t have to be expensive. Girona is packed with small cafés, bakeries and local restaurants where you can grab delicious food without blowing your budget.

My favourite routine quickly became grabbing a coffee and pastry in the morning, exploring the city for a few hours, then stopping for a simple lunch menu. Many places offer a “menú del día” – a multi-course meal for a surprisingly low price.

In the evening, wandering through the old streets and sharing tapas with a glass of local wine felt like the perfect way to end the day. It’s the kind of place where even simple meals feel special.

The Costa Brava is closer than you think

What makes Girona truly special is its location. Within about 30–40 minutes you can reach some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in Spain.

The Costa Brava is famous for its turquoise coves, rugged cliffs and charming seaside villages. Places like Calella de Palafrugell, Begur or Tossa de Mar look like something from a Mediterranean dream.

Even if you’re travelling without a car, there are buses that connect Girona with many of these coastal towns. Spending the morning exploring Girona and the afternoon swimming in a hidden cove is absolutely possible.

For a budget traveller, that combination of city and beach in one trip is hard to beat.

Where to stay in Girona on a budget

Accommodation is usually the biggest expense when travelling, but Girona has some fantastic options that give you more space and flexibility than a hotel.

Choosing holiday apartments in Girona can be a great way to keep costs down, especially if you’re travelling with friends or planning a longer stay. Having your own kitchen means you can mix eating out with cooking a few meals yourself, which really helps stretch the budget.

During my trip, I discovered Bravissimo Girona, a company offering beautifully designed apartments in some of the best locations in the city and along the Costa Brava. The apartments combine stylish interiors with the comfort of feeling like a local, which makes a huge difference when you’re staying somewhere for more than a night or two.

Staying somewhere central also means you can explore most of the city on foot – another great way to save money.

Easy to reach from the UK

Another reason Girona works so well for a budget trip is how easy it is to reach from the UK. There are often affordable flights to Barcelona or Girona Airport, and from Barcelona you can take a quick train that gets you to Girona in about 40 minutes.

Compared to many major European destinations, the travel time is short and the costs can be surprisingly low if you book ahead.

Why Girona should be on your travel list

If you’re looking for a destination that combines culture, food, history and stunning beaches – without the crowds and prices of bigger cities – Girona is hard to beat.

It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning exploring medieval streets, the afternoon swimming in the Mediterranean and the evening eating incredible tapas in a quiet square.

For travellers like me who love discovering beautiful places without spending a fortune, Girona and the Costa Brava might just be the perfect next escape. And honestly, once you’ve seen those colourful riverside houses glowing in the evening light, you’ll probably start planning your return before you’ve even left.