What are Girona top photography locations?

Discover Girona, one of the most beautiful cities in Catalonia, with its top photography locations.

Spain is one of the most touristy countries in the world. More than 80 million tourists chose it as its destination during 2019. Despite the economical benefits this has for the country, this also means that the main touristy destinations are getting more and more crowded every day. Girona is probably one of those, but it is also my hometown. It was my home for almost 25 years, and I come back there whenever I can. Thus, I wanted to share my favourite Girona photography locations.

There are two Girona. The touristy one and the local one. Unfortunately, the first one is the most commonly seen at first sight. However, the second one is the one that you should look for. Being a tourist does not mean we have to act and visit the city like one. Travel light, in silence and don’t make it too obvious that you are a tourist and you will discover a completely different city.

NOTE: all the photography locations are at a walking distance and in Girona Old Town.

Pont de Pedra

It is no secret that Girona’s Old Town is its most distinctive element. El Pont de Pedra (pont is bridge in Catalan) is the entrance to Girona’s Old Town. This beautiful stone bridge is the first of the many bridges in Girona that you should visit. The views over the Cathedral and the famous coloured houses by the river (see below Cases de l’Onyar) are one of my favourite views in the world. As with any of the locations here, wake up early, and you will have it all for yourself.

Rambla de la Llibertat

After crossing the Pont de Pedra, turn left and get into la Rambla de la Llibertat. This commercial street has everything you can ask for. Most people forget to raise their heads when travelling. Admire the beautiful facades of this street. My favourite bar in Girona is there, the McKiernan’s an Irish (overpriced) bar where I used to meet with my college friends. Before entering the narrow part of the street, though, look for a path at the left-hand side, it will bring you to my favourite bridge in Girona, the Eiffel Bridge.

Eiffel Bridge

Also known as Pont de les Peixateries Velles (Old Fisherwomen bridge), is a famous red iron bridge designed by the world-famous Gustave Eiffel, the designer of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Crossing the bridge is mandatory, as it has maybe the best view of Girona’s cathedral and the Cases de l’Onyar. It is also possible to view the second most-famous Church in Girona, Sant Feliu (Saint Felix), with its tall pinnacle. During Christmas, the lights on the bridge make it a perfect place to get some beautiful shots of Girona.

Cases de l’Onyar

One of Girona’s most distinctive trait is its colourful houses arranged at both sides of one of the four rivers that surround the city. Of course, this makes it one of the most common Girona photography locations. This houses can be seen from any of the many bridges that cross the Onyar river, and it is during sunrise when the sun rises behind them and the Cathedral (and fewer people are on the streets) that I like them the most. The little details on the facades, the flags and revolutionary messages… this is what Girona is.

Sant Feliu

The tall thin Church that can be seen from any of the bridges is Sant Feliu. Despite the cathedral gets most of the attention (well-deserved) this is a very interesting building both from the outside and from the inside. If you are into history, you should know that St Feliu has eight pagan and early Christian sarcophagi, dating from the 4th century. Back to the photography-content, try to find different compositions for this beautiful spot. Two of my favourites below.

Jewish Quarter

The Jewish quarter of Girona is another historically very relevant spot and perfect for some street photography. First of all, is one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe, and this means narrow cobblestone streets with plenty of photography opportunities. If possible, visit the Jewish Museum, in my opinion, the most interesting museum in Girona. This is a very underrated photography location, so if you want to take unique photos of Girona, this is the spot.

Cathedral

Walking through the Jewish quarter, you will arrive at the most imponent building of the city, la Catedral de Santa Maria. This is a world Guinness record building, with the second widest gothic structure, just behind the St. Peter basilica in the Vatican City. Its cloister is amazing, but at least during 2021, it is not possible to visit it due to the Covid pandemic. I will update this as soon as it is possible to access it.

Admire the staircase with almost 100 steps (try counting them!), and remember that this was a Game of Thrones location! Oh and a fun fact about me: I was an extra in Game of Thrones in Girona, one of the most exhausting and unique experiences ever!

Sant Pere de Galligants

This beautiful church is the farthest location of this list. Don’t worry, its a 5-minute walk from the Cathedral. However, the vibe of this area is completely different, as it is at the border between the city and Sant Daniel valley, a popular hiking area in Girona. The interior of this church is nowadays a museum, but what really makes it worth it is its cloister. Small and cute. Behind the church, there is a small garden with my favourite view of Sant Pere de Galligants.

Jardins dels Alemanys

The Jardins dels Alemanys, German Gardens in English are my to-go place to have a relaxing evening. Although it is in the middle of the old quarter, it is not as busy as other locations in Girona. I would say it is the perfect place for a model photography shooting, with plenty of different backgrounds, light possibilities… Moreover, it is just at the end of the Girona City Walls, my favourite sunset location in Girona. Thus, perfect plan for a photography date: Jardins dels Alemanys + sunset from the City Walls.

City Walls

Girona’s city walls are the place to go for sunset. High viewpoint, with the cathedral on the right, the sun setting on the left, and the mountains on the background. I can’t think of a better sunset location in Girona, and I spent 24 years living there. Go with some time and choose which tower of the city walls suits you the most. Depending on the type of photography you want to do, changing towers might make the difference.

Wrapping up

These are my favourite Girona photography locations. Girona has some unique spots to visit. Walkable, at a 40′ train ride from Barcelona, with friendly locals and some hidden spots. If you didn’t have Girona in your bucket list, add it right now. In all my photography guides I say if you have any questions drop me a comment or a message on Instagram. With this one, if you have any questions and need a locals opinion, just message me at @aniolvisuals and I will be more than happy to help you visit and photograph my city.

Otherwise if you want to use my images or have any other request I am available at hello@aniolvisuals.com.