Girona City Add-On

The 'Along the Catalan Coast' holiday was very enjoyable. Doing it in late April/ early May, we found it cool enough to walk comfortably, but warm enough to enjoy frequent swims in the stunningly clear and blue Mediterranean Sea, as well as in several outdoor hotel pools. Sometimes we had a swim mid-walk, when the route led us down to one of the many beautiful sandy coves surrounded by rocky outcrops. The walking was quite hilly sometimes, similar to what I've experienced on some of Inntravel's Grade 2 walks, but there were easier stretches too. On Day 3, we spent hours at the huge botanical gardens at Cap Roig rather than to do a long walk, because there were so many interesting plants to look at. On Day 5, I was happy to have brought walking sticks.
We usually follow a plant-based diet, and sometimes had trouble getting things we wanted to eat, because Catalonian food is generally fish-based. However, this was not the case at breakfasts, where the food was always ample, varied, and fresh, and we always left having eaten enough to power our walks. At the Hotel S'Agaro and the Hotel Llevant, we had delicious vegetarian dinners; in fact, at the Hotel Llevant I had one of the best meals I've ever eaten anywhere.
We stayed in Girona for two nights before doing the coastal walk, and I would highly recommend this Girona City Add-On. Girona is a vibrant little city, and the beautiful Hotel Historic is well-placed to access it. We especially enjoyed the Old Town, and walking along the top of the old city walls. Sometimes we came upon groups of musicians informally performing, and enjoyed this. There are vegan restaurants and ice cream parlours to be found in the Old Town. I can recommend the B-12 Rte Bar Vegano in Independence Square.
We travelled by train rather than plane, and found the direct TGV from Paris to Girona pleasant. Thank you for a wonderful holiday!

We first did this holiday 5 years ago, our first walking holiday ever! We have holidayed with Inntravel every year since because we have found them very efficient and we have always been pleased with the accommodation. We decided to do this one again because we thought it was the best we've done so far. It's an interesting coastline, lovely views and the walks are challenging (for us anyway) in places, especially to the last hotel. We always add an extra night in each hotel so we can explore the local area and relax a while, rather than ploughing on the next day. Recommended restaurants - S'Agaro: Arnall Degustacio - deli/bar/cafe/restaurant - very nice simple menu of local cuisine - atmosphere changes up in the evening; Calella: Calau - fantastic tapas bar for lunch. When we were there 5 years ago this was very small, with just the two owners serving. Now it has moved a couple a metres up the hill into bigger premises and there are always queues, but they took our number and texted us when the table was ready. Girona: Brots de Vi - Small, looks like a cafe but again comes to life in the evening - we went there both nights - small simple local menu - booking essential as people were being turned away. I would avoid Independence Square for food based on our experience 5 years ago and comments from a couple who were at our hotel this time.

INNTRAVEL NOTE: These customers enjoyed our Girona City add-on following our Along the Catalan Coast self-guided walking holiday.

Contrasts of Catalonia, Mas Rabiol - An excellent location in every way! We particularly liked the peaceful location and relaxing in the garden at the end of the walks.  The food, both at breakfast and the 2 evening meals was fresh, delicious and plentiful!

Girona add-on at Hotel Historic - Very central and quite appropriate for a 2-day break.

Overall we would highly recommend this Inntravel holiday.

We travelled in early June when the temperatures were in the low 20s which was okay for us as there was some cloud and shade whilst in woods on each day. We had one day when it rained all day which was our day in Santa Pau. We enjoyed all the the hotels each very different. We were unable to stay at Can Pei due to it being overbooked but luckily this meant staying two nights in the Hostal El Forn which was our favourite as Silvana and Dani were the most lovely hosts. This was quickly sorted out by Inntravel who arranged transfers so that we didn't miss out on any of the walking. Our least favourite was La Perla which was more functional although perfectly fine. We enjoyed all our meals but Cal Sastre certainly our favourite. We found the notes easy to follow and times accurate which allowed plenty of time to explore the villages on arrival. Each day there are sizeable sections of each walks in woods but even in early June there were plenty of wild flowers to be seen. The first two days being our favourite walks with the walk to Olot being our least favourite. We were joined on day 1 by Palamino the old english sheep dog who led the way to Beget. He is now well known by Silvana and Dani and once they see him they know the Inntavellers have arrived. He does not pester you or beg in anyway he just seems to enjoy the company and apparantly spends a day in Beget greeting old friends before walking back the following day.

Following our walk we enjoyed a short stay in Girona, a compact city with an interesting old town with plenty to see. We stayed a lovely room in the Hotel Peninsular which idealy situated close to the centre.