The Telegraph has one Spanish city as the best destination in its 2026 ranking of The 15 best European cities for a stress-free minibreak. Tucked away in northeast Catalonia, just over two hours’ flight from the UK, this historic spot edged out far bigger names for one simple reason: ease.
Instead of landing in a sprawling capital and battling your way into town, Costa Brava Airport sits around 15 minutes away by bus, as mentioned by The Telegraph. That small detail shifts the tone of a weekend straight away.
A smaller, calmer alternative to Barcelona
Barcelona has undeniable energy, but it can feel relentless over a short break. Girona, with a population of just over 100,000, moves at a gentler pace. You can cross most of the old town on foot in under 20 minutes, and the rhythm of the place encourages lingering rather than ticking off sights.
The medieval core is tightly packed inside old defensive walls, with narrow stone alleys, quiet squares and small independent shops. Catalan is widely spoken here alongside Spanish, and you’ll see it on street signs and menus.
What to see and do on a weekend in Girona
Girona punches above its weight culturally. The key sights are all within easy walking distance, which keeps things relaxed.
Girona Cathedral
The Cathedral of Santa Maria dominates the skyline, perched at the top of a dramatic Baroque staircase. It houses the widest Gothic nave in the world and a remarkable 11th-century tapestry, the Tapestry of Creation.
Fans of Game of Thrones will recognise the steps and parts of the cloister, which doubled as scenes in Braavos.
The Arab Baths
The 12th-century Arab Baths are Romanesque rather than genuinely Moorish, but the horseshoe arches and central columned pool give them a slightly exotic air.
El Call: The Jewish Quarter
El Call is one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe. Its steep, shadowy lanes feel almost untouched, and the Museum of Jewish History offers context about the community that lived here until the expulsion of 1492.
Walks Along the River Onyar
The colourful houses lining the River Onyar are Girona’s postcard image. Cross one of the pedestrian bridges, including the red iron one attributed to Gustave Eiffel’s company, and you get classic views back towards the cathedral tower.
A food scene quietly competing with Spain’s big names
Girona’s culinary reputation has grown steadily over the past decade, largely thanks to El Celler de Can Roca, once ranked among the best restaurants in the world. While a table there requires planning, its influence filters through the city.
Dinner here starts late, and tables fill gradually rather than all at once. Long, unhurried evenings are part of the appeal. Prices are generally lower than in Barcelona for comparable quality, though Girona is no longer a bargain-basement secret.
Why Girona works so well for a two-night break
Several practical factors help explain its top ranking as a stress-free European city break:
- Short flight time: Around 2 hours 5 minutes from the UK
- Quick airport transfer: Roughly 15 minutes by bus into town
- Compact layout: Major sights clustered in the old centre
- Manageable scale: No need for complex transport planning
You can arrive late morning, drop your bag, and be climbing cathedral steps before lunch.
It also works well outside peak summer. Spring and autumn bring mild weather and fewer tour groups, and the stone streets feel far more pleasant at 20 degrees than at 35.
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