Girona Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

Girona-Costa Brava airport is low-cost and out of the way: the centre of Girona is the closest point, 20 minutes by car or 25 with the Sagalés bus, convenient for those short on time or with a dawn flight. The real Costa Brava, though, lies elsewhere: the beaches of Platja de Pals are over an hour away, the castles and estates of the Alt Empordà around Peralada almost 50 minutes, neither with direct buses from the airport, so it is worth renting a car or booking a taxi. The choice depends on the time available: the nearby historic city or a more distant seaside and countryside holiday.

Girona, Barri Vell

City centre · About 20 km from the airport: 20 minutes by car, 25 with the Sagalés bus to the centre.

Best for: Those with little time or a dawn flight who want to stay close to the terminal, in the historic city.

Pros

Cathedral, the colourful houses on the Onyar and the Jewish quarter of El Call within a few minutes' walk
Direct bus connection to the airport, no car needed

Cons

No beach: those looking for the sea must travel at least an hour
Old town streets are often pedestrian-only, inconvenient with heavy wheeled luggage

Recommended hotels in this area

Bravissimo La Mercè, heart of the Barri Vell: In the heart of the Barri Vell, near the Pont de Pedra over the Onyar; a recently renovated two-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen.

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Peralada and the Alt Empordà

Nearby town · About 60 km from the airport, 48 minutes by car; there are no direct buses, a rental car or taxi is needed.

Best for: For a countryside stay among vineyards and medieval villages, for those with time for a longer journey.

Pros

An eleventh-century castle with a Michelin-starred restaurant, rare in the area
Medieval village with vineyards and a historic casino just steps away

Cons

Almost an hour from the airport, a car of your own is essential
Few night-time services outside the property, this is a small village

Recommended hotels in this area

Hotel Castell de Vallgornera: A restored eleventh-century castle in Peralada, with a Michelin-starred restaurant; outdoor pool, garden and free private parking.

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Platja de Pals

Nearby town · About 65 km from the airport, a little over an hour by car; no direct bus, a rental car is needed.

Best for: For the Costa Brava beach and a week-long stay, not for a single layover.

Pros

The sandy beach of Golf de Pals, among the widest on the Costa Brava
The complex's golf course and pool just a few minutes' walk away

Cons

Over an hour from the airport: not an option for short layovers
Isolated residential area, a car is needed even for everyday shopping

Recommended hotels in this area

Apartment Green Club-8 by Interhome: In the Green Club complex in Platja de Pals, 850 metres from the sea and 200 from the golf course; a shared 20x20 metre pool.

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