Girona in a Day: Turning a 40-Kilometre Trip into a Cultural Adventure
If you’re craving a city fix between beach days, Girona in a Day is the perfect adventure from Camping Les Medes. Just 40 km away, Girona’s medieval lanes, riverside views and historic landmarks are close enough for an easy outing—and you can still be back in time for an evening swim at the campsite.
In this guide, you’ll find the quickest ways to get there, a smart, time-saving route through the city’s highlights, and practical tips so the return to L’Estartit is smooth and relaxing.
How far is Girona from Camping Les Medes?
- Girona is approximately 40 km from Camping Les Medes.
- The route is straightforward by road, and bus connections link L’Estartit/Torroella de Montgrí with Girona.
Getting there: the best ways to reach Girona
Use the option that matches your style—drive, hop on a coach, or combine train and local transport. All are simple and well-connected.
| Option | From/To | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driving | Camping Les Medes → Girona (approx. 40 km) | On-site electric vehicle charging point available at the campsite; self-service car-wash on return. |
| Bus (SARFA/AMPSA) | L’Estartit/Torroella de Montgrí → Girona | Regular Catalan coach services connect Girona with Torroella de Montgrí and L’Estartit. From June to September, a small road train stops near the campsite to reach L’Estartit centre easily. |
| Train + bus/taxi | Flaçà or Girona stations → Girona centre | RENFE runs the regional Girona–Barcelona line; AVE high-speed trains serve Figueres-Vilafant; Flaçà station is nearby. Continue to Girona by bus or taxi from these stops. |
Driving
Prefer full flexibility? Drive the 40 km to Girona and set your own pace. If you’re travelling electric, there’s a guest-use EV charging point at Camping Les Medes. After your day out, the on-site self-service car-wash makes quick work of coastal dust.
Bus with SARFA or AMPSA
The Catalan operators SARFA and AMPSA run services linking Girona with Torroella de Montgrí and L’Estartit—ideal if you’d rather relax and watch the countryside roll by. In summer (June–September), a small road train stops close to the campsite and provides a handy link to L’Estartit centre for onward buses.
Train plus local transfer
Trains are a comfortable choice if you enjoy rail travel. Use RENFE on the Girona–Barcelona regional line, the AVE high-speed network at Figueres-Vilafant, or the nearby Flaçà station. From each, you can continue to Girona by bus or taxi.
Tip: Check our FAQ on transport for quick reference to these stations and coach networks.
Girona in a Day: a smart, time-saving route
Make the most of your hours in the city with an easy-to-follow loop through Girona’s historic core. The following highlights are all within walking distance of one another:
- Start riverside with views of the colorful houses along the Onyar and cross one of the iconic pedestrian bridges.
- Wander the Old Town’s cobbled lanes and the Jewish Quarter’s atmospheric passages.
- Climb to the Cathedral area for sweeping city views and striking architecture.
- Explore the well-preserved Arab Baths and nearby streets for a step back in time.
- Stroll sections of the medieval city walls for panoramic photo stops.
- Pause along the Rambla and in Plaça de la Independència for a relaxed coffee or lunch.
These landmarks are widely known and clustered together, so you can comfortably enjoy the essence of Girona without rushing between far-flung sights.
How to pace your day
- Morning: Arrive and take a leisurely riverside-to-Old-Town loop while the streets are quieter.
- Midday: Break for lunch near the Rambla or a shaded square.
- Afternoon: Tackle the city walls and Cathedral viewpoints, then meander back toward the river for a final look at the bridges and façades.
- Late afternoon: Head back to L’Estartit so you can unwind at the campsite before dinner.
Be back for a swim: pool seasons at Camping Les Medes
Whether you visit Girona on a warm summer day or a crisp shoulder-season morning, you can still finish with a dip:
- Outdoor swimming pools: open from 01/05 to 15/09.
- Indoor heated pool: open from 15/09 to 15/06 (subject to weather). A swimming hat is compulsory under regional regulations.
Families can make it extra fun: children enjoy a small water slide and an interactive water-play zone during the outdoor pool season. The landscaped pool area even features a large outdoor chess board if you fancy a quiet game at sunset.
Family- and comfort-focused extras you can count on
- Safe-deposit service on site to store valuables while you’re out exploring.
- Flat, well-drained pitches and accessible sanitary blocks, including baby-changing facilities.
- Snack bar–pizzeria with a spacious outdoor terrace for warm days and a comfortable indoor area for cooler evenings—plus an indoor billiards table.
- In high season, an open-air dance floor hosts music evenings roughly twice a week.
Quick answers (perfect for planning)
- How far is Girona from the campsite? About 40 km.
- What’s the easiest public transport route? Take a coach with SARFA or AMPSA from L’Estartit/Torroella de Montgrí to Girona.
- Are trains an option? Yes—use RENFE on the Girona–Barcelona line, the AVE at Figueres-Vilafant, or Flaçà station, then continue by bus or taxi.
- Is there on-site EV charging? Yes—Camping Les Medes has an electric vehicle charging point.
- When are pools open? Outdoor pools: 01/05–15/09. Indoor heated pool: 15/09–15/06 (subject to weather). Swimming hats are compulsory in the indoor pool.
- Any help getting to town in summer? From June to September, a small road train stops near the campsite for easy access to L’Estartit centre.
Practical takeaways for a flawless day trip
- Leave early to enjoy Girona’s Old Town before midday crowds build.
- If you prefer no parking hassle, choose a SARFA or AMPSA coach from L’Estartit/Torroella de Montgrí.
- Rail fans can mix train and local transport via Girona, Figueres-Vilafant (AVE) or Flaçà.
- Pack a swimming hat if you plan to use the indoor heated pool (15/09–15/06).
- Keep passports and spare cards in the campsite’s safe-deposit service before you go.
- Travelling electric? Top up at our EV charging point before or after your outing.
- With kids, promise a post-Girona splash—there’s a small slide and water-play zone in the outdoor season.
- In summer, use the nearby road train to reach L’Estartit centre for onward buses.
- Build in a buffer to catch the evening music evenings in high season or a relaxed game of billiards at the snack bar–pizzeria.
- For more inspiration, browse our Attractive Places guide and the Transport and Pools sections of our FAQ.
Beyond a single day: arrivals and next adventures
Flying in or out? Girona–Costa Brava Airport is about 40 km from the campsite, with low-cost flights operated by Ryanair. If you loved Girona and want more, our recommended day trips include nearby medieval villages and coastal gems—perfect for adding depth to your Costa Brava escape.
Conclusion
Girona in a Day is an easy, rewarding excursion from Camping Les Medes: close enough for a carefree trip, rich enough to leave lasting memories, and perfectly paired with a relaxing swim and a laid-back evening back at the campsite.
Ready to plan your stay and day trips? Make your reservation, check our FAQ for transport and pool details, and explore our Attractive Places guide to map out the rest of your Costa Brava adventures.