Catalonia

Photographer in Girona

Girona: Catalonia's Game of Thrones 38 minutes from Barcelona

Girona is probably Spain's most underrated city by international tourists but most recognized cinematically: Game of Thrones (Braavos in season 6), Westworld, Perfume (2006) all filmed here. The "Cases de l'Onyar" — colored houses leaning over the river — are most distinctive postcard, comparable to Bergen or Bristol.

38 minutes by AVE from Barcelona, Girona offers more intimate, less crowded alternative: cathedral with Europe's longest staircase (90 steps — where Cersei Lannister did the famous "walk of shame"), Call (12th-15th century Jewish quarter with narrower streets than Barcelona Gòtic), 12th-century Romanesque Arab Baths.

Girona's light is Mediterranean but slightly cooler than Barcelona — more northern, with Pyrenean influence. This means more defined shadows, slightly shorter blue hour, but also less visual crowding: no similar Mediterranean destination has so few tourists in old town in mid-season.

Best photo spots in Girona

Cases de l'Onyar (Pont de Pedra): painted houses leaning over Onyar river. Girona's most iconic postcard. Free access. Best blue hour when colors reflect in water. Autumn has especially cinematic reflections.

Cathedral Staircase (Pujada de Sant Feliu): 90 steps climbing to baroque façade, setting of Cersei Lannister's "walk of shame". Free access. Best 9:00-11:00 before Game of Thrones tourism. For epic-medieval look.

Call Jueu (Jewish Quarter): streets narrower than Barcelona Gòtic — some only 1m wide. Carrer Cundaro, Carrer Sant Llorenç. Free access. Best 9:00-11:00 or evening with lamps.

Girona Walls (Passeig de la Muralla): continuous walk along medieval walls with view of city and Pyrenees backdrop. Free access. One of Spain's "secret walks".

Arab Baths (12th-century Romanesque): unique fully preserved Romanesque Arab bath complex. €4 entry. Interior with octagonal dome — unique architectural composition.

Sant Pere de Galligants Monastery: 12th-century Romanesque, cloister with paired columns. For under-photographed "Romanesque Spain" look. €6 entry.

Pals (35 min drive): Ampurdan medieval village atop hill with Costa Brava views. Combinable with Begur (45 min) for "medieval Costa Brava" day-trip.

Frequently asked questions

Is Girona worth as separate destination or Barcelona day-trip?

Day-trip works perfectly for personal or couple session (38 min AVE from Barcelona + 6h in Girona = return same day). For wedding in Girona or full session: 1-2 night stay and combination with Costa Brava (Begur, Pals, Cadaqués). Girona as base can give 4-5 days of very diverse session: Cathedral, Call, coast.

When is best to visit Girona for photography?

May, June, September and first half of October. Temperature 18-26°C, no tourist crowding. October is especially photogenic — low golden light all day and trees along Onyar river add autumn colors to reflections. Temps de Flors (flower festival, first half of May) is magnificent for documentary photography — private patios with floral installations.

Is Girona more affordable than Barcelona for professional session?

Yes, approximately 25-35% more affordable. Portrait/lifestyle €300-1,100. Couple €400-1,200. Family €350-1,300. Wedding €1,300-5,500. For complete session with "secret Mediterranean Catalan" look without Barcelona overlap — exceptional quality-price ratio. Combinable with Costa Brava for destination wedding at 50-60% of Mallorca/Ibiza cost.