There are weekends when I know exactly what I want. I feel like wandering through old streets, discovering a new square, or spending hours watching the world go by from a café terrace.

Other times, all I can think about is the scent of the sea, walking aimlessly along the coast, and listening to the sound of the waves.

The problem comes when I want both at the same time.

Luckily, in Girona, you don't have to choose.

When slowing down is the best plan

A few days ago, I found myself strolling through the Jewish Quarter, one of my favorite corners of the city. It always happens the same way: I set out with a destination in mind, and before long I'm happily lost among the narrow streets. The ancient stones seem to tell stories, the stairways invite you to climb them without knowing exactly what you'll find at the top, and every now and then a hidden courtyard appears, as if it were waiting only for those who take their time.

One of the things I love most about Girona is that it feels like a city truly lived in. Within minutes, you can go from the peacefulness of a quiet alley to the lively atmosphere of La Rambla. Cross one of the bridges over the Onyar River, and suddenly the colorful riverside houses reveal themselves from an entirely new perspective. Somehow, there's always another little detail waiting to be discovered.

It was during one of those walks that I realized it had been far too long since my last visit to Palamós.

And the truth is, when you're in Girona, the Mediterranean is closer than you think. So close that it's easy to forget how lucky we are.

The sea always calls you back

Less than an hour later, everything had changed.

The medieval streets gave way to coastal paths. The sound of conversations faded into the rhythm of the waves. And that same feeling of discovery I had experienced in Girona's Barri Vell returned once again—this time among pine trees, rocky cliffs, and hidden coves.

Every time I visit Palamós, I find myself returning to S'Alguer. Maybe it's because it still preserves the charm of an old fishing village, something that's becoming increasingly rare. The colorful boats resting on the sand, the white fishermen's cottages, and the sea stretching out behind them remind me that you don't have to travel far to truly disconnect.

From there, I love continuing along the Camí de Ronda at an unhurried pace. Some stretches of this coastal trail offer breathtaking views of the Costa Brava, and there are moments when all you notice is the wind, the sea, and the sound of your own footsteps.

Two different ways of experiencing time

I like to think that Girona and Palamós have more in common than they first appear.

Both share a very special relationship with time.

In Girona, time can be read in its facades, bridges, and centuries-old streets.

In Palamós, time is measured differently: in the changing light over the Mediterranean, in the fishing boats returning to the harbor, or in those long lunches that stretch on without anyone looking at the clock.

Maybe that's why these two experiences fit together so naturally. They don't compete; they complement each other.

One offers history, culture, and vibrant city life. The other offers nature, endless horizons, and the slower rhythm that only the sea can bring.

The beauty of not having to choose

Some visitors stay in Girona and spend a day exploring the Costa Brava. Others begin their journey by the sea before finishing among the squares, monuments, and historic streets of the city.

Some even choose to extend their getaway and experience the region in different ways: discovering Girona while staying at Hotel Ciutat de Girona, waking up to views of the Mediterranean at Hotel Trias in Palamós, or embracing the peaceful surroundings of La Malcontenta, nestled in nature.

There's no single right way to experience this corner of Catalonia.

If I could offer just one piece of advice, it would be this: give yourself enough time to enjoy both sides of the journey.

Because the best getaways aren't about choosing between the city and the sea.

They're about discovering that you can have both.

Iona Webster

A Scottish woman who loves cultures. Voluntarily lost in the world. Travel blogger for Hotel Ciutat de Girona.

When You Can't Decide Between the City and the Sea

When You Can't Decide Between the City and the Sea