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The petite and charming city of Girona is photogenic at any time of the year, but wait ‘til you visit during its annual festival, the Temps de Flors. Each spring, during the second week of May, people flock from all over Spain to Girona’s Barri Vell neighbourhood to admire its colourful streets lined with spectacular floral displays.

Monuments and courtyards are transformed into remarkable ornamental gardens, where you can enjoy the wonderful ensemble of vibrant colours and glorious aromas that perfectly accompany this city’s fascinating cultural and historical heritage.

This unique way to explore the city often includes free entry and access to sites normally closed to the public. And what’s more, the Girona Temps de Flors can be enjoyed all for free!

The Festival

This year, from the 10th to the 18th of May, Girona’s internationally famous flower festival will be celebrating its 70th anniversary, after many years of success and unbelievable creativity. There will be over 100 individual flower and plant displays, with the most impressive exhibitions held at the Cathedral Steps, the Arab baths, Saint Nicholas’ Chapel and Les Sarraïnes.

In addition to this, there will be several other exciting events taking place throughout the city in the name of the festival, such as the Gastroflors. Each year, a range of restaurants in the city offer themed menus with a floral twist, where certain flowers will feature as an ingredient in their dishes; so let your taste buds blossom by trying something new!

There will also be flower, photography and film competitions and plenty of other things worth getting involved in.

Girona: the City and the Barri Vell

Girona is the ideal spot if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the Catalan capital, especially with it being just 100km from Barcelona. With all the charm and qualities of a larger city, thanks to its cultural richness and the myriad things to do here, it would be foolish not to make time for this glorious medieval city during your visit to Barcelona.

The Temps de Flors only enhances the beauty of the quaint and quirky Barri Vell, Girona’s old quarter. Its rustic and French vibe has a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ with its riverside flanked by multicoloured houses and winding alleyways that open out onto enchanting squares.

It truly is one of the most picturesque areas of the city, especially when covered with an exquisite selection of flowers.

Getting There

The easiest way to reach Girona from Barcelona is by train. Renfe operates regional (MD) and high-speed (AVE) services from Barcelona Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, and El Clot-Aragó stations. The AVE train takes around 38 minutes, while regional trains take about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

During Temps de Flors, Renfe often offers discounts on return tickets, so check their website before booking. Trains run every 20–30 minutes, but it’s best to book in advance, especially on weekends. Once in Girona, the old town (Barri Vell) is just a 15-minute walk from the train station. Simply follow the main road into the city centre or grab a local bus or taxi if needed.

Top Tips

• Avoid heading to the festival at the weekend if possible. The festival is extremely popular with both locals and tourists, and towards the end of the week, the narrow streets of the Barri Vell are often heaving, which can be particularly unpleasant, especially with the warm weather.
• Be prepared to queue, especially for the most popular displays. Restaurants also get very crowded at lunchtime, with queues of up to an hour just to get into some of the most central restaurants.
• If you’re able to, stay overnight in Girona to avoid both an early start/late finish, and travelling twice in one day. You also want to make the most of the displays and see them at night, as the exhibits on the River Onyar are at their best at this time.
• Pick up a free A3-sized map at one of the participating venues so you can get your bearings and make sure not to miss any of Girona’s hotspots.
• Whilst exploring the Flower Festival, make sure to keep an eye out for the numerous concerts, workshops, exhibitions, and dance performances that have also been organised throughout the city.

The Temps de Flors festival in Girona is a must-see event that combines nature, culture, and history most breathtakingly. Whether you’re a flower enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply looking for a unique and vibrant experience, this festival offers something for everyone. So, don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the picturesque streets of Girona during this enchanting time of the year. Make memories, take stunning photos, and immerse yourself in the beauty of one of Spain’s most captivating festivals.