Girona is a medieval jewel of a city, in the heart of Catalonia. It is known for its cobbled streets, medieval ambience and an abundance of culture. Its history dates back to more than 2000 years, beginning with its origins as a Roman city along the route to France. It offers seven museums displaying a rich, diverse heritage of art and history ranging from antiquity to the present day. Highlights of the city include the old Jewish quarter (El Call), the medieval walls surrounding the Barri Vell, the colorful houses lining the Onyar River, and lovely examples of Modernist architecture. In addition to its cultural and architectural wealth, Girona is also surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. It’s well-known for its avid cycling community, and a number of world famous cyclists make their home there. The retreat is scheduled during the early summer, when music concerts and outdoor events are plentiful.
For more information about Girona and what it offers, we recommend:
Girona Tourism http://www.girona.cat/turisme/eng/activitats.php
The Monastery of Sant Daniel http://www.girona.cat/turisme/eng/monuments_santdaniel.php
Time Out: Vall de Sant Daniel https://www.timeout.com/girona/things-to-do/vall-de-sant-daniel
TRAVEL TO GIRONA
The easiest way to reach Girona is by flying to Barcelona. There is currently only one airline that offers low-cost non-stop flights to Barcelona from the Bay Area: Level, a subsidiary of Iberia Air. There are more options available from the East Coast.
Girona is located roughly 100 km northeast of Barcelona. From Barcelona to Girona, there are multiple trains daily on the fast train line from Barcelona (known as the Avant). It is a 45-minute ride from the Barcelona Sants station (in central Barcelona) to the Girona train station. (Tickets for the fast trains are sold at a different counter than the regular tickets.)
Girona is also well-connected by train to other major cities in Spain (e.g. Madrid, Sevilla) and also to Paris and other stops on the TGV line in France. It is easily reached from other major cities in Europe by a number of low-cost airlines.
From the Girona train station, the easiest way to reach the Monastery of Sant Daniel is by cab. It is typically a 12 Euro fare.
What To Bring
- Casual clothes for warm weather. Temperatures are typically in the low-mid 80’s at this time of year and it can be quite humid.
- Toiletries. The monastery only provides towels and soap. Linen is changed weekly.
- Drying racks and ironing boards are available for your use but there are no laundry facilities.
- Comfortable walking shoes. The hostelry is an easy 15-20 minute walk along a shaded path into the medieval quarter (Barri Vell) of Girona.
- Insect repellent.
- Laptop, notebook, pens, pencils, sticky notes, index cards…whatever you need to make the writer in you happy.
- Adaptors for electrical outlets (Spanish outlets require different plugs; more information here: https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guides-and-advice/for-travelling/travel-adaptor-for-spain/
If you have additional questions, please let us know!
Meredith: mpikebaky@mac.com
Greta: greta.vollmer@sonoma.edu
Departure Points: A Writing Retreat June 1 to June 8, 2024 