July 2009

Have spent a most enjoyable week here - apartment was great, tapas and wines superb, and the history of Girona and surrounds fascinating. As non-car users, can highly recommend bus to Besalu and train/bus to Cadaques, both very picturesque and interesting to stroll around.

Penny and Tony Teutenberg, Melbourne, Australia

April 2009

Beautiful view from the apartment, the best we've ever had. We have enjoyed a very relaxing week. We would recommend a stay here to anyone.

Neil and Elaine Maciver, near Edinburgh, Scotland

January 2009

Simon has equipped the apartment very well and it really is only a ten minute walk into town. It's definitely the best apartment we have rented, and we will come again. Plus I forget to mention the view.

Wonderful!

Pauline and Michael McDonald, Scotland

December 2008

We have been here for two weeks and have loved it. Girona is beautiful. I really enjoyed the museums in town, especialy the Cathedral and St Feliu. The Call was fascinating. The apartment was better than we hoped for and its location couldn't be better for exploring on foot.

Have a great stay!

Jon Elszasz, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

November 2008

Hi it is me again, Frank Brooks Tyreman and I am 14, it has been three years since I last came. The train ride around Girona is still as good as ever. This is the fourth time I have been here, and it has probably been the best time now I can fully appreciate the shops and culture which I am not so sure I did all those years ago.

Frank Brooks-Tyreman, Ryton, England

October 2008

We have enjoyed a two week break from driving whilst staying in Girona. It is a delightful city - you need to take plenty of time to explore. If you keep returning to the same areas, you will be certain to find new alleyways you missed last time. Arts Cafe in the Ramblas is a great place to sit and watch the world pass by.

Andrew and Christine Bunyan, Northants

May 2008

Hi, I am Amy and I am having a wonderful time here in Girona while staying at this beautiful apartment. The apartment is clean and bright and my brother and I are particularly enjoying sharing the bunk beds! The old town of Girona itself is breath-taking. As you walk past the John Lennon Gardens down to the cathedral I feel as if I am walking into a fairytale village! The best shop in Girona is called Entabonarte.

It is a beautiful soap shop!

Amy Randall (age 12) Surrey, England

May 2008

We have had a great week in Girona. The location of the apartment is excellent, and we have really enjoyed staying here - especially opening the shutters at first light and enjoying the peace, cool air, birdsong and glow of the sunrise on the cathedral. We also enjoyed Aiguariolls de Emporda Natural Park - some spectacular birds to be seen. And also the Dali house at Port Lligat was a moving place to visit.

Thanks very much!

David and Julie, North Wales

February 2008

We have enjoyed our stay, and the wonderful views. We have fallen in love with Girona.

It is certainly the best kept secret in Spain!

Steve, Debbie and Zoe (Wales)

November 2007

Girona is amazing. Beautiful apartment, stunning views, cannot praise it enough. Pou de Calle is a great restaurant in the old town. The Pyrenees are well worth a visit for some gorgeous scenery. The city wall at twilight is also very romantic.

Thankyou for a very enjoyable stay!

Cassy and family, Derbyshire, England

October 2007

We have truly enjoyed our stay at Vista de la Catedral. The town and the apartment have surpassed their reputations. Sunrise and sunset views from here are breath-taking. It is also a great place to siesta after lunch. Be sure to check out the Roman Walls, with spectacular views of the town, the cathedral AND the apartment! The apartment itself has been a dream - we aim to return as soon as possible.

Thenk you for keeping the aparment television-free! Also, we really enjoyed walking our evening meal off around town (extraordinarily peaceful) and coming home up the hill. We would highly recommend Divinum restaurant on Carrer General Foumas. Aminada Pollastre (chicken salad) with curry and mango was great, as was bacalla with ali-oli (honey oil and thinly sliced cod).

Also Draps, a few steps away from Divinum, Cort Reial. The house salad, Aminada Draps, features zesty blue cheese with a sweet vinagrette.

Norman and Patty Kelsey, USA

March 2007

We have enjoyed our stay very much - there is so much to see, we will have to return! We walked into Girona on our first evening - it is true, it is about 10 minutes to walk into town, but be prepared for the walk back up the hill! We have walked round the lake at Banyoles, then to Besalu - fabulous places to explore. And the coast road is fantastic, winding around mountains with great views of the rocky coast.

Dick and Maggie Zieg, Maine, USA

February 2007

What a gem Girona is. Everything was wonderful but I think our highlights were the view from the balcony with a glass of red wine in hand and the circular walk up to San Miguel Castell and Carie Del Angels. We shall be back.

Pauline and Ken Deakin, Market Drayton, Shropshire, England

August 2006

Many thanks for the lovely flat and all your helpful information. The beach at Empuries next to the ruins is great. For presents to take home try the little chocolate shop Gluki at the start of La Rambla.

Gorgeous!

Susan and Brian Kay, Manchester, England

August 2006

What a fantastic fortnight we've had! It's our second visit here - we have had to wait a few years due to the arrival of "Pappy". (It's her first visit!) It has been so relaxing - revisiting places we were fond of, and finding lots of new. We have been to a few beaches - still think L'Escala is a great beach - great for Frank, the waves were really exciting. Liked to have our cafe con leches at the Konig Restaurant, sitting under the trees. Lovely. Will definitely return to Girona, one of my favourite places ever.

Will miss the vista from the terrace especially.

Susan Brooks-Tyreman, Ryton, England

August 2006

Truly tremendous. I was a little apprehensive that coming back a second time would spoil my memories from our previous visit. But no! In fact this has been even better. So relaxing - so special just being here - feeling the ambience. All I needed was a cafe con leche watching the world go by! So sad to be leaving.

Already dreaming of when we will be back.

Alan Brooks-Tyreman, Ryton, England

August 2006

We have had a great time. Good views of the cathedral, delicious tapas and super beaches. I must mention the crepe shop past the Konig restaurant, they do superb pancakes by the way. Girona is superb, great, class, super and divine (it's also upsetting because you have to leave).

We're definitely coming back

Frank Brooks-Tyreman, Ryton, England (age 11 3/4)

July 2006

Even though being a vegetarian, it isn't a problem yet. The restaurant La Polenta is good. The apartment has the best view! And Girona, the best location! My favourite part has been hiking through the Pyrenees Mountains. It was very beautiful! We have found that all water from lakes to streams is very clear.

The people downstairs are very nice also. And very helpful.

Hayley Elszasz, Cleveland, Ohio, USA (age 11)

June 2006

We had a great week here and enjoyed the city of Girona a lot. Tips - Sunday market at Palafrugell followed by chic beach resort of Le Franc. You may want to avoid Tossa de Mar, which we found very touristy. Have a great holiday!

Graham Willoughby, England

April 2006

We have enjoyed the spacious, well-equipped apartment with great views and location. Thanks for all the helpful leaflets, maps etc. Especially enjoyed the atmosphere of Girona as we walked around the old town.

Particularly enjoyed the revelation of our first walk into Girona, down the steps from the apartment and up through the old part of town to the cathedral. We really enjoyed exploring Catalunya with its varied landscape of mountains, coasts and natural parks.

We thoroughly enjoyed our first visit to Spain.

The Curries, Scotland

April 2006

Came to Girona for a relaxing week and have had just that. No car, no TV, no phone! - Heaven!! Lots to see and do, and so many places to eat to suit every budget. For spectacular views, walk along the old town wall.

And if you have three hours to spare, a walk up to "Sant Miguel Castle" in the Sant Daniel Valley is very uplifting and rewarding. The mountains were covered in snow - very cold, but I wouldn't have missed it. The apartment has been very comfortable and will certainly recommend it.

What a view!

Caroline and Roger Forbes, Scotland

July 2005

We have been very comfortable in the apartment. One feels a part of the community and not in a tourist "ghetto". We quickly found the local shops not far from the apartment. Watch the opening and closing times for the shops - they don't always keep strictly to them. Loved just sitting in the cafes and watching the world (literally every nationality) go by.

We went to Barcelona for the day - very impressive and well worth the visit - the food market off La Rambla! My Spanish, which was both basic and very rusty, has come on amazingly. So, thank you Simon for helping to make this holiday possible.

We may just be in touch again!

Caroline and Tom Swinney, Irvine, Scotland

May 2005

To all who will relish this fantastic home away from home, we hope your stay will be as splendid, peaceful and memorable as ours has been. We are a long way from home (Australia) and having booked our sojourn via the internet, it's amazing the places you find.

Girona is an amazing place, and as our country is so young, we are enthralled with the history and beautiful buildings. Simon provides the most well equipped place we have stayed and is to be commended.

So thank you - our stay has been fantastic.

Roisin and Jeff Peck, Point Lonsdale, Victoria, Australia

June 2005

Have had a great week. Fabulous weather - ensure shutters and curtains are closed before you go out - cool house to return to after a heavy day sightseeing. Went to Barcelona two days on the trot. Took the Bus Turistic around Barcelona - great value, 20 euros for two days. Took the blue bus the first day, then the red one the second, ensuring we saw all the sights. We look forward to another visit. There is still plenty left to see!

The Allaways, Cheshire, England

August 2004

We have had a lovely week here. The view is stunning - we have enjoyed our breakfast and supper on the balcony looking over the city. Thanks for all the information and recommendations. We enjoyed our trip to Sa Tuna (nice beach, but parking a bit of a problem when busy). If you visit Girona cathedral, if you go up the stairs in the cloisters there is a good view of this house.

We have found the flat very comfortable and well equipped, and it has been lovely to be without a TV! We'd love to come again.

Mary, Chris, Rosie and Matt Pountain, England

July 2004

Good day to you lucky people about to embark on your stay in the beautiful city of Girona. This entry is a 16 year old's opinion of what is worth doing during your stay!

Things to do in Girona - little green train - takes 45 minutes, three euros for each bum on a seat, and its muchos fun and very informative. Worth doing to get your bearings and take your camera! Museu del Cine - great for all ages, and very cheap. Looks at the progression from Chinese shadow puppets to the making of Shrek. All in English. Best museum in Girona - went twice! Meseu d'Art - entry free. The Ramblas - lots of great boutiques. And Empuries - the best beach by far! We loved this beach. Beautiful sand and safe swimming as a huge area is roped off - no jetskis!

This was my first holiday in Girona and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Thank you Simon for letting us stay in your well cared for, smashingly located apartment.

Poppy Dinsey, England (age 16)

July 2004

I can't add much to the above essay, only to say if you like driving then to bring a car over from the UK is not at all arduous. Do allow three days, with two overnight stops in France. We really enjoyed the flat, well equipped and easy directions. Also our Spanish neighbour came in to change the sheets after one week which was very nice.

We love Girona!

Denise Dinsey and family, England

July 2004

The flat is really cool. Our neighbours downstairs were very nice and friendly, though we only know three words of Spanish. My favourite place was Banyoles Lake. It was so nice there. I swam all day - except for when I had to come out and sit in the shade so as not to burn (I did).

When we come again I would love to go there again.

Cadi Thomas, Wales (age 12)

July 2004

You lucky people reading this are in for such a treat! We knew nothing about Girona before we came and - trust us - it is a truly amazing and wonderful place. We have had a fabulous week (three adults, two children). The view from the flat is perfect, and the old city a gem.

We have to come back to finish exploring it.

Mary and Philip Thomas, Wales

June 2004

We have just finished an excellent week here and have enjoyed staying in the apartment. The position is lovely, great views, Spanish ambience and so close to the city.

At first I couldn't believe Simon's assurance that it's a fifteen minute walk to the cathedral, but it really is true - even for oldies like us! For new visitors, go down the steps down, then down to the valley and turn right. The walk back up the hill will keep you fit! Girona is beautiful. We've loved walking around. The high spots for us were the walk around the walls, the Call and the Jewish museum, and just wandering. The Spanish lady and her husband downstairs are very friendly and helpful. Simon, thanks for all the help with plans and routes, maps and books.

Great organisation.

Dot and Eddie Dore, Sheffield, England

September 2003

Lovely apartment and very well equipped. Found the city very interesting, especially the Call. Previously knew nothing of Girona or Spain - a wonderful surprise! Found plenty for kids to do (some great toy shops) and everything within walking distance (pretty much)! Found good bathing at Palamos, safe for children.

Definitely a place we'll come back to.

Karen Bain and family, Aberdeen, Scotland

September 2003

After four days crossing the Pyrenees on a motorbike, the apartment provided some much needed r and r! We have enjoyed wandering around the old part of Girona and discovering the many bars and restaurants - especially "el Pou del Call". Our "must do" recommendation is the Dali Museum at Figueres - especially the separate collection of Dali jewels which should not be missed.

Our discovery of Girona was accidental and last minute, but we have thoroughly enjoyed our time here, the apartment and its location - and hope to return.

Mick and Frances Paver, Derbyshire, England

June 2004

Thank you! From the start we knew this was going to be a wonderful way to spend our tenth anniversary. Your website link was excellent and email communication superb! The apartment is great for a family or singles.

The 8 year old loved the beaches and walking in Besalu, and the 2 year old liked hiking in the forest and the river walk near Sant Joan. We also enjoyed the cool air in the bedroom after a long day of hiking.

Hope all stays will be as pleasant as ours.

Alissa, Raymond, Neil, Annie and Granny Beveridge, Ann Arbor, Mississippi, USA

June 2003

A lovely week of perfect weather for our second visit. We had the "day of our lives" in El Port de Selva - empty beach, interesting boat-folk in the bar - a super hike in the National Park Cap de Creus. At the top is the Monestir de St Pere - truly a worthwhile stop with erudite tour guide. I hope you enjoy the area as much as we did.

Thank you Simon.

Juan Carlos, Jean, Felipe and Del Riquelme, Chile

May 2003

We've had a wonderful visit - perfect weather 20-25 degrees every day and sunny. We arrived the same day the flower festival started - and so got to enjoy all of Girona's wonderful sites festooned with flowers. We have relied heavily on other's recommendations and Simon's fantastic store of brochures, maps and directions.

The apartment has been great. The kitchen, linen, ambience, location - all perfect and certainly exceeded expectation. We will definitely recommend to our Canadian travelling friends.

Martha, Frank, Brigid and Katy O'Connor, Toronto, Canada

February 2003

Arrived via Barcelona and drove up on the coastal road - loved all the little coves. We've enjoyed wandering around the old town with all the narrow winding passageways and lanes. If you like ceramics go to La Bisbal. I bought some nice things to take home. Thank you, Simon, for sharing your apartment with us.

Kerry, Roger, Darrel and Joshua Lamsdale, England

January 2003

We arrived from Barcelona, and the apartment fulfilled and exceeded our expectations. We were greeted by a glorious sunset over the cathedral which was enhanced by the amazing view. The old town has a lot of character and a very relaxing feel to the place - with lots of endearing and mysterious cobbled roads and alleyways, and plenty of shops for the shopaholics!

There are plenty of restaurants. Our favourite choice was Galligans at the bottom of the hill - the food was fantastic and we were made to feel part of the family! We've all had a great time.

Thanks for all the extra touches.

Rhys, Brenda, Cally, Lianne and Ray Paddison, Surrey, England

December 2002

Great apartment and wonderful city. Weather cold at night (grateful for the central heating!) but lovely and sunny most days. There's loads to explore round about and we only just touched the surface. If you have kids (ours are 8 and 12) El Raco restaurant is very child friendly - we all enjoyed the fabulous charcoal oven pizzas they do there. There's a great olympic sized swimming pool at El Geig sports centre in town. The kids also enjoyed the games in the flat, as well as the bunk beds.

Other recommendations - Barcelona - great for retail therapy! Girona old town - could explore this for days. Anywhere in the Pyrenees - spectacular. Also great seafood selection at the local supermarket. And Cafe Royal for hot chocolate and toasted sandwiches. We will be back!

PS We wonder whether anyone from Girona has ever been to Huddersfield for their holidays!?

Dayn, Kath, Emma and Chloe Wilkins, Huddersfield, England

December 2002

I think the apartment is very nice, and the little shops down La Rambla make for entertaining window shopping. The apartment is nearly perfect - though I suppose being on a hill means more exercise and a better view! We found a wonderful ice cream place on La Rambla - try the pistachio flavor!

There's also a nice little bakery with delicious pasteries!

Anna Hallingstad, Washington, USA (age 11)

December 2002

We had a wonderful two weeks with cool but mostly clear weather. We walked along the coast north of Palamos and visited the Iberian village of Ullastret, which was lovely. Our 6 year old discovered that the John Lennon Park near the house is full of fossils. We picked up a handful. Probably the most spectacular sight was St. Pere de Rodes on the Cap de Creus - really stunning monastery perched high on the mountainside overlooking the sea.

Jean, Brian, Anna and Ellen Hallingstad, Washington, USA

November 2002

Arrived on All Saints Day - the streets were packed. The week of festivities concluded on Sunday with a parade of the Giants of Girona, which was great fun to watch. We've really enjoyed our week in Girona - it's an interesting and lively city, and staying here has meant we could walk easily into the old quarter. The city museum pass is very good value as the Arab Baths and Jewish Museum are included.

The weather has also been fantastic!

Melanie Harris and Geoff Milne, Sydney, Australia

October 2002

Lovely apartment, great view of the cathedral. Had a wonderful time in and around Girona. If you are looking for a tapa bar we can recommend the Zanpanzar. Loved spending time doing all the walks around the town and sitting in the park.

Gary and Ann Tuttle, Hampshire, England

October 2002

A good local walk - instead of turning right at the bottom of the hill into town, turn left up Sant Daniel valley. Then take the first left past Sant Daniel Monastery. Five minutes further along, you'll see signs and white arrows pointing to "Sant Miguel" which is a small ruined castle with stunning views back over Girona and even out to sea. The climb is (mostly) not too arduous and took us nearly an hour and a half from doorstep to top (retrace steps to return).

Enjoyed wandering around Girona itself and found restaurants all good (and excellent value). The best aspect of the apartment for us was being able to lie in bed with the view through the open doors. Thanks, Simon, for all the suggestions and recommendations.

Kate White and Philip Jarvis, England

August 2002

A lovely apartment - we had a delightful stay. We enjoyed exploring Girona - we're both veggies and found good meals at Crepe Bretonne and Cafe Bistrot. Barcelona is well worth a visit. The train is an easy way to get there - just over an hour and reasonably priced.

Figueres was worth a visit but we couldn't be bothered to queue for the Dali museum - in August you need to get there early or late in the day. Beach at L'Escala is OK - head to the Roman/Greek ruins for Sant Marti beach - much better (and the ruins are well worth a visit!)

Thanks for a lovely stay - we're going to come back!

Andy Fitt and Donna Richardson, England

August 2002

Lovely apartment and great setting. Girona is wonderful, so much to explore. The Placa Independencia is worth heading for, especially the Boira Restaurant - stylish, diverse cuisine and not expensive. The same goes for El Pou del Call in c/Forca, although more traditional.

Should you need to cool off in the midday heat there is a good outdoor municipal pool in the Parc de la Devesa. Banyoles is a fine way to spend an afternoon - beautiful, clear lake and very uncrowded. Thanks, Simon, for a lovely stay. We really appreciated all the helpful information you've collected.

We shall definitely recommend it to friends/colleagues!

Jonathan Stewart and Anna Pointer, England

July 2002

Spent a great week in Girona. Really enjoyed exploring the city and environs - especialy Cap de Creus, Montserrat and the amazing Dali museum in Figueres. The apartment is lovely, very well equipped (we especially liked the cooler box!) Would like to recommend the restaurant on Pujada de Domenc - Le Bistrot.

We'll be back again!

Mary McGinley and family, Sligo and Galway, Ireland

June 2002

Girona has been a wonderful base for our holiday. As well as spending a couple of days wandering around the old town, we've managed to go on a number of lovely day trips.

Recommendations - Barcelona by train - the open bus tour is a great way to see the city if time is limited. Pals - if you are heading for the beach it is worth taking a detour to spend an hour in Pals. Historic and very pretty, the town has great views over the surrounding coast and countryside. Aiguafreda - a peaceful little cove with a cafe. There's no sand, but the water is lovely. There are so many other areas we never got to that I'm sure we'll return one day.

Paul and Vanessa Smith, Chiswick, London, England

June 2002

A wonderful week in Girona. We relied on public transport for excursions to Besalu, Barcelona and Figueres. This has been hassle-free. Still finding unexplored areas of Girona to sketch and shop.

Lovely apartment. Neighbours and locals are friendly and helpful. Good value set meals to be had, especially at lunch time. Hope to have aquired more Spanish by the time we return!

Helen Thomas and family, Gloucestershire, England

May 2002

An excellent week in Girona. Recommendations - Taverna de l'abat Ramon, inside the main gate of Tossa de Mar. Bar/restaurant Cap de Creus - very isolated and long drive, but well worth it for the view, the ambience and the food. Owned by an Englishman. Tapas Bar Paradis, corner of Indpendencia Square - the set meal "Marina" for two is a feast for three - excellent!

The Nicole family, London, England

January 2002

Had a fabulous month here. The apartment was everything Simon said it was. Girona was a special town - friendly people and great shopping. The Galligans restaurant offers an excellent, exotic cuisine - try the Wellington Salmon, you won't be disappointed.

Thank you, Simon, for a great stay.

Bob Nolan, USA

January 2002

I booked the apartment on the internet and was impressed by the photographs - but the apartment far surpasses the internal photos in reality. The space is excellent and the view wonderful. Guides etc are a nice touch. The heating system was welcome in January and we would come again at this time of year. The Catalan people are wonderfully friendly.

A beautiful historic and romantic place.

Mike and Kate Morrison, Inverness, Scotland

October 2001

We're just finishing breakfast with the doors open and the sunshine lighting up the cathedral - before flying back to the onset of winter in Scotland! Our outing to St Pau and the national park area was a very good day out - the village very well preserved and the area good for walking. The apartment has been a good base, and has been a quiet place to come back to after some very late nights out!

We hope to come back again one day.

David and Fiona Lunt, Scotland

September 2001

Lovely apartment and neighbours. For a breathtaking drive try the C-25 to Montserrat - pine forested mountains, misty villages and at the finish, the monastery. To avoid the parking nightmare at the foot of the monastery, take the funicular from Aeri de Montserrat. Don't go on a Sunday though! Portbou is also well worth a visit - tranquil and friendly. Enjoyed a trilingual peotry reading at the bar.

Janessa Maria-Diego, Spain

August 2001

Very friendly environment. Wonderful town which we have enjoyed exploring. We have had a very enjoyable time on the beach at Tamariu. The train ride around Girona was exceptionally good value.

The apartment itself was extremely pleasant, well equipped and comfortable in a most pleasant part of Girona. We would love to come here again as we have not seen all we had planned!

The Turners, Northampton, England

June 2001

A 16 year old's point of view - the apartment was clean, spacious, and had a great view! The city itself was fun, it had great shops (I bought many presents for friends) and had great restaurants. The people in town were very hospitable.

Thanks again.

Sarah Arnsten, USA (age 16)