Girona or Gerona - they're both correct!
Colourful riversides, medieval architecture and cobbled streets full of great dining and drinking spots are a few of the highlights of a Girona break. Looking for a cheap getaway? Budget airline, Ryanair, fly to Girona from a number of destinations throughout Europe including London, Manchester, Frankfurt and Paris. Pick up a low-cost Girona Airport car hire on arrival and enjoy more of the surrounding region. See where else you can pick up a great value Spain car hire and get a quote here… And for more ideas on what to do in and around Girona, check out our Costa Brava travel blog.
Girona is a really lovely little city for wandering. And as I wandered around Girona's pretty streets, I couldn't help but notice that the city - particularly around commercial streets - were dotted with ice cream shops. Me being drawn to an ice cream shop is probably not something that would surprise anyone who knows me but Girona's ice cream shops seemed that little bit more special.
Whether you're out in the sunshine or winding your evening down with a night-time paseo (leisurely stroll in Spanish), pair it up with an ice cream too. It's a perfect match! A sorbet or frozen yoghurt are also excellent choices.
Here's a look at Rocambolesc from one of the brothers behind the world's best restaurant… And because frozen yoghurt is one of my new favourite things, we also have a quick look at a couple of frozen yoghurt places too.
Rocambolesc
Rocambolesc
For foodies, Rocambolesc is definitely a stop to make - especially if you can't wait for the (currently) 11 month wait to get a table at El Celler de Can Roca. The man behind Rocambolesc is Jordi Roca, the pastry chef at the world famous restaurant. Even before you've had a taste of the ice cream, you'll already love the magical world created once you've walked in. Inspired by Willy Wonka's fantastical chocolate factory in the book by Roald Dahl and portrayed by Tim Burton's movie, the decor is as scrumptious as the ice cream.
They have six flavours that include traditional favourites like chocolate and vanilla as well as the less traditional carrot sorbet and sheep milk frozen yoghurt - all are made from 100% natural ingredients. And there are a whole plethora of curious toppings to go with it from candy floss to baked apple.
Inside Rocambolesc
Carrot and mandarin sorbet with gooseberries and coconut
I have the carrot and mandarin sorbet with gooseberries and shredded coconut. Fresh, zingy, sweet and really just very good.
As well as selling ice cream, you can pick up Roca candies, Roca cupcakes and the Roca brother's hot ice cream sandwich. If you've had deep fried ice cream before, you'll already know hot and cold work really well when it comes to ice cream. Having made their own hot ice cream sandwich maker (they called it the oxymoron maker), you can have a scoop of deliciously cold ice cream, your choice of toppings all in a toasted brioche! And for those of you wanting to take a Roca creation home, they sell their perfumes and books here too…
All the ice creams and other sweet treats here are made at El Celler de Can Roca before being transported here by bike.
Rocambolesc
carrer de Santa Clara 50
17001 Girona
Tel +34 972 416 667
www.rocambolesc.com
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 3.00pm to 9.00pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11.00am to 9.00pm. No reservation necessary!
They also have another branch in Platja de Aro (closed in the winter). To find out more, visit: www.rocambolesc.com
Llagurt
Llagurt
Llagurt is a popular frozen yoghurt chain with branches throughout Catalonia. This is an ice cream parlour (I guess, really it's a frozen yoghurt parlour) that is all about the feel good factor. It's a healthier alternative to ice cream but is packed full of delicious creaminess. As is the norm, you can take your pick of toppings which include a more traditional range than Rocambolesc above.
Llagurt toppings
Frozen yoghurt with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings
Here's mine with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings.
Llagurt
carrer de l'Argenteria, 3 (Rambla)
17004 Girona
Tel: +34 972 39 60 23
www.llagurt.com
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10.00am to midnight
Llagurt have several branches within Girona and you can find them throughout Catalonia with places throughout the Costa Brava as well as one in Barcelona.
La Recuiteria
As with Llagurt, La Recuiteria specialises in frozen yoghurt. I think I first came across the frozen yoghurt in North America where it was nicknamed fro-yo. Like cupcakes, it always makes me think of an American trend that's travelled well. However, coming to Girona, frozen yoghurt is like a revelation. It's creamy, delicious and healthy but what's so interesting about Girona's (or Catalonia's) frozen yoghurt is that a lot of it is made with sheep milk. I'm not actually sure what Llagurt use but I'm guessing it's also with sheep milk as the Catalonian sheep are well renowned for their creamy milk goodness. La Recuiteria though put the sheep at the forefront. All their yoghurt is made from their own herd of sheep so they really can guarantee that it's completely organic and all made from very local ingredients. They have some info for people curious about sheep milk on their website.
La Recuiteria
La Recuiteria take their name from recuit - which is the local sheep cheese (or maybe it's just the name used to refer to local sheep milk products). Sheep cheese tends to be thought of as being stronger and more tangy than those made from a cow's milk. However, the local sheep produce something altogether more creamier. If you like the sound of this, do also make sure you try the traditional Girona pudding of fresh sheep cheese often served with honey, nuts and fruit (I wrote about it in an earlier post here if you're curious).
Rambla de la Libertat at night
La Recuiteria
Rambla de la Llibertat, 41
17004 Girona
Tel. +34 679 301 059
www.larecuiteria.cat
They also have another branch in Figueres.
Food is a definite highlight for any trip to Girona but there is plenty more to enjoy in the city and beyond with the Pyrenees and the Costa Brava beaches just a drive away. In addition to Girona-Costa Brava Airport being the main gateway, Barcelona and Perpignan are also just an hour's drive away. See our Spain car hire and France car hire for all our car hire locations in the region.