Monserrat or Girona, before the start of RS Spain, which is a better idea?

*Montserrat yes... Girona no

My mom and I enjoyed our time in Girona years ago when traveling from Barcelona to Provence, France.

When I can’t decide between visiting two different places, I read about each place and then opt for the one I think I’d enjoy more.

Enjoy your tour!

I haven't been to Girona, so I can't compare, but Monserrat is one of the most breathtaking places I've seen.

Girona is amazing, but one day is not enough time and I'd be worried about getting back on time. The train ride is at least an hour each direction. We spent 3 nights in Girona and honestly, could have spent a couple more. Do Girona when you have more time.

We also enjoyed Monserrat. It is an easy day trip especially if you get an early start and understand your transportation options and times.

We’re going to Montserrat before our best of Spain on 10/22. 5 hour tour through Viator. It looks incredible!

Girona warrants a full day at the very least... in fact I recommend three or more -if you want to explore other amazing escapades from there.

Thanks for the advice. Given the time, it seems like Monserrat will be the best choice. Girona on another trip.

I’m intrigued by Enric’s reply:

Girona warrants a full day at the very least... in fact I recommend three or more -if you want to explore other amazing escapades from there.

Enric, what “amazing escapades” do you recommend visiting from Girona?
And… Are these places easily reachable by public transportation?

We only spend a day (and an overnight) in Girona, but would like to return some day and stay longer.

Thanks!

@Priscilla: off the top of my head: Besalú, Cadaqués, Figueres, Vall de Núria, either in summer or in winter, Estany de Banyoles, Vic, Ripoll... all reachable via public transportation and in 90' or less from Girona, of course. Google each proposal "nameoftheplace +turisme" and you'll see why I am recommending each of these. There are a few more that can be reached via bus, but I would have to check them individually and I have no more spare time now, sorry.

Besalu was wonderful and fairly easy to get to by bus from Girona. Amazing walled city, by a river with a beautiful bridge.

@ Enric,
Thank you very much for the list of these great looking places to explore while in Girona!

I will research them and add them to my ever growing wish list.

Moltíssimes gràcies!

FYI anyone reading this thread: Bacelona Sants to Girona is 38 minutes by high speed train. All the high-speed trains are 38 minutes to Girona. I did it two days ago.

@Priscilla, also check out:

• https://www.girona.cat/turisme/eng/index.php
• https://en.costabrava.org/
• https://www.timeout.com/girona

We just got in from a tour of Monserrat this morning. We loved it, breathtakingly beautiful and fascinating.

@Enric,

Thanks for the additional information, I appreciate you taking the time to add those helpful links!

@Priscilla My pleasure.

Thanks for the information. We are leaving in a week for RS Spain. If we decide to just go to Monserrat on our own, how difficult is that? I would not think that it would be that crowded. It will be on a Saturday.

@bill, very easy. Just head to the FGC Plaça Espanya station and there you can purchase a TransMontserrat combo ticket. More info: https://turistren.cat/en/ There is staff that will help you and resolve all your questions.

I wish we had gone on our own, Enric. Our friends booked a tour for us by bus that cut our time short. Further, the guide wasn't up-to-date on current events at Montserrat or new procedures. Yes, better to go on your own and explore.

Yep @Bets, it's one of those that, IMHO, doesn't need an intermediary.