Fundació Mona is a pioneering primate rehabilitation centre dedicated to rescuing and caring for chimpanzees and macaques recovered from abusive situations like circuses, the advertising industry and the illegal pet trade. Here, primates regain physical and emotional health while living in social family groups within large, naturalistic enclosures. Visits are educational and ethically focused: guided by expert staff, you’ll learn about primate behaviour, conservation challenges, and the stories of individual animals. Advance booking is essential, and tours emphasise respect for the residents’ well-being over entertainment. Through its work, Mona raises awareness about wildlife trafficking, species extinction, and the importance of protecting our closest evolutionary relatives.

Built in the late 1800s, Hulishan Cannon Fort is a quirky mix of history and engineering ingenuity — believe it or not, glutinous rice was used in its construction. A highlight is the Krupp cannon, a massive 60-ton German-made cannon, said to be the best-preserved coastal gun in all of China. Wandering around the fort, you’ll stumble across smaller cannons, old stone walls, and views of the coastline that make it easy to imagine its strategic importance back in the day.

View some 310 species of migratory water birds on the shores of Roebuck Bay, considered to be one of the top sites in Australia. The 310 species include 50 species of shore birds.

Just north of Girona lies the Lake of Banyoles, a crystal clear body of water about 2 kilometres long, favoured particularly by rowers. Stroll, swim or row your way around the picturesque lake, and stop for a rest, a snack and a coffee at the nearby establishments in the town of Banyoles.