Crowning Girona’s skyline, the Cathedral of Santa Maria commands attention from the top of a majestic 86-step staircase. Its soaring Baroque façade, added in the 17th century, belies a far older history: foundations date to the 5th century, with a Romanesque church and 12th-century cloister still preserved within. The cathedral’s most notable feature is the 23-metre-wide Gothic nave (widest in the world!) completed in the 14th century and illuminated by vast stained-glass windows. Inside, the Museum of the Cathedral safeguards extraordinary treasures, including the 11th-century Tapestry of Creation, a vivid Romanesque depiction of divine order, and a gem-studded 14th-century silver altarpiece. The cloister captivates with carved capitals portraying biblical tales and mythical beasts. For context, use the included audio guide to unravel layers of history, from Roman forums to medieval masterpieces.

Romance is in the air as you stroll around this attractive part of the town with its many ancient tiny houses. Take your time here to enjoy the history and relax with a cup of coffee.

Two men dressed in traditional white cotton clothes and hats, pushing a two-seater wicker sledge on wooden runners — believe it or not, this was how people travelled the streets of Madeira in times gone by. Now a tourist attraction, it takes 10 minutes to glide 2 kilometres down with an average speed of 48 kilometres per hour.

By crossing the city bridges over the Onyar River, you can see the pastel-coloured houses that line the bank on the site of the old city walls. Pont de les Peixateries Velles, an iron bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel, offers stunning views of the city's trademark façade, the quintessential Girona experience.