Known as the ‘City of the Four Rivers’, Girona is a walled city nestled between the Pyrenees Mountain Range and the Costa Brava.

Despite being linked to the UK with  two-hour flights from London, this Catalan city is often overlooked in favour of renowned holiday hotspots, such as Barcelona and Madrid.

As some of Europe’s most popular cities have seen protests against mass tourism this summer, with residents venting their frustration over holiday lets and littering, travellers are now looking beyond the traditional city break destinations.

The fantasy fortress-like appearance of Girona combined with its idyllic location make for a charming holiday. 

Rural hiking trails, nearby beaches and the rich history of the city itself all provide plenty of opportunities for holiday activities.

The historic quarter of the walled city is dominated by Roman architecture, with some Arab and Hebrew influence also evident.

Climbing the bell tower of the Sant Feliu will provide a panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountain ranges. 

Back on street level, the winding maze-like alleys of the old quarter lead into hidden plazas bustling with restaurants, bars and cafes.

These local hubs are the perfect way to sample regional specialities, including the Xuixo, a type of sweet breakfast pastry filled with crema catalana, a traditional cream-based dessert.

From London, Girona take a little over two hours on a direct flight, with some late summer and early autumn return flights available for as little as £36 with budget airlines.

Moreover, if you are still drawn to visit Barcelona, the Catalan capital is just a short 40-minute train journey from Girona.

Further afield, the French city of Perpignan is two hours by train from Girona, just across the border and renowned for its boutique shopping and production of sweet wines.

In September, temperatures in Girona rarely dip below 20C and can reach 25C, often remaining in this range well into October and making the city the ideal spot for some late summer sun.