A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Girona vs. Imperia for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Girona or Imperia?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Girona and Imperia. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Girona

Girona is a charming, beautiful, and colorful city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Imperia

Imperia is a charming, undiscovered, and authentic town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Girona and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Girona or Imperia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Girona. Although Girona and Imperia are both popular with visitors, Girona has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Girona is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Imperia is known for its nightlife. Girona is more touristy than Imperia and is known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. It is also home to The Girona Cathedral. Imperia is popular for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Girona different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Imperia and Girona. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Girona or Imperia?

Girona
Imperia

Girona is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Girona offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

Imperia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.


Is the Food Better in Girona or Imperia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Girona
Imperia

Girona is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Girona is an experience not to be missed. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Girona or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

Girona
Imperia

Imperia is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Girona or Imperia Better for its Old Town?

Girona
Imperia

Girona is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Imperia does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Girona can be explored in its historical center. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Imperia does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Girona or Imperia?

Girona
Imperia

Girona is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Girona. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Imperia. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Girona or Imperia Better for Families?

Girona
Imperia

Imperia is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Imperia is a family-friendly place to visit. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Girona or Imperia Better for Couples?

Girona
Imperia

Girona is notable for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Girona is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.


Is Girona or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Girona
Imperia

Both Girona and Imperia are good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Imperia. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

Is Girona or Imperia Better for Students?

Girona
Imperia

Girona is a popular place for students. However, Imperia is not popular with students.

Girona is a good city to visit for students. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

Imperia is not popular with students.

Is Girona or Imperia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Girona
Imperia

Both Girona and Imperia offer good public transit options.

Girona has a few public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

Imperia has some public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.


Is Girona or Imperia a more walkable city?

Girona
Imperia

Girona is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Girona on foot. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

For even more information, also check out Is Girona Worth Visiting? and Is Imperia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Girona?

How long in Girona or Imperia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Girona or Imperia to fill your time. In our opinion, Girona has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Girona than Imperia. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Girona than Imperia. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Girona that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Girona than Imperia if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Girona.


  • How many days in Girona or Imperia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Girona 1-2 
    Imperia 1-2

One day in Girona or Imperia?

In Girona, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Imperia. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Girona or Imperia?

In Girona, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Girona has to offer.

Imperia is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Girona or Imperia?

Girona is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Imperia. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Girona or Imperia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Girona. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Girona. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the undiscovered destination of Imperia. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Imperia or Girona?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Girona is €140, while the average daily cost in Imperia is €108. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Girona and Imperia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Girona 69
    Imperia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Girona 138
    Imperia 102
Compare Hotels in Girona and Imperia

Looking for a hotel in Girona or Imperia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Girona


Hotels in Imperia


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Girona Hotel Prices and Imperia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Girona 49
    Imperia 36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Girona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Girona:

  • Girona Airport Bus Transfer from/to Barcelona Center: $21
  • Palamós to Girona Airport (GRO) - Departure Private Transfer : $33
  • Palamós to Barcelona Airport (BNC) Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Girona Airport (GRO) to Costa Brava - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
  • Transfer from Barcelona to girona Airport: $196
  • Private Transfer from Tossa de Mar/ Lloret de Mar to Barcelona: $262

Is it cheaper to fly into Girona or Imperia?

Prices for flights to both Imperia and Girona change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Girona 41
    Imperia 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Girona

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Girona.

  • The 11 tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $88
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $91
  • Girona Evening Food Tour & Tapas Bar Experience: $95
  • The 11 Tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $96
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Girona 24
    Imperia 13

Tours and Activities in Girona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Girona are as follows:

  • Girona self-guided tour app with multilingual audioguide: $4.28
  • Audio Tour Imprescindible a tu ritmo: $6.41
  • Girona Art Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket & Audio Guide: $6.42
  • Entrance ticket to the Girona Art Museum: $6.54
  • Museum of Cinema Entry Ticket: $7.49
  • Fábrica-Museo de Anchoas Solés Ticket: $7.74
  • Self-guided Audio City Tour on Your Phone: $11
  • Girona City Tour Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11
  • Ticket pass to Girona Cathedral, Sant Felix and Girona Art Museum: $13
  • Catedral, Art Museum, St Felix Church Ticket & Audio: $29
  • E-ticket to Girona's Cathedral, Art Museum & S.t Feliu Church: $29
  • Girona History, Legends, and Food Walking Tour with food tasting: $31

Tours and Activities in Imperia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Imperia are as follows:

  • Imperia - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $428

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Girona 9.69
    Imperia 7.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Girona

Also in Girona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Spanish Wine Tasting in the Costa Brava: $82
  • Local Wineries Tour with Breakfast and Wine Tasting: $149


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Girona and Imperia, we can see that Girona is more expensive. And not only is Imperia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Imperia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Imperia and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Girona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Girona than you might in Imperia.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Girona Expensive? and Is Imperia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Girona or Imperia?

Girona has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Imperia. When comparing the sizes of Girona and Imperia, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Girona or Imperia?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Girona or Imperia in the Summer?

Both Imperia and Girona are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Girona this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Imperia for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Girona is around the same temperature as Imperia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Girona in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Imperia averages at about 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Imperia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Girona. Girona usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia during summer. Girona gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Girona usually receives more rain than Imperia. Girona gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Girona 24°C (75°F) 
    Imperia 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Girona or Imperia in the Autumn?

Both Imperia and Girona during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Girona for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Imperia in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Girona is generally cooler than Imperia. Daily temperatures in Girona average around 16°C (61°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Girona often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia. Girona gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun.

Girona usually gets less rain in October than Imperia. Girona gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Girona 16°C (61°F) 
    Imperia 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Girona or Imperia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Girona and Imperia. Many visitors come to Girona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Imperia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Girona is cooler than Imperia in the winter. The daily temperature in Girona averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Imperia fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Girona usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during winter. Girona gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Girona usually receives less rain than Imperia. Girona gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Girona 8°C (46°F) 
    Imperia 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Girona or Imperia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Girona as well as Imperia. Most visitors come to Girona for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Imperia because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Girona is cooler than Imperia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Girona in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Imperia averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Girona often gets less sunshine than Imperia. Girona gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun.

Girona usually gets more rain in April than Imperia. Girona gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Girona 13°C (55°F) 
    Imperia 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Imperia and Girona

Girona Imperia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)