Upholstered by an industrious chocolatier and coffee shop operation, Casa Cacao leverages its foundations and central location as a preferred property for Girona. The 15-key hotel is assembled using calming hues, arranged by founders Jordi Roca and Anna Payet to amplify the chocolate-inspired theme.

Bedrooms range from standard starting at €200 per night to the grander suite opens which can sleep up to four people. There’s no gym at Casa Cacao, but a generous rooftop allows for dining and sundowner options – rare in Girona.

Casa Cacao’s breakfast draws a crowd but for meals later in the day look to Normal for fine dining, FOCK VIU for burgers. Daytime coffee venue Idle Hands turns into an evening restaurant spot. Hidden also dependable for daytime coffee, while Gipsy Bar at Palau Fugit hosts evening cocktails in a cavernous venue.

Training Notes

Though Girona’s reputation in endurance is better known among cyclists, runners have been hanging onto the coattails of cyclists by using the trails that weave between the roadways. Overland Running Provisions organise several group runs throughout the week, also from Christian Meier who helped signpost many of the coffee trends in town – Espresso Mafia and La Fabrica.

Girona’s running track Complex GEiEG Palau Sacosta is located 1.5 miles from the town centre – €14 per visit.

Cyclists have the Els Àngels out the back of Girona as a starter menu item (11km, av. 3% gradient). Further afield to the north of Girona is Rocacorba (70km round trip, 13km at 7%) and Mare de Deu Mont which is a good 90km day out with an 18km climb (av. 5%). For premium road and gravel bike rentals in Girona, rent with Velodrom who also have a venue in Barcelona.

Swimmers have the indoor 50m pool at O2 Centre Wellness Parc del Migdia – there’s also a gym to use. There’s no open water swimming within reach of Girona, though Banyoles Lake (13 miles away) permits open water swimming.

For more information, visit hotelcasacacao.com