The Basilica of St Felix is one of Girona’s oldest churches, a site of continuous worship since the early Christian period. Its architecture is a palimpsest of styles: a Romanesque core, a majestic Gothic nave, and a Baroque façade topped by a distinctive truncated bell tower. The interior safeguards priceless treasures, including eight rare Roman and early Christian sarcophagi and the ornate 14th-century Gothic tomb of Sant Narcís, the city's patron saint. Though never the cathedral, its historical and artistic importance is profound. It remains an active parish church, offering a quieter but deeply atmospheric counterpoint to the larger cathedral nearby.

The long and beautiful Patara beach, with its protected sand dunes, is where the sea turtles come to lay their eggs. The ancient town, hidden beneath the sands, is now being excavated. Patara is best known as the birthplace of St Nicholas, also called Santa Claus or Father Christmas. You can visit his grave at Demre. Come here on the local bus or dolmus.

Ready to take a gamble? Casino da Madeira is not only a regular casino, but has restaurants, a fun zone and a nightclub. It's a wonderland for adults who want a night filled with entertainment. The gorgeous modernist building with gently sloping ridges, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, is an attraction in itself.