La Devesa Park is Catalonia’s largest urban green space, a 40-hectare oasis framed by the Ter, Güell, and Onyar rivers. Its defining feature is a stunning grid of over 2,500 plane trees, many planted in the 1850s and soaring over 55 metres. The vegetation creates shaded avenues perfect for walking and cycling. Beyond its natural allure, the park serves as a vibrant community hub. It hosts weekly markets, the annual Festes de Sant Narcís fair, sports facilities, and cultural venues like the Girona Trade Fair (Fira de Girona) and Girona Auditorium & Conference Centre (Auditori Palau de Congressos). The French-style gardens and historic gatehouses add elegance to this protected landscape.

Two MCCA-operated Boston convention centers, the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center and the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, have received the rare gold standard of certification from the International Association of Congress Centers. A steady stream of huge international conventions is hosted here throughout the year.

In the days of the tsars, the people who enjoyed themselves in the Riviera’s casinos until late on Saturday night, were not exactly short of money. They went here, to church though, on Sundays. After the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe, things are much as they were in the old days, but thick wads of dollars now rain down on the Riviera — and the beautifully restored cathedral. Strict dress code applies.

Just north of Girona lies the Lake of Banyoles, a crystal clear body of water about 2 kilometres long, favoured particularly by rowers. Stroll, swim or row your way around the picturesque lake, and stop for a rest, a snack and a coffee at the nearby establishments in the town of Banyoles.