Things To Do
in Salt

Salt is a historic Catalan town just outside Girona, known for its medieval streets and terracotta rooftops. It serves as a gateway to the Costa Brava with easy access to both the city’s culture and the coast. The town has a lively market, welcoming cafés, and a riverside promenade that invites strolling.

Visitors come for relaxed days of exploring, eating well, and using Salt as a base for day trips.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Salt
morning
:

Arrive in Salt and settle into your chosen accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café while absorbing the charming atmosphere of this Catalonian town. Take a stroll in the nearby parks to stretch your legs after the journey.

afternoon
:

Visit the nearby city of Girona to explore its historic Jewish Quarter and stunning cathedral. Dive into the local culture by sampling traditional Catalan cuisine at a local restaurant. Don’t miss the colorful houses along the Onyar River for a perfect photo opportunity.

evening
:

Spend your evening wandering the quaint streets of Salt. Enjoy dinner at a tapas bar, where you can savor a variety of local delicacies. Wind down with a casual stroll, appreciating the vibrant nightlife and the Spanish ambiance.

day 2
Exploring Girona
morning
:

Begin the day with breakfast at a local bakery, indulging in fresh pastries and coffee. Head to the Girona Cathedral, where you can marvel at its stunning architecture and the famous wide staircase. Take a guided walking tour to learn about the city’s profound history.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant overlooking the river, relishing the flavors of Catalan dishes such as 'pa amb tomàquet'. Spend the afternoon visiting the Girona Art Museum and exploring the ancient city walls for breathtaking views. Engage with local artisans at a crafts market.

evening
:

After dinner at a Mediterranean restaurant, attend a flamenco show that showcases traditional Spanish music and dance. Find a cozy bar to enjoy some local wine while soaking up the lively atmosphere. Stroll through the streets to discover Girona's illuminated landmarks.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$2-4
🍷Glass of wine in a bar$4-7
🚆Local transit ticket$2-4
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$90-150

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Historic town with easy access to Girona and Costa Brava
  • Pleasant climate and walkable streets
  • Smaller nightlife compared to big cities
  • Some services may be limited on Sundays
  • "Bon dia" - Good morning/Hello
  • "Si us plau" - Please
  • "Gràcies" - Thank you
  • "Quant costa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "On és el lavabo?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Salt

Visit one of these nice places.

Old Town Viewpoints

Winding lanes and colorful façades with soft morning light that’s ideal for atmospheric street photography.

Riverside Promenade

Sunset shots along the river with small bridges, reflections, and seasonal plantings in the foreground.

Plaza Mayor and Church Tower

Historic square framed by stone arches and a stately church tower, perfect for architectural photography at golden hour.

Hilltop Lookout Above Salt

Elevated viewpoint offering panoramas of the town, surrounding hills, and distant coastline on clear days.

Culinary Guide

Food in Salt

Catalan cuisine in Salt blends seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and seasonal produce from the Empordà and Costa Brava, served in intimate taverns and welcoming family eateries.

Salt Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Esqueixada

A refreshed salt cod salad with shredded cod, onions, tomatoes, and olive oil; commonly found on tavern menus.

Must-Try!

Botifarra amb Mongetes

Grilled Catalan sausage served with white beans; hearty and traditional, often featured in taverns.

Pa amb tomàquet

Crusty bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes and olive oil; a simple, iconic starter everywhere in Catalonia.

Calçots amb Romesco

Seasonal grilled spring onions with romesco sauce; best in cooler months when calçots are in season.

Suquet de Peix

Coastal fish stew rich with tomato, saffron, and potatoes; available at seafood-focused restaurants.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercat Municipal de Salt

Traditional market offering fresh produce, cheeses, olives, and regional specialties; great for sampling ingredients for a picnic or cooking at home.

Climate Guide

Weather

Salt experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Spring and autumn are pleasant for outdoor activities, while rain is more common in autumn and early winter.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A polite greeting such as 'Bon dia' or 'Hola' is appreciated; casual cheek kisses may occur among friends.

Safety Guide

Safety

Practice standard travel safety: keep valuables secure in crowded areas, use licensed taxis, stay hydrated in summer, and know local emergency numbers (112). Watch uneven sidewalks in the old town and be mindful of traffic when crossing narrow streets.

Tipping in Salt

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tips are not mandatory but appreciated; round up bills or leave 5-10% in nicer places.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; many venues prefer card payments, while some small vendors may take cash only.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and dry days; plan early morning or late afternoon activities, enjoy coastal breezes, and stay hydrated.

Autumn

Milder days with colorful foliage; great for walks and outdoor dining, occasional rain showers.

Winter

Mild but cooler temperatures; crowds thin, making museum visits and dining more comfortable.

Spring

Pleasant temperatures and blooming streets; ideal for exploring on foot and cycling along country lanes.

Nightlife Guide

Salt at Night

Salt offers a relaxed nightlife with cozy tapas bars, wine taverns, and occasional live music venues in the historic quarter. Most places close earlier than in larger cities, fostering a friendly, neighborhood vibe rather than a club scene.

Hiking in Salt

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Rural Countryside Loop

A gentle 3-5 km loop through vineyards and olive groves on Salt's outskirts.

Gavarres Hills View Trail

Rolling hills with lookout points offering views over the Costa Brava and Girona region.

Ter River Riverside Trail

Flat path along the Ter River, ideal for easy day hikes or sunset walks.

Airports

How to reach Salt by plane.

Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO)

About 20-30 minutes by car from Salt; primarily domestic flights with some international connections.

Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN)

Major international hub about 100 km away; 1.5-2 hours by train or car.

Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport (PGF)

Regional airport in France; roughly 1.5-2 hours by car.

Getting Around

Walkability

Salt is compact and very walkable, with most sights reachable on foot from the town center. The old streets can be narrow and cobbled, with a few slopes, so a light wallet and comfortable shoes are recommended.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Safe neighborhoods with good schools and parks; popular with local families.

Students and Young Professionals

Proximity to Girona and local universities draws a youthful crowd.

Local Residents and Expat Communities

A mix of traditional Catalan families and international residents contributing to a welcoming vibe.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Widely followed and played; local clubs and casual games in parks.

Cycling

Popular for road riding and mountain biking through rural routes.

Tennis and Paddle

Common at clubs and public courts; family-friendly activity.

Transportation

Traffic

Salt is best explored on foot or by bike in the historic core. Public transport links to Girona and the coast are reliable, with trains and buses connecting to larger hubs. Driving in the old town is limited and parking can be challenging during peak times.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Salt.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Look for escalivada, pa amb tomàquet, grilled vegetables, and vegetable tapas; ask staff about daily vegetarian options and confirm ingredients.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Public healthcare is available in Girona with local GP centers; private clinics exist in the area. EU residents can use the European Health Insurance Card; carry insurance information and know local pharmacy locations.

Discover Spain

Read more in our Spain 2025 Travel Guide.

Spain Travel Guide