What I’ve always loved about Europe are the markets there, whether it’s Italy, France or in this case, Spain. Everything looks so good (and clean) that you just want to buy it all. They make the wet markets in Hong Kong look highly unattractive to shop at, even if the freshness and quality of the food are just as good.
During our time in Catalonia, we stayed at villa near a teeny village named Vilavenut, in the provence of Girona. There’s pretty much nothing to do or to eat within walking distance, aside from a pig farm that sends out a fragrant whiff of manure to the house once in a while. Which is why we had to do all of our grocery shopping in nearby towns – Girona and Banyoles.
Girona is a popular day-trip destination among Barcelona tourists as it’s only about an hour and a half away. Apparently, it’s also where a lot of hard-core cyclists go for training. If you’re a non-athelete like me though, Girona is charming little city if you manage to stay away from the tourists. There are some historical attractions that are worth seeing, but the highlight for us was the market, as it provided the source of most of our meals. You can get everything there from cooked chick peas to all sorts of fresh seafood, especially ingredients for Catalan cuisine.
If you’re not into cooking yourself, you can always pick up some jamon Iberico at the market. It will most likely cost half the price of what you normally pay at home and taste so damn good.
And if you’re still not satisfied, you can head to La Gioconda for some ”Avatar” or “Smurf” flavored gelato. Unfortunately, I cannot provide reviews for that…the coffee and After Eight flavors were good though!
Take a stroll in the historical part of the town during siesta when all the shops and restaurants are shut. You’ll have to work off all that food anyway. OR you can go home and take a nap..
Banyoles
A much smaller town but also close by. It’s worth visiting because Lake Banyoles is there, where the rowing event for the Barcelona Olympics 1992 was held. Have a swim, rent out a canoe or just sit by the lake with a beer in hand and enjoy the fact that you’re on vacation.
P.S. There’s a lady who sells hot and fresh churros in Banyoles. I don’t have an exact address but you’ll see her white truck right as you drive into the town, in front of a few supermarket chains (Condis?). Opening hours are strange – something like 5-9pm. If you manage to catch her, you’ll be in heaven because those churros are amazing. I think her truck is called Xurreria Banyoles.
That’s it for now…
- View of the Pyrenees from our villa during sunset
Mercat Municipal d’Abastaments
Placa del Lleo
Girona, Spain
Open Monday to Friday, 5.30am to 1.30pm
Gelateria La Gioconda
Placa Catalunya, 10
T: +34 972 411 099
Condis (Supermarket behind the Xurreria)
Passeig de Farga
Banyoles, Spain
**I think**
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i miss food markets in europe (and NY)!!! mmn jamon.
Oh wow, I wish I’d seen this before I went to Girona in September, what a wonderful article.
Your pictures are fabulous. Unfortunately I had my bag with my camera in it stolen on the way to Girona airport and lost my market pics. The ones on my blog are taken by my Dad who is not such an anorak about food as I am.
If you don’t mind I ‘ll link your blog to my article as your pictures really do the market justice
Cheers
Thanks for the comment! I’m glad you liked the pictures. It must be really upsetting to have your camera stolen (I’d be furious). And of course I won’t mind if you link my blog. I’d be honored
Exceptional piece.