Temps de Flors: Girona in Bloom Each May

Temps de Flors is the flower festival that turns Girona's medieval Old Town into an open-air museum every May. For nine days, more than a hundred spaces across the Barri Vell —private courtyards, churches, staircases and monuments— are transformed with floral art installations. Entry is free, and the atmosphere is unlike anywhere else in Catalonia.

What it is and where it came from

The festival began in 1954 as a modest flower competition and is now Girona's most international event. What started inside a theatre slowly grew until it opened up the houses and courtyards of the Old Town to the public —many of which stay closed the rest of the year. That is part of the magic: you come for the flowers and end up peeking into medieval corners you would never otherwise see.

When it takes place

The 2026 edition (the 71st) runs from 9 to 17 May. It usually falls in the second half of May, so if you are planning ahead, pencil in those dates as a guide and confirm the programme on the City Council's official website before you travel. Daytime spaces open around 9:30 and close in the early evening; some venues are lit at night.

The must-see spots

While the installations change each year, certain settings return and anchor the route:

• The Cathedral staircase: the 90 stone steps are the festival's most photographed canvas, with arrangements designed for that exact light and scale.
• The Arab Baths (Banys Àrabs): the central pool and the columns beneath the cupola disappear under greenery and blossoms.
• Sant Pere de Galligants: the cloisters of the Benedictine abbey host large-format displays.
• The Barri Vell courtyards and the Call: narrow lanes of the old Jewish Quarter and Baroque patios that open only during these days.

How to do it without the stress

The organisers publish a map of every space plus several themed routes and an accessible itinerary, all downloadable as PDFs. My tip: go early or late to skip the queues at headline spots like the cathedral. Wear comfortable shoes —the Barri Vell is all slopes and cobbles— and bring water. A relaxed day covers the essentials; two days lets you truly enjoy it.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Girona? During Temps de Flors the city fills up, so book early and aim for somewhere near the Barri Vell to get around on foot. Booking.com.

Getting there

From Barcelona, the high-speed AVE from Barcelona-Sants reaches Girona in about 40 minutes, and the station is a short walk from the centre. Cheaper regional trains run too. The festival draws big crowds, so skip the car if you can —parking in the old town is tricky on these days.

Want more to do in Girona? Pair the festival with a guided walk through the Jewish Call or a food experience. GetYourGuide.

Keep exploring Girona

• Hotels in Girona
• Things to do in Girona
• Girona's heritage
• How to get to Girona