Living In Girona! 8 Reasons Why I Moved To Girona...

[@KeiraMcVitty]

I do love it here... do you have any Girona related questions? Leave them below!

[@Mark-kenny]

Hey! great video. Do you have any recommendations for websites to find apartments for rent? Any watchouts? Thank you :)

[@richym2020]

Thank you for your video - Girona looks like a lovely, easy to get around city. How are you able to stay longer than 90 days as a UK citizen. I guess you have a work visa. How easy, or not is it to apply for and be granted one?

[@trivegguy]

Hi Keira, do you have suggestions on reliable road bike rental in Girona?

[@ariffau]

Hi, great video! Would you care to make another video talking specifically about the cost of living there? A more in-depth one perhaps. Thank you 🙏

[@Marie-rx7up]

Thank you for the great video. We are cyclists living in Arizona currently but plan on moving/living most of the year in Girona. Is there a solid women's cycling group/s?

[@susannariera]

English speakers expecting everybody to speak English....in Girona we speak Catalan,. Spanish and most people also English and/or French. Complaining about people speaking their mother tongues in their own countries is something that only English speakers do.

[@AntonioGazzaneo91]

Since you are probably from Girona, can i ask you, is it a good place to make live music, because i'm a guitarist, i play instrumental music, do you think there is an interest for that??Thank you very much, or, as you say, Gracies(or Merci)!

[@susannariera]

@@AntonioGazzaneo91 we have some bars and clubs where not famous musicians can play. There's also this city project: "Girona, Carrers de Música is an initiative that aims to promote and regulate the presence of live music on the streets of the city. It is a commitment to culture and to promoting and making visible the music that is emerging and close to the territory, making visible the creative potential of Girona's musicians. Girona, carrers de música is an open project aimed at all musicians: professionals, amateurs, or those linked to music training centers (performers in training, choirs, instrumental groups and combos, etc. A total of twenty-three musical performance points have been planned. To act, you must be previously accredited and process the corresponding reservation." If we want to listen to other music, there's plenty of music festivals here and on nearby towns. Now has just started the Black Music Festival (I've seen people like Eli Paperboy Reed, Chuck Berry or the London Gospel Choir here) and the Strenes, mostly with catalan and spaninsh musicians. Hope this helps!

[@AntonioGazzaneo91]

@@susannariera thank you very much for your information! you are also welcome to take a look at my channel if you like the Guitar, maybe we will see in Girona;)

[@chudchadanstud]

You'd also complain about the same thing if you came to England. We are just assessing accessibility. Of course, over time we learn to speak the native tongue.

[@susannariera]

@@chudchadanstud I've been in England 8 times, Ireland two, Italy 6, France múltiple times, also visited Czekya and Belgium... never complained about people not speaking any of the languages I know, never.

[@szokrika]

Isn’t it kind of expected to learn Spanish tho? You would never think that if a person from Spain moves to London people there will try to speak in Spanish with a visitor? We who live in English speaking countries easily forget that not everyone speaks it. The world has become way too English focused… if you move to a new country, learn the language to a level that allows you to have intellectual conversations… especially if you plan to stay long term. Great video as always!

[@jonpoon3896]

In Asia, we tend to say about 3 years is a good goal for learning the language

[@biglegcatluvr]

Yeah agreed, I think us native English speakers need to start learning some other languages of places we visit or live in. Kind of disrespectful to not at least attempt learning some basic vocab when visiting places.

[@szokrika]

@@biglegcatluvr Maybe if you're visiting, you don't need to know much, but if you plan on staying you would, right?

[@glennoc8585]

True and it looks like Keira is doing the right thing long term. English as a second language is so common in the tourist countries like Spain it's pretty hard to speak Spanish as a non native as many BBC want to practice English.

[@glennoc8585]

@@biglegcatluvr True but many people learn a reasonable amount of the Latin or German European languages then find everyone speaks English to them. It can be quite annoying when you've spent several years studying. Benefits are work and watching TV and reading which is going to make life so much more enjoyable.

[@sm400]

Probably beneficial for Girona to learn 2 languages...Catalan and Spanish...sometimes as an outsider a lot will speak in Spanish to anyway...but doesn't hurt to know both and there's some overlap with something's and others completely different.. I went to a particularly shit school in the UK and no intention of learning any languages,but then maybe 2015 i find myself learning the language in a nite bar of a small village not too far from Girona.......One weekend a friend asked me what is resaca in English?.....i explained and a few weeks later he asked...."hangover this morning?".....i think just after I'd hit a tree on a motorbike....

[@defylifeadventure]

Yeah a little Catalan would be helpful but 99% of people in Cataluña understand castellano and 96% speak it. I would think it would probably make sense to learn Spanish first (as you might later move elsewhere in Spain) then mix in with some Catalan once settled.

[@sm400]

@@defylifeadventure even in small villages,even some of the most mountain Catalan speaking people, i know,I've seen just switch into Castilano when speaking with people that probably understand the Spanish better..so for sure,almost everybody here ispeaks 2..or mareore languages...i think i remember in Italy in 2011 understanding zero,then in 2017 travelled up through Italy again,and understood enough to function pretty much,from some Catalan I'd learnt here...Maybe in a group of ten friends,2 speak very good English...one always speaks to me in English...the other always in Catalan..and Argentinian friend always in Spanish.... From having zero incentive to learn anything when younger I've realized that from a second language i could understand a bit in France ,somei n Italy and have been to other areas of Spain much easier than maybe ten years ago..

[@matiascesar2685]

You forgot to Talk about the food, the costa brava places, the pirineo, emporda Old little villages countryside and its closest to Barcelona 😏

[@yourogal]

I've been once in Girona and it's a wonderful city. Especially great for cyclists. Great area with nice hills, not so far away from big mountains, also near the sea of course, but it's not like a very crowded resort. And this cycling vibe, really nice!

[@The_BenboBaggins]

We visited Girona wayyy before I was in to cycling back in November 2006 - it was a completely random thing too, as we booked one of those super cheap flights you could get back then - flying in to 'Barcelona-Girona'... the flights were booked, then when looking for a hotel etc. we realised Girona's not really anywhere near Barcelona! 😅 We decided to stay in and around Girona on that basis, and absolutely loved it!

[@sweetnote6987]

You've convinced me there! I'm going to set Girona as a stopover for my bikepacking in Spain. Now.. searching for a hostel in Girona

[@ajdnekilgod8625]

I like Girona because I like Barcelona FC and Barca have a strong Catalonian identity and I found out that Girona FC also does so I became a fan of Girona FC as well because of it's strong Catalonian identity. Visca Barca, Visca Catalunya, Visca Girona!

[@invalice123]

Unbelievably fortunate to live there. Very happy for you.

[@DustySingletrack]

Another bonus - Sea Otter Europe is usually on there in September which is a great place to network, participate in the various events and see some new shiny things. I fell in love with Girona in 2018 and have been back as often as I can - it just feels like home away from home 😊

[@UKBROOKLYN]

Yeah I think you might want to work a bit more on your Catalan in Girona... I have been there a few times and speak pretty good Spanish but adding a few choice Catalan words and phrases goes a long way in G town..

[@finnthecoach16]

I wanna move to Girona for the most arbitrary reason possible: My favourite football club is Girona FC😅

[@olliebond1232]

Amazing video thanks Keira. Also kudos to you generally for taking the leap and living out there! Looks and sounds well worth it..

[@williamaylmer2194]

Nice! Your best vlog yet! Thank you! A natural, pro presenter! Great in front of the camera and so comfortable in your own skin, if I may be so bold. Reminded me of Michael Portillo at his best. BTW- I work in Austria 2-3 weeks a year as a holiday relief ski instructor and use duolingo to learn/ practice my Deutsch. I find it brilliant. Enjoy and keep it coming!

[@aixucruc]

Welcome to Girona! And thank You for your nice words about the city ❤️❤️❤️

[@Ilar-en7lg]

Since when is Girona more expensive than other parts of Spain? Girona (being a relatively small, inland and provincial city) is not very expensive and of course there are many other cities and towns in Spain (both in the north and south) much more expensive than Girona, so I would say that Girona is one of the cheapest cities to live in, not only because you compare it with the UK, but for us Spaniards it is also considered very affordable. Does this girl ever say anything right?

[@lotascott]

Talked about the sunny weather but no mention of the main advantage compared to the rest of Spain: not too hot in the summer!

[@susannariera]

Well, over 40°C and humidity over 80%....we have tropical nights here! Literally!

[@filipavicente3567]

Hi Keira 🤍 thanks for sharing your experience in Girona. I’m a “serial expat” and probably looking into moving to Girona in 2023. How hard is to find houses around Girona ? Not necessarily in the town but around ?

[@Minwary]

She doesn’t respond to comments

[@dominicbritt]

I was riding in shorts in November in Sheffield 😂🥶

[@hsc3knives610]

we love to visit from Perpignan

[@tward349]

Thank you for the info, I'm going to come visit and maybe buy a place if I like it!! I've wanted to live at least part time in Spain for a really long time! It sounds amazing.

[@Carallott]

It still sounds better if you think you're going to Catalonia instead of thinking you're going to Spain. The people of Catalonia will be able to thank you.

[@joshschrader4732]

So happy for you Keira- you are making it happen and the rest of us wannabe cyclists are seriously envious;) Keep up the great videos!

[@marcmorrison7473]

Freddy Ovett and the Cowan brothers at 3:55 ?

[@Ilar-en7lg]

Shorts until mid-November in Girona? Lol, that was because you were cycling and exercising so you didn't notice the cold that much, but in Girona in mid-November it's freezing cold. Sunny Spain doesn't equal warm Spain.

[@ras1149]

Hello, thank you for your informative video. Regarding cafes, is Almond milk readily available. Also is thr city in lots of light throughout the day or owing to the narrow streets are you often walking in the shade?

[@juancmunozr]

MUY BUENO 🙌🏻

[@glennoc8585]

Never been to Girona it's defining on the list. My cousin moved from England to the hills of the Costa Blanca before brexit. I prefer to go to the out of the touristy places to eat you get to support small biz.

[@FortheLoveofCycling]

Beautiful place. Can't wait till I set my feet on those grounds.

[@dougage1]

Hi Keira, could you link any sites to find properties for rent???

[@mosquitsch9281]

I was about to ask the same question. I am planning to go there for like 1-2 month with my bicycle, but I found it hard to rent something there.

[@glennoc8585]

Best to stay out of the city or get a camper van and book into a camping site. That's the cheaper option for short terms

[@ludwikalewandowska3896]

Fotocasa

[@TheGraciousPantry]

How is access to healthcare there? How is the food scene?

[@JD-fr7rm]

good video - its a nice alternative to BCN yet close enough to visit if you want

[@sOKRATEs100100]

Hi, I'll come to Girona for 4 weeks (50% remote working rest enjoying the surroundings of Girona). How to find guys to ride with? Didn't find a WhatsApp group or a cycling section in Meetup. Any suggestions? Are there locals shops that organise regular group rides or are there road cycling clubs to join for rides? Many thanks, Dennis

[@markwhalley3859]

Looking forward to my long weekend in June. I’m travelling on my own but it looks like there will be loads of chances to cycle with someone judging by this video.

[@juditam369]

what's the name of the place with the 50m pool?

[@williamm3542]

Hey Keira, Really fun videos. We've made our plans to be in Girona this May thru August. Any tips on the banking/finance situation. We're coming from the US................any thoughts???

[@joe-vl3nd]

Vincent Luis Triathlon lives there

[@onenation9510]

Girona has great restaurants - more affordable that the UK!

[@UlaWoronko]

Any recommendations for a suburb type area that is well connected to Girona by public transport? Looking for a place that's more quiet, family friendly, and green but still close enough to Girona center. Thanks!

[@antoniocasablancasvilanova2207]

It is funny that you consider a "con" the language barrier...should I remind you that the office language of Catalonia is Spanish and Catalan? When I lived in the UK I had to learn English, Japanese in Japan...French in France, can you believe it??!! It is not a barrier it is an opportunity to broaden your life and a sign of respect as well..

[@paulsolon6229]

Exactly

[@ludwikalewandowska3896]

I have just moved to Girona from Barcelona..and I don't know anybody to cycle with yet...

[@kasperpaisa4245]

Love Girona but don't like the winters there. It's to cold

[@rolandoray]

Something to consider. I’m fluent in Spanish, not Catalán. I like to cycle every day. Maybe I’ll see you around. 😂

[@MrSzwarz]

Surely for Brits EU countries are "open" : ) I enjoy having few passports.

[@markreams3192]

Nice video. The climate sounds similar to Southern California where I live. It may be a place I would like to visit for a couple of months. It would also be be an opportunity to improve my Spanish. Gracias por el video y que tengas un buen dia 😎

[@Carallott]

You may improve something in Spanish, but if you go with this idea you will get a surprise since people in Girona speak mainly In Catalan.

[@markreams3192]

@@Carallott in that case I hope they speak English as well. 😂

[@ibmtpx24]

Stll remeber the lion butting kissing story and post during my day tour in Girona 😂

[@shaundix9451]

Loved your video - if you are not a cyclist is there still enough to do? Asking for my wife if she joins me while I’m in the hills ;)

[@GuyE.]

How does the visa pan out now we have left the EU?

[@christinaloizou1328]

I’m thinking of doing an erasmus semester in Girona but I have just started learning spanish, will this be a problem? and what advices do you have for studying in Girona?

[@Carallott]

If you want to come to Girona it is better to learn Catalán, in Girona 95% of people speak Catalan, although everyone understands Spanish.

[@juttaberger1892]

Good decision - i live here too :)

[@josecaceresporras959]

Wao...!! Entonces estás aprendiendo español??

[@paulectro2510]

Jealous. My second home. Miss it so much.

[@ginagina9720]

It looks so beautiful thank you 🙏 for your video

[@garryshirreffs9517]

Great vid , love what you do , why are there so many utube cycling ladies in Girona lol there’s loads of you and that’s a good thing

[@ludwikalewandowska3896]

I haven't met them yet, ha ha

[@Podgie79]

Love that you’re still rocking your WNT back pack. I still use the one Lyders gave me 😁

[@geoffjohnston1531]

Good video.

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

"watch til the end"... this usually means the video sux. If it was good, people would watch naturally.

[@villaselva]

i have a different perspective but i’m old 😂 anyway one question.. ‘where does your money come from? do you work? thanks

[@williamwyn8892]

I'm getting some serious escapism vibes from this. Never been to Girona but Barcelona 100s of times - What's the rent like out of interest? Also is it Spanish or Catalan that's predominantly spoken?

[@susannariera]

We speak both, but its not like Barcelona, Catalan has a much more strong presence here and we really apreciate the effort of foreign people trying to learn at least some words. Oh, if you can come in May, there's the Flower time festival and its absolutly amazing (you can find some videos on YT).

[@susannariera]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWmtpKmeZZZpe5o

[@MrBJPitt]

@@susannariera I'd argue Catalan is very strong in Barcelona given my Barcelona friends hate it when I call them Spanish!

[@susannariera]

@@MrBJPitt sure, but is much stronger out of Barcelona, specially here in Girona or Lleida, for instance.

[@anikathony5017]

This clearly mean as a English speaker i cant do nothing in Girona? Like, work, school etc except i learn language? Please, it way too sad that whole city cant speak English

[@olliebond1232]

Question: What kind of visa do you have to live there (if any)?

[@glennoc8585]

You don't if you're an EU resident but Brits now do to work or live permanently in Spain. Keira might have a study or working visa but I doubt she's got permanent residency status at this point. If she applied before brexit then she might have got the residency.

[@proudlyindian001]

Why you live in young hearts 😍😚😙😗😎

[@ianwood6864]

Hi Keira McVitty, I like your video I wish you all the best in Spain, I wish you a New Year. Lots of Love Ianwood ❤️❤️💋💋🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@chromebomb]

you Europeans have it so good in USA all states and cities are the same

[@AzizDoufikar2280]

Lol In Girona everyone speak Catalan.But there are also people who speak Spanish but mostly they speak Catalan.You can't expect somebody in that area to speak English.It's their place.Let them speak their native language.You are planning on living there but you don't want to learn the language then don't live there.I am not liking this video

[@joho9815]

The music was really annoying. I couldn't finish the video

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Hate the "watch til the end" crap... gives the video a spammy feel.

[@SantoRedentor]

You missed Rocacorba café (already closed ; ). Anyway I don't think I could live in Girona, even if I think the city is nice and the perfect size for me. The political (bad) vibe invades everything in there. As an expat they might leave you alone, but as a Spaniard from a different region, there is no escaping from being judged and/or people trying to convert you to be a Catalan independentist. There are only 2 places in Spain (which happen also to be among the most beautiful) where you cannot speak freely about politics without being socially marginalized : the Basque Country (where I was born) and Catalonia (where I live). I do not even know how/when I chose to come here, I must be masochistic, but at least Barcelona is so big that nobody really gives a crap of what you do with your life ;)

[@johnoliver7411]

Great for you sadly, this choice has been taken away from us 🇪🇺

[@user-dw9tt5kt9p]

Thx for share. Thats an impressive place where my firm office located. Hope see it someday. Respect from here.

Great video about our city, you don't dare with Catalan?

[@cristianacosta694]

Reasons I move to Girona: 1)my parents moved to girona ... Reasons I move to Girona #2:

[@Youtubefana]

So essentially no serious cons, Ms McVitty. Don’t try to scare us off. :D

[@defylifeadventure]

Accommodation is scarce, tiny, and expensive. It's also a very small city which could be a plus or minus. Cataluña on the whole is fantastic though.

[@devdroid9606]

Coat and trousers by Assos?? Ha,ha. You must be living the bikefluencer lifestyle.

[@glennoc8585]

Keira is sponsored by Assos from memory

[@annaartesana2622]

The "locals" are Catalans, they speak Catalan as their first language Not "Spanish/Castellano" . Its incredible to be living somewhere and so arrogantly assert that 99 % ( really???) of the population there speak English. Hard to believe you are only now deigning to learn "Spanish", which is not even the local language. You are clearly living securely in your tiny expat English-speaking bubble. These attitudes are part of the reason why some of the local population is unhappy with the influx of "foreigners" into their cities and country.

[@MountainBikerBae]

❤️🧡💛💚💙

[@TRAVELANDHEALTH157]

The local language is Catalan, not Spanish. Please learn where you live.

[@Satysatonachair]

Such a great video, and you just had to finish with “not everyone speaks English”? You’re in Spain. Don’t be that person, please.

[@jofregeliicerdan7603]

apren català

[@Tarmaccyclocross]

Is it because that’s where all the boutique look at me cyclists go

[@manispain2979]

I want to do ride with you

[@Antonio_Pegaso]

And let's don't forget the multicultural aspect of the city. It's amazing to have the chance of being robbed by people from so many countries! ❤️

[@anthonysears871]

Oh no! Not another English accent!😝

[@holdsteadfast]

Keira is so damn pretty... she’s all the reason I’d need to move to Girona. 🥰😂🥰😂

[@spurbot]

awesome vid , you must learn the local language

[@susannariera]

We have two, Catalan and Spanish.

[@Carallott]

Official languages two, Catalan and Spanish. Own or local languages, one, Catalan.

[@superchango1]

Don't they prefer to speak Catalan in Catalunya?

[@ludwikalewandowska3896]

I could speak Spanish to you while cycling..;) I speak 6 languages :)

[@Baldy-hm5vs]

Is it just me or is learning Spanish a little Frustrating 😤 😂🚴‍♂️😁🚴👍🚴‍♀️

[@ludwikalewandowska3896]

I can help you :)

[@gerlautamr.656]

Just you.Definitey.

[@maurodipinto2558]

You've been living in Girona for a few years, and you are not fluent in Spanish yet!?!? And you even complain that as few as 1% (only 1%!!!!!!) of the time people don't speak English!?!? OMG 🤦‍♂🤦‍♂😂😂🤣🤣

[@KeiraMcVitty]

I’m not complaining - just mentioning it as a factor for people looking to move (not everyone speaks Catalan or Spanish straight away). I do speak Spanish, and have been learning since I moved here.

[@Xeroen1]

👎🏼