4 Girona Bookshops Worth Visiting
I took myself on a day trip from Barcelona to Girona to explore Game of Thrones filming locations, but ended up discovering some of the really lovely bookshops instead.
Wandering through Girona’s atmospheric old town, I found that its narrow streets and ancient stone buildings hide a surprisingly varied bookish scene.
From characterful second-hand bookshops to beautifully curated independents (including a specialist travel bookshop perfect for inspiring your next adventure), Girona’s literary spots are just as rewarding as the filming locations.
Here are four Girona bookshops worth seeking out, whether you’re visiting for the fantasy, the history, or simply the pleasure of browsing somewhere new.
Llibreria 22
Llibreria 22 (Bookstore 22) is often hailed as the best bookstore in Girona, and it’s easy to see why.
Founded in 1978 by Guillem Terribas, this beloved independent bookshop has long been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural life.
Nestled on Carrer de les Hortes in the heart of Girona’s pedestrian centre, Llibreria 22 offers far more than just bookshelves; it’s a true meeting place for readers, writers, and thinkers.
Over the years, it has grown and evolved, undergoing several expansions and renovations, but it still had a warm, welcoming atmosphere when I visisted.
Specialising in the humanities, Llibreria 22 boasts an impressive range of titles across subjects such as history, art, cinema, architecture, philosophy, psychology, and law.
There’s a particularly strong focus on narrative and poetry (Catalan, Spanish-American, and international) as well as a beautifully curated section for children’s and young adult literature.
As an avid film lover, I particularly loved the dedicated cinema section, where you can browse posters, DVDs, and books about the silver screen.
Beyond being a bookshop, Llibreria 22 has become a cultural institution in its own right. It is the founder of the Just Manuel Casero Short Novel Award, a prize that has championed emerging literary voices since 1981, and its long history of events, exhibitions, and collaborations has made it a hub for Girona’s creative community.
The bookshop’s influence and commitment to cultural promotion have been recognised through numerous awards over the decades, including honours from the Spanish Ministry of Culture and the Generalitat of Catalonia.
Whether you’re a visitor to Girona like me or a local, stepping inside feels like entering a space where every reader can find a story that speaks to them.
Address: Carrer de les Hortes, 22, Entresòl B2, 17001 Girona, Spain
Website: https://www.llibreria22.net/web/llibreria22
Sweet Books – Llibreria de segona mà
Tucked down a narrow alleyway in Girona’s atmospheric Barri Vell, Sweet Books feels like a portal to another world the moment you spot its door.
Before you even step inside, you’re met with a large arched window with shelves of books are visible from the street, a tempting glimpse into the bookshop inside. Outside, books are displayed on the wall and laid out on a small table, inviting passers-by to stop, browse, and slow down.
The entrance itself is a thick wooden door with a small, barred window set into it, which has an old-world feel. It’s easy to see why Game of Thrones was drawn to filming in Girona – places like this make the city feel really magical.
Step inside and that feeling only deepens, with books stacked floor-to-ceiling in Catalan, Spanish, English, French and more.
Sweet Books opened over a decade ago in 2013, and it’s packed with character despite its modest size. Painted archways, bookish murals and rich red curtains conceal even more rooms, while every available surface is piled high with volumes of old books.
Sweet Books is especially beloved for its rare finds and out-of-print titles, and you never quite know what you’ll uncover on a side shelf.
I’ve read that the owners are famously skilled at tracking down books based on the vaguest descriptions, and from my experience they were warm, welcoming, and happy to help or chat about books in English.
There’s also a playful twist: alongside the books, you can buy sweets, a small but charming detail that perfectly matches the shop’s name.
Address: Carrer de les Ferreries Velles & Carrer Minali, 17004 Girona, Spain
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sweetbooksgirona/
Llibreria CALMOT
Llibreria CALMOT is a beautifully calm, design-led space focused on children’s and young adult books (but with plenty for adults too!).
Although the shop itself is small, the selection is impressively wide, with a particular strength in illustrated books.
This bookshop’s shelves are filled with visually striking covers and books that feel as good to see and hold as they do to read.
While the focus is firmly on younger readers, there’s plenty here for adults too, making it a lovely stop whether you’re shopping for yourself, a gift, or a younger book lover in your life.
The interior design is particularly lovely, with splashes of colour, floor-to-ceiling shelves, and a handful of small tables and stools that make it easy for younger readers to sit and explore.
There’s also a patterned armchair and a comfortable sofa tucked into the space, giving the shop a cosy, lived-in feel.
It’s clear that this is more than just a bookshop; it’s an experience in its own right, and for locals, Llibreria Calmot also hosts book clubs and workshops that make it a true community space.
Address: Carrer de les Hortes, 4, 17001 Girona, Spain
Website: https://llibreriacalmot.com/
Ulyssus – Llibreria de Viatges
Ulyssus is a haven for travel lovers, offering fiction and non-fiction travel book, which are perfect for planning your next adventure.
A long-standing fixture in Girona, this specialist travel bookshop has been run by two brothers for decades and has built a reputation as the go-to place in Girona for guides, maps, and travel literature from around the world.
The shelves are packed with far more than standard guidebooks. Alongside travel writing and magazines, you’ll find an excellent selection of hiking and mountain books, maps, as well as sections on nature, children’s books, cooking, and even spirituality.
There’s also a range of books about Girona and the surrounding region, making it a brilliant stop for both visitors and locals.
Ulyssus feels a little like a smaller-scale version of Altair, a travel bookshop in Barcelona.
Adding to its charm, there’s even a small travel agency within the bookshop itself, so if a book sparks an idea for your next trip, you can get help planning it right away.
The books are mostly in Spanish or Catalan, but there are some titles in English.
Address: Carrer de la Cort Reial, 3, Girona, Spain 17004
Website: https://www.ulyssus.com/cat/index.php
Other bookshops in Girona
Two more bookshops that I didn’t have time to visit innclude: Re-Read Girona and Troa Llibreria Empúries.
If you’re looking for more international bookshop guides, you may enjoy these:
Bookshops in Barcelona
Bookshops in Dublin
Bookshops in London
Bookshops in Paris
Bookshops in Amsterdam
Bookshops in Barcelona
Bookshops in Obidos
Bookshops in San Diego
Bookshops in Lausanne
