Parc del Migdia

Parc del Migdia is an urban park in Girona, stretching south of the city's historic centre, between the Eixample and Pla de Palau districts. It's one of the largest green spaces in the city and a favourite spot for both locals and visitors looking for a break from the crowds around the Old Town and the cathedral.

What was here before the park?

For half a century, from 1943 to 1993, this land was occupied by a military barracks. Once the army moved out, the city decided to redevelop the entire site — demolition work began in the summer of 1993. Turning the former barracks into a public park took more than a decade and was carried out in stages, with Parc del Migdia officially opening to the public in 1999. Today there's little trace of its military past: where barracks once stood, you'll now find lawns, walking paths and recreational areas.

What can you see and do in the park?

The park's centrepiece is an artificial pond, home to mallard ducks that paddle among the water plants. Around it stretch wide lawns and green zones, popular in summer for picnics or simply resting in the shade of the trees. A café on site offers a place to stop for a coffee or a cold drink after a walk.

The park is especially family-friendly: it has fenced-in children's playgrounds, and its wide, flat paths are ideal for skating, skateboarding or cycling. It's also a popular spot for a game of frisbee or other outdoor activities. Sports enthusiasts will find a permanent orienteering circuit laid out through the park, used by casual visitors and local sports clubs alike for training sessions. The paths and general layout have been designed with accessibility in mind, making the park easy to navigate for wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility.

How do you get to Parc del Migdia?

The park lies south of Girona's centre, around Carrer de Pau Vila i Dinarès, close to where the Eixample and Sant Narcís districts meet. From the Old Town and the cathedral, it's a walk of roughly fifteen to twenty minutes, following the Onyar river south. Visitors arriving by car will find parking nearby, making it a convenient stop for anyone exploring Girona on a day trip and wanting a break from the busier streets of the centre.

When is the best time to visit?

As an open, publicly accessible park, it can be visited at any time of year. It's most enjoyable in spring and summer, when the lawns are green and the weather is ideal for picnics and outdoor games. Families tend to come in the afternoon, when the playgrounds and skating paths are busiest, while anyone looking for a quieter moment can head there early in the morning, when the park is nearly empty and the only sound comes from the ducks on the pond.

Frequently asked questions

Is there somewhere to get a coffee in Parc del Migdia? Yes, there's a café on site where you can stop for a coffee or a cold drink while walking around or resting by the pond.

Is the park suitable for a family visit? Absolutely — it has fenced-in playgrounds, wide paths for skating and skateboarding, and plenty of open lawn for kids to play on.

What used to occupy this site before the park was built? A military barracks stood here for fifty years, from 1943 to 1993; it was demolished afterwards to make way for the park, which opened in 1999.

Can you do sports here? Yes, the park has a permanent orienteering circuit that's used by both visitors and local sports clubs.