1 of 2: Three Days at Castell d'Empordà: A Family Wedding in Catalonia

September 2021 • Girona, Spain

Some trips are planned around famous landmarks.

This one was planned around family.

In September 2021, my family travelled to Spain to celebrate my cousin’s wedding.

The celebrations weren’t confined to a single evening. They were spread across three days, and every moment took place at Castell d’Empordà, a beautiful castle hotel surrounded by the rolling countryside of Catalonia.

I don’t think we could have asked for a better setting.

A Castle in the Middle of the Countryside

The drive to Castell d’Empordà immediately set the tone for the trip.

Busy roads gradually disappeared, replaced by vineyards, open fields and tiny villages.

Eventually, sitting proudly above it all, was the castle that would be our home for the next three days.

The scenery was breathtaking.

Every direction offered another postcard-worthy view of green hills, forests and farmland stretching into the distance.

Every morning, I’d be up before anyone else was awake just to admire the landscape.

No matter how many times I looked, it never became ordinary.

Peaceful Mornings in the Catalan Countryside

The wedding celebrations usually didn’t begin until later in the day, which gave us the perfect excuse to explore the countryside each morning.

While everyone else was still asleep, I’d lace up my running shoes and head out from Castell d’Empordà, following the quiet country roads that wound through the surrounding landscape.

The scenery was unlike anything I was used to back in Dubai.

Rolling fields, vineyards, ancient stone walls and open countryside stretched in every direction, with nothing but birdsong breaking the silence.

Most mornings, I’d pass local residents out walking their dogs.

Although we didn’t speak the same language, we’d exchange a smile, a nod or a cheerful “Bon dia” before carrying on with our mornings.

It became a small but memorable part of my routine.

One thing I regret is not taking my phone.

I wanted to enjoy the run without carrying anything, so I left it behind every morning.

At the time, I didn’t think twice about it. Looking back, I wish I had taken just one photograph of those peaceful roads and the beautiful countryside.

Then again, maybe that’s why those mornings have stayed with me so vividly.

Not every memorable travel experience ends up in your camera roll.

Some are simply moments you’re fortunate enough to live.

Three Days of Celebration

The wedding itself was held at Castell d’Empordà, which meant there was no rushing between venues or spending hours in traffic.

Everything happened in one beautiful location.

Family and friends had gathered from different countries, conversations carried on late into the evening, and every day brought another celebration.

Being able to stay at the venue made the experience feel relaxed rather than rushed.

Between events, we’d simply wander around the grounds, enjoy the views or sit outside soaking in the peaceful surroundings.

Wandering Through Girona

Whenever there was a break between the wedding celebrations, we drove into nearby Girona.

If you’ve never visited, imagine narrow cobbled streets, medieval stone buildings, colourful shutters and little cafés hidden around almost every corner.

Girona isn’t a city that needs an itinerary.

The best thing we did was simply wander.

We’d turn down random alleyways, stop whenever something caught our eye and enjoy discovering the city one street at a time.

Eventually, after plenty of walking, we spotted a gelato shop.

Nobody had planned to stop.

But one look through the window was enough to convince all of us.

We grabbed our gelatos and found somewhere to sit, enjoying a simple break before continuing our walk through the old town.

Sometimes the smallest moments become the ones you remember most.

Looking Back

Before visiting Spain, I’d heard plenty about Barcelona.

Girona wasn’t even on my radar.

Yet somehow, it became my favourite part of the trip.

Maybe it was the peaceful countryside.

Maybe it was the early morning runs.

Maybe it was spending three days celebrating with family in a castle surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery I’d ever seen.

Whatever the reason, Girona gave me memories that had very little to do with famous attractions and everything to do with slowing down.

Our time in Girona eventually came to an end.

Next stop: Barcelona.