Often the first port of call for city break tourists heading to the bright lights of Barcelona, Gerona makes for an excellent base for those looking to soak up the local Catalan culture at a range of unique and interesting locations. Hiring a car at Gerona Airport not only provides you with the keys to your very own mode of transport, but also with access to many exciting car hire adventures. From thrilling ski resorts to charming villages and beautiful medieval towns, the touring possibilities in Gerona are limitless. Hiring a car in Gerona is one of the easiest (and most enjoyable) ways to experience the wonderful history and traditions of Catalonia. The following itineraries should whet your appetite for the journey ahead.

1. Peratallada

The picturesque town of Peratallada is situated in the L'emporda province of Gerona and can be reached via the C-66 route west of Gerona. Artists flock to Peratallada to experience its unique medieval charms. It's worth parking the car and taking a to get a feel for Peratallada's character. Wandering through the narrow cobbled streets and stone fortresses, it's easy to see what captivates so many artists when they visit Peratallada. Hungry? You'll find plenty of low cost eateries along the town's pretty side streets, offering cheap and authentic Castilian inspired cuisine.

2. La Molina Ski Resort

Active winter thrill seekers will be impressed by the excellent conditions at La Molina ski resort. La Molina ski resort is situated in the Pyrenean Mountains and boasts a range of excellent facilities including a ski school with 200 instructors, snowshoe hiking trails and a permanent competition track for skiers and snowboarders. La Molina is a 101km journey from Gerona.

3. Figueres

The pretty country town of Figueres is a 37km drive north of Gerona and can be reached via the A7. Figueres is the capital of the Alt Empord? region. The town is probably most famous for being the home of artist genius Salvador Dali. No visit to Gerona would be complete without paying a visit to Teatre-Museu Dal?, the wonderful museum located next to Dal??s former home in Figueres. The museum features an impressive collection of the surrealist's work including a living piece of art consisting of a classic Cadillac carrying ivy-clad ?passengers?, which can be watered by visitors for a small charge. The town also boasts a range of first-class eateries offering the best in Catalan cuisine at a low cost.

4. Besal?

Besal? is situated 34km north of Girona offers a number of fascinating tourist attractions including a fortified bridge, Sant Vicen? Romanesque church, Santa Maria Convent and Jewish Baths, which date back to the middle ages. A guided walking tour is one way to see the important sights of Besal?. However, you're guaranteed to pay less for a leisurely Tren Turistic tour, which takes in all the important sites including the baths and two of the town's churches. From Besal?, it is possible to explore many other interesting sites including the impressive town of Castellfollit de la Roca, which sits on a basalt cliff overlooking the Fluvi? River.