We are heading to Barcelona at the beginning of September. The plan is to fly overnight 8/30 and arrive 8/31. We always have two stops on our trips. I am trying to decide between Valencia or Girona. I'm thinking of heading to one of these two straight from the airport for probably 4 days then head back to Barcelona for the balance of our trip (September 4-11). Which should I choose? Any insights will be greatly appreciated.

One can visit Girona on a day trip from Barcelona , worked for us. It is an interesting , pretty town, but I had no desire to stay longer .
We stayed in Valencia for five nights and really enjoyed the city. There is much to see, the beaches are beautiful , It would certainly be my choice.

Valencia is a larger target and makes a lot of sense

but Girona is lovely (and if you cycle it is a Mecca for cyclists) and Figueres is just down the track, then Perpignan is a bit further. I'd prefer the northern combo but I'd understand why you chose to go south

Girona is obviously much closer to Barcelona. It is a base and destination in its own right. A lot of good restaurants in town. You can explore them without the need to travel for too long.

Some destinations in that region:


Banyoles
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LQWqDRpfrTRZhZEEA

Besalú
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6QJUpz9nvdteraGfA

Figueres, Cadaques

Castell de Sant Ferran
+34 972 50 60 94
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SCPdiRVuEpkTkcTw6

bilboburgler, you said the magic word "cycle". I have decided now on Girona. Now I need to find the perfect routes to ride. I saw a weekend self-guided option on Trek Travel but it is only available for March and doesn't go beyond

So we will head to Girona Thursday - Monday and then back to Barcelona for the rest of the trip. Dates are set and now it is time to make all of my reservations .

I haven't been to Valencia so I can't compare the two. However, you won't regret choosing Girona! It's a lovely medieval walled city with a river running through it. We walked along the old walls, visited the church and art museum, and shopped at the Saturday outdoor market. The highlight of the church tour was a 1,000-year old original tapestry that depicts the creation of the world. Besalu is an easy one-hour drive from Girona. Cadaques is about 90 minutes from Girona. We stayed overnight but you could visit Cadaques (and Figueres) as a daytrip if you wish. If you go, be sure to visit Dali's house in Port Lligat, right next to Cadaques. You have to make reservations the day before.

I haven't been to Valencia so I can't compare the two. However, you won't regret choosing Girona! It's a lovely medieval walled city with a river running through it. We walked along the old walls, visited the church and art museum, and shopped at the Saturday outdoor market. The highlight of the church tour was a 1,000-year old original tapestry that depicts the creation of the world. Besalu is an easy one-hour drive from Girona. Cadaques is about 90 minutes from Girona. We stayed overnight but you could visit Cadaques (and Figueres) as a daytrip if you wish. If you go, be sure to visit Dali's house in Port Lligat, right next to Cadaques. You have to make reservations the day before.