Could you tell me what you liked about Barcelona? I've been twice now, 15 years apart, and I have to say I've been thoroughly underwhelmed both times. I must caveat that by saying I was a 20yo student the first time and a father of 3 the second time, and my impression of the place is that it's purely an adults city, one for art galleries and boozing. Maybe I'll like it if I ever go back with the missus for the weekend, but frankly, I was struggling to find much to like about the place. Smattering of decent architecture in the old parts, but otherwise, a hot, crowded place, rather dirty, La Rambla was a hell-hole of tat shops (much like the Tottenham Ct Rd end of Oxford St), and I couldn't wait to leave the place.
Conversely, Girona was a wonderful place which I enjoyed immensely.