At one hour and ten minutes north of the Cala Llevado campsite lies a lake over 2 kilometers long: Lake Banyoles, named after the medieval town on its right bank. It’s a lovely place to stroll, take a boat ride, swim, or visit the surrounding sites. The lake’s rich flora and fauna, combined with its pristine landscapes, make it a major tourist attraction in the region. It is the largest lake in Catalonia and was notably used during the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.
What activities can you do at Lake Banyoles?
All around the lake, many water activities are available: boat rentals, rowing, and boat tours. Walking around the lake is an easy and very enjoyable hike. The 8-kilometer trail passes by old fishermen’s houses (the pesqueres), the Draga Park, and birdwatching observation points. A short detour will also take you to the Romanesque church of Santa Maria de Porqueres in the southwest of the lake. Although dating back to the 11th century, its preservation is remarkable. Slightly further south lies the Estunes Forest: caves, crevices, and rock formations that feel as if they’re inhabited by fairies.
Swimming at Lake Banyoles
Three swimming areas are open to the public in summer around Lake Banyoles. The first is located in the northeast at Caseta de Fusta. You’ll also find a restaurant there. It is the only entirely free swimming area. The second, Banys Vells, is located in Banyoles. Open in summer from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., you’ll need to purchase a drink at the Lago de Banyoles bar to swim there. The third area is the Banyoles Swimming Club on the east shore of the lake. Entry is fee-based, costing €11 for the day.
What to Visit in Banyoles?
While most people come for the lake and its refreshing atmosphere in summer, Banyoles also boasts numerous interesting sites. From the village square, visitors can wander through the small streets of the old town, exploring the medieval wall, the Dyeing Halls, the Church of Santa Maria dels Turers, and the Paper Mill of La Farga. Guided tours offer a chance to discover the millennia-old history of the Monastery of Sant Esteve and to admire the reliquary of Sant Martirià. To learn more about the region, don't miss the archaeological museum, the Neolithic village of La Draga, or the Darder Museum.
Exploring Archaeological Civilizations Around Lake Banyoles
In the Draga Park, located north of Banyoles, a Neolithic village has withstood the test of time and history. Dating back thousands of years, visitors can now discover how life was organized during the Neolithic era. Guided tours and demonstrations are available. Enthusiasts of the Roman Empire will find the ruins of the Vilauba Roman Villa, dating back to the 1st century BC, just 3 kilometers south of Banyoles. The site is not always open to the public, so inquiries should be made at the Banyoles Archaeological Museum, which houses several artifacts recovered by archaeologists. To the north of Banyoles, another prehistoric site will delight history enthusiasts and children alike: the Serinyà Prehistoric Cave Park. West of the Costa Brava and near our campsite in Catalonia, Lake Banyoles is a stunning natural site where visitors will enjoy spending a pleasant day. A walk around the lake is the best way to explore its picturesque surroundings and abundant nature.