Banyoles: Karst Lake, Old Town and Waterways
Accommodation in Banyoles
In Banyoles, the Estany de Banyoles shapes the character of the town—as a karst lake, a protected natural area and a focal point for trails, culture and history. When planning your stay, you can therefore explore different sides of the town: the lake and its landscape, medieval buildings and routes, waterways or local festivals.
Karst lake and protected natural area
The Estany de Banyoles was formed by subsidence; up to 13 groundwater discharge points have been identified beneath the lake. Travertine is as common along the shore and in the lake as it is in the streets and buildings of Banyoles. The Estany’s natural area has been protected as an Espai d'Interès Natural under Catalonia’s PEIN since 1992. In 2002, it was added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance; the area is also a Special Area of Conservation in the Natura 2000 network.
The natural areas of the Estany and Platja d'Espolla extend across Banyoles, Porqueres and Fontcoberta. More than 75 species listed in the annexes of the EU Habitats Directive occur in the natural area of the Estany de Banyoles. If you are interested in how the landscape was formed, the Museo Darder offers a natural history collection as well as an interpretation area about the Estany lake basin.
Medieval traces and historic buildings
In the historic centre stands La Pia Almoina, a Catalan Gothic civic palace. Its square courtyard and Gothic gallery with pointed arches give the building its distinctive character. A significant section of the town wall, documented since the 13th century, has also been preserved in the medieval old town.
The monastery of Sant Esteve was founded in 812 and preserves a 15th-century Gothic altarpiece. One way to discover medieval traces in the streets of today is the guided route “Banyoles Medieval, del carrer al campanar”: it climbs to the monastery’s bell tower and ends with a visit to the Arqueta de Sant Martirià , an important example of Catalan medieval goldsmithing from the 15th century. This route is available by reservation.
The historic irrigation channels also tell the story of the connection between water and the town. Monks from the monastery of Sant Esteve began building them in the 9th century. The network extends for 33 kilometres; a related route follows the watercourse to the old town. The Rec Major route takes a different direction: it leads from the lake to the town centre and connects eleven sites of industrial heritage, each with an information panel. Guided tours are offered once a month; check the relevant date when planning your visit.
Routes, viewpoints and nature experiences
The route to Can Morgat and Puig ClarĂ leads to the Romanesque church of Santa Maria de Porqueres and the lagoons of Can Morgat. At Puig ClarĂ , two wooden viewpoints stand at an elevation of 315 metres. From there, the 360-degree panoramic view takes in the Estany de Banyoles and the town, parts of the EmpordĂ , and the Pre-Pyrenees and Pyrenees.
The route to La Puda, also known as Font Pudosa, and Les Estunes reveals a different landscape. It leads to several lagoons and a wetland inhabited by white storks and water buffalo. Kayaks are available for hire at the Estany; private kayaks are not permitted because of the ecosystem’s sensitivity. If you plan this activity, observe the restriction and check kayak hire availability before your visit.
Along the lake’s southern and eastern shores, the small Pesqueres stand over the water. These distinctive structures are classified by the Government of Catalonia as Cultural Assets of National Interest in the “Historic Garden” category. Some Pesqueres can be visited on a guided tour; most are privately used and can only be viewed from the outside.
The Neolithic settlement of La Draga on the lakeshore also reflects the connection between nature and history. At the Parc NeolĂtic de la Draga, you can visit full-scale reconstructions of Neolithic buildings. The programme includes demonstrations or activities such as making fire, working flint and grinding grain by hand.
Festivals and local traditions
The Festa Major de Sant MartiriĂ takes place every year on the weekend before 24 October. The programme includes competitions featuring Cobla music and Sardanas, as well as the Barraques music programme. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific event dates.
Banyoles’ traditional cuisine includes chicory, black radish and purple garlic. Well-known artisan sweets include Tortades, Cansalada, Xuixo and Rocs de l'Estany. These specialities offer another glimpse into the destination’s local character.
Getting there and planning your trip
TEISA operates bus services from Banyoles to Girona, Olot, Figueres and Barcelona, as well as local transport and regional bus services in Pla de l'Estany. Check the timetable before travelling. This will help you plan your journey and travel around the region using the service that best suits your needs.
Discover more destinations: Les Preses, Sant Feliu De Guixols, Guils De Cerdanya, Maçanet De La Selva, Darnius, Fontanilles, Roses, Vidreres.
Back to the regional travel overview: Girona.
