Log in to your account
The Banyoles lake is not just the largest natural lake in Catalonia. Here, people run, stroll, row, picnic, meet for vermouth, and go for walks as if they were going to buy bread. Taking a trip around the Banyoles lake is one of those plans that always work, whether you are the quiet type or part of the "I need to do something productive today" club. Nature, tranquility, landscape, sport, and history in a single spot. At Naturaki we explain everything you need to know to enjoy the Banyoles lake.
Tour of the Banyoles lake
The first thing you need to do when you arrive at Banyoles lake, right after posting the photo on Instagram, is the circular route that completely surrounds the lake, with wide, flat and very well-conditioned paths. There's no way to get lost: everything is signposted and designed to be suitable for everyone, from families with strollers to runners, cyclists, occasional hikers and professional Sunday walkers.
Walking around Banyoles lake is an experience accessible to everyone and adaptable to any pace: walking leisurely takes between an hour and a quarter and an hour and a half, if you choose to run it can be completed in about 30 or 40 minutes, and with kids it can easily turn into a whole morning activity.
During the journey, you'll see how the landscape keeps changing: you'll find shady forest stretches, wooden walkways touching the water, open meadows, historic fishing spots, and quiet corners where only birds and the gentle movement of the water are heard. It's a very pleasant walk, not monotonous at all, with benches, rest areas, and natural viewpoints. Ideal for both exercising a bit and for strolling without hurry.
Everything you need to know about Banyoles Lake
Despite its serene appearance, the lake hides a maximum depth of about 40 meters, making it a unique natural space in Catalonia. It has a perimeter of approximately 6.5 kilometers, an ideal distance for walking, running or cycling. But the Banyoles lake is not just nature: it is also legend and collective imagination, with iconic elements such as the wooden fishing huts on the water, the mysterious cracks of les Estunes, the legend of the famous Banyoles monster (that is already part of the Catalan collective imagination), and the charismatic Tren Pinxo, the tourist train that runs through Banyoles.
What to do at Banyoles Lake?
The lake is a true natural multi-sport area. In the aquatic environment, sports such as rowing, canoeing, kayaking and paddle surfing are practiced, with sports clubs training daily and bringing the lake to life. On land, as we have already mentioned, the round trip around the lake is a perfect circuit for hiking, running, cycling and gentle walks. In addition, you can also take boat rides, a relaxed and different way to discover the lake from the inside, enjoying the silence, the landscape and the perspective from the fishing docks.
What to see near Banyoles lake?
Grab your planner because your schedule's about to get busy! Near the lake of Banyoles, you'll find an abundance of must-see locations. To start with, the Darder Museum, which provides a scientific and historical view of the area. The Neolithic Village of Draga Park will let you travel straight into prehistory and understand how the area's first inhabitants lived. Also nearby, you'll find Les Estunes, a site of great natural value and highly photogenic, the Torras Chocolate Factory, perfect for the sweet-toothed among you, and the Can Ginebreda forest for lovers of art and nature. There's also the lake of Espolla, a unique intermittent lake in Catalonia, and the prehistoric caves of Serinyà, one of the most important archaeological sites in Catalonia.
Swimming areas at Banyoles lake
Yes, it is possible to swim in the Banyoles lake, but only in designated and regulated areas. It's a controlled swim, with respect for the ecosystem and a very different experience compared to the beach.
Where to eat near Banyoles lake?
Eating well in Banyoles is very easy. Right next to the lake you will find the Banys Vells, one of the best beach bars on the Costa Brava, a terrace on top of the lake, with tables by the water where you can enjoy some great tapas while taking in the views. Other good options are the La Carpa Restaurant, also located on the same lake, where you will find dishes for celiacs and vegans; the Vora Estany Restaurant, located in the same swimming club and next to one of the lake's bathing areas or the SET café, with a wide variety of tapas and dishes to share on one of the best terraces to listen to live music on the Costa Brava.
Banyoles lake with children
Both in summer and winter, Banyoles is a family paradise. An ideal day with kids could start with walking part of the way around the lake, observing the ducks and wildlife. Afterwards, you can swim in the lake or play at the Parc de la Draga, visit the Neolithic village, take a boat trip on La Tirona, have lunch at Banys Vells or at La Carpa and, to end the day, take a touristic ride on the iconic Tren Pinxo. Just remember, you will only find it from September to June - closed in January - on weekends and holidays.
The Banyoles lake is much more than a lake: It's a space where nature, sport, culture, history, and leisure coexist. It's the perfect choice to spend a different day near the country house, to live the experience calmly, waking up surrounded by nature and turning the visit to the Banyoles lake into a full getaway.
