Nature

The Banyoles irrigation channels are an infrastructure unique to the city. It is a network of small canals built by the monks of the Sant Esteve monastery in the 19th century, which conducts the water coming from the Lake. 

Thus, by following the route of the water through the channels, you’ll reach the town centre, where you’ll discover the importance of water in the economy and life of the people of Banyoles.

The walk around Banyoles Lake is one of the best known in the Region, both by visitors and locals.

It is a low-difficulty, circular route signposted as Route Number 1.

While doing this walk, which completely circles Banyoles Lake, you can enjoy the great natural and scenic wealth and take in all the viewpoints and ponds in the area.

A walking route that enables you to discover part of the daily life of the people of Banyoles of the mid- 19th century. Through the Font Pudosa fountain and the old spa there.

The route next passes through an area of wetlands and ponds that are still completely untouched.

In this area, the white stork has made a recovery and they can be seen on their nests, along with many other birds and small animals.

A walking route, signposted as Route 3, which begins at the church of Santa Maria de Porqueres, the most important example of the Romanesque style in the region, near Banyoles Lake.

Next, skirting the Lake, you’ll come to the Can Morgat ponds, where you can stop to look at the various species of birds and animals that live there.

The path then climbs towards the hills going up to Puig Clarà mount.  Once on top, at a height of 315 metres, there is a vantage point from where you can enjoy an impressive panoramic view of Banyoles Lake and the city, as well as much of the Empordà plain. From the same point, in the opposite direction, you’ll find another vantage point showing the nearest mountains.

The pesqueres are small buildings in the water of the Lake on the east bank and have been declared an Asset of National Cultural Interest (in the category of Historic Garden) by the Autonomous Government of Catalonia.

There are a total of 20 pesqueres, each with its own name.

They were built between the mid-19th century and 1939, and during that time they were renovated and adapted.

The initial function of the pesqueres was to store fishing equipment. Later, many of them were extended so that they could house a boat. Finally, with the arrival of sports activities and the rise of the Banyoles bourgeoisie, they were adapted for bathing and even as accommodation.

Most of the 20 pesqueres are for private use (administrative concession). The only one accessible is pesquera number 10, used as the Lake’s Tourist Office.

A low-difficulty circular route that completely encircles Banyoles Lake and lets you stop at the viewpoints and ponds in the area.

In some areas, the route goes along asphalted cycle lanes beside the footpath that goes around the Lake, while in other stretches, it follows a gravel track.

But you won’t only find horses. There is also a classic show of Breeds of the Catalan Countries, a Drawing and Painting Fair, a Craft Market and the Firestany trade fair.

Organised by: Banyoles Town Council - Economic Promotion Department